I’m a lifelong PlayStation fan. My very first gaming console was the PS1 in 1999, which was quickly replaced by the PS2 when it came out in 2000—and remains my favorite console of all time. In a way, gaming also fueled my writing career; it was the topic of my first writing assignment in grade school, when my teacher dubbed my report on a Rocket Power video game “fascinating.” All that to say, when Sony launched the PlayStation 5 Pro ($699), an updated take on the PS5 that was released in November 2024, I couldn’t wait to see how it compared to previous iterations. And if it lived up to the hype.

Here are my experiences with the console so far.

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The PS5 vs. PS5 Pro: What’s the Difference?

The PS5 and PS5 Pro are plenty similar, but there are a couple of key differences. For starters, the Pro has noteworthy performance upgrades, such as an improved GPU and advanced ray tracing that, in turn, make the visuals incredibly crisp and clear—without lagging. Another factor contributing to the improved visuals: The PS5 Pro includes an AI-powered resolution upscaling system, something that wasn't present on the original design when it came out five years ago. As such, the standard PS5 is priced anywhere between $400 and $450, with the Pro retailing for $699. A lot has changed from a technology/gaming standpoint, just even within these past five years, so I personally consider the Pro something of an in-between to bridge the gap for gamers until the PS6, which, according to some gaming insiders, won't be here until 2029. That four-year wait time is the biggest reason why I decided to invest in the Pro.

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