From ray tracing to 2TB storage: Why the PS5 Pro is Sony’s best console yet
By Ed Malaker
The PlayStation 5 Pro (PS5 Pro) is the newest release from Sony, and it’s set to hit the shelves on November 7th. They designed it to push the boundaries of console gaming with several hardware and performance improvements. Here’s a breakdown of what to expect.
Major upgrades in processing power and graphics
One of the features of the PS5 Pro being talked about is its upgraded GPU, which boasts 67% more compute units and 28% faster memory than the standard PS5, leading to a 45% increase in overall processing speed. This increase in power will allow the system to handle demanding visual features like advanced ray tracing, which delivers more realistic lighting, reflections, and shadows in games. Gran Turismo 7, for example, showcases how dynamic lighting can enhance realism, creating a visually immersive environment for players.
The GPU enhancements also include Sony’s proprietary PlayStation Spectral Super Resolution (PSSR), an AI-driven upscaling technology that fills in the visual gaps, pixel-by-pixel, for sharper images without sacrificing frame rates. Unlike traditional upscaling, PSSR uses machine learning to increase image clarity, producing stunning details even at high resolutions.
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Expanded storage and memory for a smoother experience
Another improvement in the PS5 Pro is its increased storage capacity, featuring a 2TB SSD, compared to the original PS5’s 825GB SSD. This expanded space accommodates larger game libraries, which is especially beneficial for AAA titles that can exceed 100GB each.
If you tend to play a lot of games at the same time, the extra storage is a game changer. Additionally, the PS5 Pro includes a new 2GB DDR5 memory specifically for the system, allowing the 16GB GDDR6 RAM to focus entirely on gaming, which further boosts performance.
Other great features of the PS5 Pro
- The PS5 Pro improves current-generation games and enhances over 8,500 backward-compatible PS4 titles through its Game Boost feature, which stabilizes and enhances framerates.
- With the PS5 Pro’s integration of Wi-Fi 7, users benefit from quicker downloads and reduced latency in online gaming, allowing for a smoother experience when playing online or streaming from remote devices.
- For those who prefer physical media, the PS5 Pro offers an optional 4K UHD Blu-ray drive, allowing for flexibility in how games and media are accessed and enjoyed.