Given the most recent leaks about the PlayStation 5 Pro, the question on many players’ lips right now is whether or not a PlayStation 5 Pro is truly necessary.
Amidst rumors and discussions, one can’t help but ponder over the implications of the unconfirmed upgrade. Most are already content with the PlayStation 5’s performance as it’s still very much capable of meeting a casual gamer’s needs. But at the same time, the PS5 Pro, much like the PS4 Pro, was never built for the average joe. Instead, these mid-cycle console upgrades prioritize performance above all else. In the PS5 Pro’s case, it could eliminate the need to choose between performance and fidelity modes.
Besides, it’s hard to ignore the allure of enhanced graphics, smoother frame rates, and additional features, especially if it’s sold at a reasonable price. The improvements could redefine gaming standards, pushing developers to leverage the added power for more immersive experiences without compromises.
However, the PS5 Pro is concerning, particularly its pricing. The average consumer may find it difficult to justify a purchase upwards of $600 for marginal improvements. Don’t forget, Sony has confirmed that the PS5 isn’t getting a significant price cut anytime soon. Not to mention, the retail price of video games recently went up and many companies are in favor of another jump sooner rather than later.
The costs of gaming as a hobby has gone up considerably in recent years. It has already led to video game developers laying off staff members despite enjoying tremendous sales. Marvel’s Spider-Man 2, Alan Wake 2, Final Fantasy 16, and Final Fantasy 7 Rebirth, are examples of critically acclaimed titles that set record highs in sales only to see their developers cut costs.
Given the current state of the global market, the PS5 Pro could struggle to persuade the same enthusiasts who typically wouldn’t mind shelling out more money for top-of-the-life performance.
Finally, similar to the PS4 Pro, the PS5 Pro’s success hinges on the support it will receive from developers and publishers. Sony will have to incentivize studios to optimize their existing games and ensure their in-development titles can fully utilize the hardware of the PS5 Pro. This is easier said than done; making video games has become extremely expensive. Plus, outside of Sony’s admittedly paltry number of first-party studios and third-party partners, who else can it convince?
Nevertheless, it’s not all doom and gloom for the unreleased PS5 Pro. The PlayStation Spectral Super Resolution (PSSR) technology aims to replicate Nvidia’s DLSS by offering “free” performance gains using AI-powered upscaling, potentially elevating visuals to newer heights without unnecessarily taxing the upgraded graphics card. However, until we see proof its actual impact, the technology remains speculative at best.
In the end, whether we truly need a PS5 Pro depends on individual gaming preferences and priorities. For tech enthusiasts and hardware gamers craving the pinnacle of video game performance, the idea of a PS5 Pro is undoubtedly appealing, especially with a game like Grand Theft Auto 6 coming out soon. It promises to push the boundaries of what’s possible, offering a glimpse into the future of gaming. However, for most of us, the current PS5 already provides a satisfying gaming experience, making the necessity of an upgrade less clear.
