PS5 Pro, one year on: what improves and who should upgrade

TL;DR:

PS5 Pro launched on November 7, 2024.
Gains include higher frame rates and better ray tracing in supported titles.
Sony’s PSSR boosts clarity on 4K TVs.
Value depends on your TV and the games you play.
Base PS5 remains fine for 60 fps and most players.

Sony’s PlayStation 5 Pro has now been on shelves for nearly a year. It focuses on higher frame rates, improved ray tracing, and sharper images using Sony’s PlayStation Spectral Super Resolution (PSSR).

Core upgrades

Higher target frame rates in supported “Pro Enhanced” titles.
Better ray tracing, which improves lighting and reflections.
PSSR upscaling for cleaner detail on 4K sets. Results vary by game.

Independent reviews this year found steadier performance and clearer details versus the base PS5, especially at 4K with ray tracing enabled. Gains depend on each title’s patch and mode.

Who should buy

You own a 4K 120 Hz TV. You will see the most benefit.
You play RT-heavy games. Visual upgrades are clearer here.
You chase frame rate modes. Pro hardware hits higher targets more often.

If you play story games at 60 fps on a 60 Hz TV, the base PS5 is still strong.

Tips before you upgrade

Check if your favorite games have PS5 Pro patches.
Use your TV’s Game Mode and enable VRR if supported.
Favor HDMI 2.1 cables and ports for 120 Hz.

Why it matters

The Pro model extends the PS5 generation with smarter rendering, not just raw power. It is the best console Sony sells, but still optional for most players.

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