The PS5 remains prominent with exciting titles like GTA VI on the way, while the PS5 Pro, launched in 2024, emphasizes enhanced graphics and performance at 800 euros. Key differences include improved GPU capabilities, 2 TB storage, and Game Boost mode for over 8,500 titles. While the PS5 Slim suits casual gamers, the Pro targets performance enthusiasts. The original PS5 is still available second-hand, but lacks the Slim’s compact design and storage options.
Spoiler alert: the PS6 is not on the horizon just yet. The PS5 still has several years ahead of it and is gearing up for an exciting phase with major titles like GTA VI on the way. Since its launch in 2020, the console has seen notable enhancements, including the introduction of the Slim version in 2023.
In 2024, the gaming landscape was shaken with the arrival of the PS5 Pro. Celebrating thirty years of PlayStation, this new variant focuses heavily on performance and comes with a hefty price tag of 800 euros. But what sets these two PlayStation models apart? Is upgrading from a PS5 Slim to a PS5 Pro worth the investment?
Exploring the Differences: PS5 Slim vs PS5 Pro
When it comes to design, the differences between the PS5 Slim and PS5 Pro are subtle. The PS5 Pro features distinctive black stripes but shares a similar overall look with its Slim counterpart.
However, the real distinction lies in the technical specifications, where the PS5 Pro shines with enhanced graphical capabilities.
Unmatched Graphics Performance
The PS5 Pro is engineered to meet the rigorous demands of the latest AAA games. While the standard PS5 can handle most titles, it falls short of delivering the full visual experience that upcoming blockbusters like GTA VI are set to offer.
With a GPU boasting 67% more compute units, the PS5 Pro significantly boosts graphics performance, particularly in ray tracing, which enhances realism through ultra-detailed reflections. While the PS5 Slim offers limited ray tracing, the Pro is set to provide a much richer visual experience.
Moreover, the PS5 Pro introduces PlayStation Spectral Resolution (PSSR), an AI-driven upscaling technology that optimizes image clarity in real-time, especially on 4K displays. Unlike the PS5 Slim, which may force players to choose between quality and refresh rate, the PS5 Pro aims to deliver both, with potential support for 4K at 120 fps.
Game Enhancements and Storage Capacity
The PS5 Pro features a Game Boost mode that enhances over 8,500 PS4 and PS5 titles, focusing on improving image quality and stabilizing performance to prevent lagging. Additionally, many games, including *Spider-Man* and *Star Wars Outlaws*, will receive patches to optimize their graphics using both Fidelity and Performance modes.
Storage is another significant upgrade, with the PS5 Pro offering **2 TB** of space, doubling the Slim’s capacity and eliminating the need for external storage expansion.
For avid collectors, it’s worth noting that the PS5 Pro does not come with a Blu-Ray version. While users can purchase an external disc drive from Sony, this adds extra costs to an already premium console. In contrast, the PS5 Slim is available in both digital and disc formats.
Connectivity and Pricing Insights
The PS5 Pro also brings several technical enhancements, including compatibility with Wi-Fi 7 and potentially a faster Ethernet port. It features additional USB-C ports for improved connectivity, making it more versatile than the Slim model.
However, the price tag of 799 euros has sparked debate among gamers. Despite being the most expensive console Sony has released, the PS5 Pro offers competitive value, especially when compared to building a gaming PC with similar performance, which would require a significantly higher investment.
Choosing the Right PS5 for You
Ultimately, the PS5 Pro caters to those seeking the pinnacle of gaming performance, particularly for graphically intense titles such as GTA VI or *Gran Turismo 7*. On the other hand, the PS5 Slim is tailored for casual gamers who desire a next-gen console without the need for extreme performance.
If you own a PS5 Slim and are contemplating an upgrade to the Pro, consider whether the enhanced quality justifies the investment. Selling your Slim model could help offset the price of the Pro.
What About the Original PS5?
Though the original PS5 model is no longer in circulation, it can still be found in the second-hand market. While it offers similar performance to the Slim, it’s important to note its larger size and lesser storage capacity.
When choosing between digital and standard editions, remember that the disc drive option is only available for the Slim model, as the PS5 Pro does not include an integrated disc drive.