**Sony’s PlayStation 5 Pro: A Mixed Review of Performance and Cost**
Sony’s *PlayStation 5 Pro* has made its official debut, and initial evaluations are coming in. While the console is being celebrated for its performance and design enhancements, there are some significant drawbacks that have left the gaming audience split.
### A Performance Juggernaut with AI Upscaling
The PS5 Pro is earning accolades for its remarkable performance, with early feedback from sources like [*The Verge*](https://www.theverge.com/reviews/24289319/ps5-pro-review), [*IGN*](https://www.ign.com/articles/playstation-5-pro-review), and [*Tom’s Hardware*](https://www.tomsguide.com/gaming/playstation/ps5-pro-review) underscoring its improved features. The console is now regarded as the premier way to enjoy gaming on PlayStation, largely due to Sony’s innovative AI-driven upscaling technology, *PlayStation Spectral Super Resolution (PSSR)*. This functionality has stood out, delivering superior graphical quality that enhances the visual experience.
### A Considerate Redesign
Beyond its performance, the PS5 Pro features a sleeker design. It is smaller, lighter, and operates more quietly compared to its predecessor, addressing several common issues with the original PS5. According to *The Verge*’s Senior Editor Sean Hollister, “In every title I tried — while sitting no more than eight feet away from a 65-inch TV — the PS5 Pro was clearly the superior choice for gaming.”
### The Drawbacks: Cost, Features, and Titles
Nonetheless, the PS5 Pro is not free of shortcomings. Here are the primary concerns that have moderated the enthusiasm surrounding the console:
#### 1. **The PS5 Pro is Too Costly**
With a price of $700, the PS5 Pro carries a substantial price tag, which has become a significant point of contention for numerous reviewers. For casual gamers, the cost may be difficult to defend, especially considering that the standard PS5 provides excellent performance at a more reasonable price. As *Tom’s Hardware*’s Rory Mellon expressed, “It’s a luxury purchase that doesn’t present the same value for money as the base PS5, which remains an immensely capable console.”
Although the PS5 Pro features upgraded visuals, these enhancements might not be considerable enough to justify the additional cost for most players. The general sentiment is that the Pro caters more to gaming aficionados willing to invest in minor upgrades.
#### 2. **Absence of a Disc Drive**
Another significant shortcoming is the absence of a built-in disc drive. As *IGN*’s Michael Higam remarked, “Given its price, you’ll be disheartened to discover that the PS5 Pro does not include every conceivable feature.” For those who still value physical media, this absence is disappointing.
Sony does provide the choice to acquire an external disc drive, but it adds $80 to the overall cost. The vertical stand is also sold separately, further increasing the price. This choice has raised eyebrows, particularly among dedicated console enthusiasts who are likely the target audience for the Pro. Charging more for what many view as essential components feels like a miscalculation.
#### 3. **Shortage of Exclusive Games**
One of the more subtle but significant critiques of the PS5 Pro is the absence of exclusive games that fully leverage its advanced capabilities. While Sony’s first- and third-party titles have been updated to optimize performance on the Pro, these are merely patches rather than new, innovative games crafted specifically for the console.
As *Polygon*’s Cameron Faulkner noted, the graphical upgrades in the 50 Sony games that received patches are a “mixed bag.” The true challenge for the PS5 Pro will arise in the coming years as developers release games that can fully utilize the console’s power. Until then, the lack of exclusive titles makes the Pro a harder sell given its high price.
### Final Considerations
The PlayStation 5 Pro is undoubtedly a powerful and elegantly designed console, but its elevated price, absence of a disc drive, and limited exclusive games make it a challenging recommendation for the average gamer. While it presents significant enhancements in performance and visuals, these improvements might not suffice to rationalize the cost for most players. As the PS5 continues to develop, the Pro may gain appeal, but for now, it’s a premium offering best suited for gaming enthusiasts ready to pay for incremental advancements.