PlayStation 5 Pro Review: Playing on a Console Without a Disc Drive Could Generate Mixed Feelings

The launch of a new console is always controversial, and the PlayStation 5 Pro is no exception. While it feels like Sony announced the PlayStation 5 just yesterday, it’s actually been five years—a reasonable timeline for a refreshed Pro model. This new console promises more power and improved graphics but also reflects some key decisions with far-reaching implications.

I’ve already had the opportunity to test this console and play some games (more on that later) that developers optimized for the PlayStation 5 Pro. I’ll save comparisons for later because there’s much to unpack. Without further ado, here’s the PlayStation 5 Pro review.

PlayStation 5 Pro Specs

Design: Noticeable Changes, One in Particular

Let’s start with the aesthetics, which can be summarized in three points: size, side panels, and the disc drive. The PlayStation 5 Pro is thinner but maintains the same height as the original model. Compared to the PS5 Slim, it’s slightly taller. It’s also noticeably lighter, dropping from 10 pounds to 6.8 pounds.

The side panels feature three black stripes (a sleek touch). The bottom is thinner because Sony’s most powerful console doesn’t include a disc drive. It also lacks a stand for vertical placement. For $699, this feels like a basic feature that should have been included.

The front houses two USB-C ports (up from one) and the power button. On the back are an HDMI 2.1 port, a power jack, an Ethernet port for wired connections, and two USB-A ports. Otherwise, the design is mostly unchanged from previous models.

The most significant change is the omission of a disc drive, which is worth examining. While it’s true that multimedia content is increasingly digital, physical games remain important—they enable trading, buying secondhand, lending, and collecting.

Though the console is compatible with Sony’s external disc reader, purchasing it brings the total cost to $778.99 ($699 for the console and $79.99 for the reader). That approaches $800, presenting a dilemma.

This decision is particularly problematic for PS4 users considering an upgrade, as they can’t use their physical game collection. Similarly, PS5 users who prioritize smoother performance over better graphics must either buy the external disc drive or go digital. Opting for the latter means repurchasing any physical games as digital versions to play them on the PS5 Pro.

For Sony, this decision is about balancing cost and providing gamers with options. That’s one way to look at it. Another perspective is that the disc reader feels like an essential peripheral to fully utilize the console. As a gamer who values building a collection, having a console that renders physical games obsolete diminishes the experience.

Additionally, to play online, a PlayStation Plus Essential subscription is required, costing $9.99 per month or $79.99 per year. Access to the broader game catalog raises the price to $14.99 per month or $134.99 per year, while cloud streaming and classic games cost $17.99 per month or $159.99 per year.

Performance: A Closer Look at the PS5 Pro’s Upgrades

Now that we’ve explored the exterior, let’s look inside. The PlayStation 5 Pro boasts 67% more processing power and 28% faster memory. According to Sony, this translates to 45% faster rendering, which, in practice, means higher and more stable frame rates.

The PS5 Pro’s GPU boasts 16.7 teraflops (TFLOPs), a significant jump from the standard model’s 10.28 TFLOPs. While comparing these figures in absolute terms may not be useful, the difference in power is evident. The RAM remains at 16GB GDDR6, but Sony has added two gigs of DDR5 for background tasks that don’t require high-performance memory. The console also draws more power—390 watts compared to 340 watts—but you won’t need the extra wattage all the time.

Sony introduces a new feature with this console: PlayStation Spectral Super Resolution (PSSR), an AI-powered rescaling system. It works by generating a frame at a lower resolution than the target and using an AI system to enhance sharpness and detail. If this sounds familiar, it’s because it resembles DLSS and FSR technology on PCs—and it performs just as impressively. More on this feature later.

Another key improvement over the standard PS5 and PS5 Slim is the internal storage, which starts at 2 TB. This is especially critical for an all-digital console where downloading large games—often 80 GB, 100 GB, and even 150 GB—is standard. The added storage means you’ll have enough space to install multiple games without juggling files.

The console also includes Wi-Fi 7 connectivity, a future-ready feature. While Wi-Fi 6 is still uncommon in most homes due to cost, this upgrade positions the PS5 Pro for long-term relevance.

Beyond these updates, the PS5 Pro maintains many of the best traits of its predecessors: It runs quietly and stays cool. Sony has succeeded in keeping temperature and noise levels low this generation, and the Pro model continues this trend.

As for the controller, it’s the same DualSense used with the PS5, offering the same excellent experience. That’s good news—the PS5 controller is already a standout. When games fully utilize its features (try Astro Bot for a showcase), the gaming experience reaches new heights.

What It’s Like to Play on the PS5 Pro

The difference between playing on a PS5 and a PS5 Pro isn’t quite a generational leap, but it’s noticeable. While there’s a boost in smoothness and graphical quality, the visual improvements often appear in background details or subtle textures you’ll only notice if you pause to look.

When it comes to graphical quality and fluidity, the PS5 Pro stands apart. Playing on the Pro feels like an upgraded version of the PS5—familiar yet noticeably enhanced. A standout feature is PSSR, a technology that combines the smooth performance of Performance mode with the stunning visuals of Quality mode. While this might sound redundant, it’s a game-changer in practice.

