Switching from the original PlayStation 5 to the PS5 Pro is a leap that many Sony enthusiasts debate for months. As someone who’s been deeply invested in the PlayStation ecosystem for years, my move to the PS5 Pro was less about necessity and more about pursuing the pinnacle of gaming performance. Even amidst heightened competition from Microsoft’s Xbox series and the widespread influence of NVIDIA and AMD hardware advancements, Sony’s latest console truly flexes its muscles in ways that redefine the PlayStation experience. Seven months in, I’ve discovered substantial enhancements that justify the Pro’s hefty price tag, particularly for those who crave both power and immersive gameplay. From storage and graphics quality to streamlined remote play, here’s a detailed walkthrough of how upgrading to the PS5 Pro has transformed my gaming setup, with insights relevant to the wider console wars and evolving gaming trends in 2025.
More Than Enough Storage: How the PS5 Pro Solves Game Library Woes
One of the standout improvements I noticed immediately with the PS5 Pro is its massive internal storage. Unlike my original PS5, which rapidly filled up with the increasing size of modern titles from developers like Ubisoft, Electronic Arts, and Activision, the Pro comes equipped with 2TB of built-in SSD storage. This ample space means I no longer agonize over deleting favorite games just to make room for new ones.
Pairing my existing high-speed Sabrent SSD with the PS5 Pro’s internal storage allows me to maintain an enormous game library at my fingertips. I can seamlessly switch between demanding Ubisoft open worlds or the latest shooters from Activision without hitting frustrating storage limits.
- 2TB internal SSD: Easily loads a substantial library of PS4 and PS5 games
- Support for additional NVMe SSDs: Flexibility to expand storage without affecting performance
- Eliminates need for external HDDs: Simplifies setup and increases reliability
| Feature | PS5 Original | PS5 Pro | Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Internal Storage | 825GB SSD | 2TB SSD | More than double capacity for game installations |
| Expandable Storage | NVMe SSD slot | NVMe SSD slot + larger internal | Convenient management of larger game libraries |
| External Storage | Supports external USB HDDs | External drives optional due to large internal | Streamlined gaming experience, faster load times |
Visuals and Performance That Push PlayStation to New Heights
Until upgrading, I was content prioritizing graphical detail over frame rate, accepting 30fps for more stunning environment rendering. The PS5 Pro changed my perspective completely. Thanks to enhanced AMD Radeon GPU tech under the hood, coupled with PlayStation’s proprietary Spectral Super Resolution upscaling, I now enjoy native 4K resolution at smooth 60 frames per second or better.
Games such as Horizon Forbidden West, The Last of Us Part II, and the visually striking remake of Demon’s Souls showcase this elevated fidelity with a fluidity I hadn’t experienced before on PlayStation. This leap is Sony’s answer in the ongoing battle against Microsoft’s Xbox Series X and NVIDIA’s push for higher graphical standards on console platforms.
- Stable 60fps gameplay at native 4K on many titles enhanced for PS5 Pro
- Spectral Super Resolution (PSSR): AI-driven upscaling provides sharp images without taxing hardware
- Adaptive performance modes: balancing detail and frame rates for seamless experience
| Game Title | OG PS5 Performance | PS5 Pro Performance | Visual Boosts |
|---|---|---|---|
| Horizon Forbidden West | 4K checkerboard at 30fps | Native 4K at 60fps with HDR | Sharper textures, enhanced lighting |
| Demon’s Souls Remake | 4K checkerboard, 30fps | Native 4K, 60fps with low latency | Better shadow rendering, ray tracing improvements |
| The Last of Us Part II | 1080p/30fps | 4K upscaled, 60fps | Smoother animation, higher detail |
The PS5 Pro and PlayStation Portal: Elevated Remote Play That Stands Out
By upgrading to the PS5 Pro, the enhanced wireless capabilities—powered by Wi-Fi 7 tech— have significantly changed how I engage with remote play using the PlayStation Portal handheld. The connection is smoother, latency is reduced, and streaming game visuals retain higher quality compared to my experience with the original PS5.
This boost enables me to play demanding titles from remote locations, including extended sessions where performance stability is critical. Sony’s improvements here tactically position the PlayStation Portal as a more appealing companion device, especially compared to similar offerings from Microsoft and even third-party peripherals by Razer.
- Wi-Fi 7 support on PS5 Pro enhances remote play stability
- Seamless game streaming over long distances with high fidelity
- Improved overall responsiveness making handheld gaming more viable
| Feature | Original PS5 + Portal | PS5 Pro + Portal | Effect |
|---|---|---|---|
| Wireless Standard | Wi-Fi 5 (802.11ac) | Wi-Fi 7 (802.11be) | Increased bandwidth reduces lag and improves visual clarity |
| Image Quality Streaming | 1080p max with occasional frame drops | 1440p/4K depending on network with consistent frame rates | Smoother gameplay and richer detail remotely |
| Connection Stability | Moderate interruptions at long range | Minimal interruptions, robust long-range streaming | Better gaming experience on handheld device |
The Small Frustrations: What Sony Could Improve with the PS5 Pro
While the PS5 Pro truly delivers where it counts, one area still feels unfinished: console customization options. Despite the PS5 Slim and original PS5 offering removable faceplates in various styles and colors, Sony has yet to release alternative covers for the Pro’s sleek chassis.
This misses an opportunity for enthusiasts like me who want a personalized look matching their DualSense controllers, Razer peripherals, or entire gaming setups. Hopefully, Sony takes note in 2025 and offers more cosmetic customization similar to what we’ve seen on other consoles and accessories within the Nintendo Switch scene or Xbox’s recent aesthetic options.
- Removable covers for personal style are unavailable on PS5 Pro
- Limited options hamper setup aesthetics for dedicated fans
- Customization trends on Nintendo Switch and Xbox suggest demand is strong
| Customization Aspect | PS5 Slim/OG PS5 | PS5 Pro | User Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Removable Faceplates | Available in multiple colors | Standard white only | Less personalization for gamers |
| Accessory Matching | Easy to coordinate with DualSense and third-party gear | Limited options, less cohesive setups | Fans miss integration with wider gaming rigs |
For any player interested in pushing their gaming setup to the next level, the PS5 Pro is undeniably an upgrade that leaps past ordinary console improvements. As competition tightens with Microsoft’s innovations and the constant advances in gaming hardware, Sony’s Pro delivers a premium feel and top-notch performance that hard-core gamers will treasure. For those curious about further expanding their gaming horizons, whether through PC titles linked to Xbox or exploring new releases like those by Ubisoft and Electronic Arts, understanding this console’s advantages provides valuable insight into 2025’s evolving landscape.
Discover more about the latest console enhancements and upcoming releases by checking out detailed breakdowns such as Tom’s Guide Gaming 2025 and explore epic adventures like Final Fantasy 7 Ever Crisis. Also, if you want a comprehensive view of how the PlayStation stacks against other systems, don’t miss the ultimate Xbox vs PS5 vs Switch comparison, and for expanding your gaming library on other platforms, check out the Top 10 must-have Switch games of 2023.