PlayStation 5 Pro Review: Performance, PSSR & Hardware

Hardware Impressions

The PlayStation 5 Pro is significantly more compact and lighter than the original launch model, offering a refined physical design that remains quiet under load. While the build is high-quality, the decision to make the optical drive an optional, separate purchase is a point of contention, especially for enthusiasts invested in physical media who face additional costs and potential stock issues.

Display Controller and 8K

• The PS5 Pro includes upgraded hardware to support 8K output, though this remains a niche feature.
• The console still exhibits the 32Gbps bandwidth limitation on the HDMI controller, meaning 4K 120Hz output is restricted to 4:2:2 chroma subsampling.
• True Deep Stream Compression (DSC) support exists for 8K output, but current capture technology limits the ability to demonstrate or fully utilize this feature for content creation.

Advanced Image Enhancement

PS4 Enhancement Feature

This built-in toggle offers a post-process filter to clean up older titles. It excels at sharpening 2D UI elements, fonts, and pixel art, making them look closer to 4K native output, though it has limited impact on 3D geometry and temporal aliasing.

PSSR (PlayStation Spectral Super Resolution)

"The success of PSSR basically changes the quality level from one title to the next."

PSSR is the console's standout feature. While implementation varies, its impact on visual fidelity is profound, notably in titles like Final Fantasy VII Rebirth and Demon’s Souls. It successfully resolves complex details and provides superior temporal stability compared to older TAA or checkerboarding solutions.

Game Performance and Ray Tracing

Game Boost

This feature automatically deploys extra GPU and CPU power (10% extra clock speed) to non-Pro projects. It provides tangible benefits for uncapped frame rate titles and VRR-enabled games, effectively smoothing out dips in demanding games like Elden Ring and Metaphor: ReFantazio.

Ray Tracing

Developers are increasingly leveraging the Pro's enhanced ray tracing capabilities to bring PC-grade features to consoles. Notable improvements include RTGI (Ray Traced Global Illumination) and RTAO (Ray Traced Ambient Occlusion), which add significant depth to titles like F1 24 and Alan Wake 2, though performance costs must be carefully balanced.

Efficiency and Conclusion

Despite the power increase, the system remains remarkably efficient, suggesting a sophisticated process node transition. While the console requires a luxury-level investment, it provides a quantifiably better experience for users with high-end displays who can appreciate the advancements in upscaling and performance stability.