PS5 gamers are accustomed to choosing between Performance mode (offering smoother gameplay at 60 FPS but lower graphics quality) and Quality mode (better visuals but limited to 30 FPS). With the PS5 Pro, that compromise is significantly reduced—especially in games that developers have optimized for the hardware. You can now enjoy excellent graphics quality with a much higher frame rate, making the choice far more rewarding.

In this regard, the PS5 Pro is undeniably impressive. During gameplay, you might notice breathtaking reflections in water, sparks illuminating your character, and stunningly rendered environments. While these details enhance immersion, they aren’t critical to the core experience. What truly matters is fluidity, and the Pro delivers.

The jump from 30 FPS to 60 FPS is transformative, and at 120 FPS, it’s unparalleled. The console achieves the detailed visuals of fidelity mode, complete with ray tracing and advanced effects, all at a buttery-smooth 60 FPS.

Admittedly, quality mode provides incredible draw distances and textures that can seem almost lifelike. However, for most gamers, these minute details are less impactful than the overall fluidity of gameplay. Once you’ve experienced the PS5 Pro, reverting to the standard PS5 makes the differences in motion and responsiveness strikingly apparent.

Like other AI-based upscaling technologies, PSSR may produce minor artifacts if you look closely. However, these are inconsequential during typical gameplay, especially from the recommended viewing distance in most living rooms.

In short, playing on the PS5 Pro feels like “the next-gen experience many gamers anticipated.” It eliminates the hassle of tweaking modes and settings, allowing you to focus on enjoying smooth, visually stunning gameplay. That seamless experience is where the console truly shines and why it’s a standout in its class.

Of course, the Pro introduces more mode options than ever. Games now offer Fidelity and Quality modes for both the standard PS5 and the Pro, with exclusive modes for optimized titles like The Last of Us (Pro mode) or Final Fantasy VII Rebirth (Versatility mode). The key takeaway? With the PS5 Pro, gaming at over 30 FPS no longer means compromising visual fidelity. That’s it.

However, there are nuances to consider. To fully leverage the PS5 Pro’s benefits, you must play games labeled as “Enhanced for PlayStation 5 Pro” in the store. These titles are specifically optimized to harness the technology of Sony's new console. What does this mean in practice? How much you can get out of the console will depend on developers releasing the necessary updates.

Upcoming AAA games are likely to feature these enhancements, but it’s not guaranteed. Similarly, there’s no definitive list of which previously released PlayStation games will be updated for the PS5 Pro. At launch, a few titles will support the new hardware, including Ratchet & Clank: Rift Apart, Marvel’s Spider-Man 2, Alan Wake 2, The Last of Us Part I & II Remastered, Horizon Forbidden West, and Hogwarts Legacy, among others.

If you own these titles digitally, you’re in luck. If not, you’ll need to purchase the external disc reader to play physical versions. For instance, I own Horizon Forbidden West and Hogwarts Legacy on disc, upgraded for the PS5 Pro, but I haven’t been able to play them because, from the PS5 Pro’s perspective, they might as well not exist.

When it comes to PS4 games, you can enable an option that boosts their quality, primarily by increasing resolution for select titles. While the improvement is noticeable, it’s not transformative. For example, if you’re hoping for a 60 FPS version of Bloodborne, you’ll still have to wait. The sharpening effect can look great in some games, though occasionally it feels odd or excessive.

This feature is disabled by default, so you’ll need to turn it on in the console’s settings. I recommend giving it a try. If you encounter glitches or performance issues, you can always disable it again. While it doesn’t increase FPS, the added resolution and clarity are often a welcome enhancement.

PlayStation 5 Pro: Xataka’s Opinion

The PlayStation 5 Pro left me with mixed feelings. On one hand, its superior performance compared to the PS5 is undeniable. The improved graphics quality and fluidity make a substantial difference—it’s hard to go back once you’ve experienced a game running with Fidelity mode detail and Performance mode smoothness.

On the other hand, this leap in quality comes at a steep cost. The PS5 Pro starts at $699, and adding the nearly essential external disc reader brings the price closer to $800—a figure edging into mid-tier PC territory. For many, this feels like paying for an experience already promised with the original PS5.

Another concern is the reliance on developers to fully unlock the console’s potential. While future games, such as GTA VI, are expected to arrive optimized for the PS5 Pro, existing titles depend on studios releasing updates. Unlike PC gamers, who can adjust settings themselves, console users are at the mercy of the developers.

The PS5 Pro is undoubtedly a powerful machine. It showcases how AI-driven technologies, already common in the PC space, can elevate console gaming to new heights. However, the price of admission is significant, and whether it’s worth the investment depends on your priorities.

For gamers who already own a standard PS5, upgrading to the Pro may not feel justified. If you’re still using a PS4, the decision becomes more nuanced. Paying $699 for a console without a disc drive—and factoring in the cost of digital game purchases—requires careful consideration.

Is it a worthy evolution for a Pro model? Absolutely. But it’s not the leap you’d expect from the future PlayStation 6. The improvements are tangible, but whether they justify the cost will vary for each user. Ultimately, the choice boils down to weighing enhanced fluidity and performance against the hefty price tag—a decision that’s far from straightforward. If anything, the PS5 Pro is clear about its target audience: Serious gamers looking for the best experience, at a premium price.

Images | Xataka On

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The device has been loaned for testing by Sony. You can check how we test new products at Xataka On and our Corporate Relations Policy.