
The PlayStation 5 Pro initially seemed unnecessary. While some dedicated gamers might have considered the high price worthwhile, it didn’t offer significant improvements to the few games it was designed for, making its value unclear. I didn’t think a PS5 Pro would ever be a good buy as long as the original PS5 was still available and performing well. Given that Sony isn’t expected to release a new console for several years, the original PS5 will likely remain a solid option for quite some time.
As the title suggests, things have improved significantly for the PS5 Pro in recent months. While it had a rough start, a series of updates and increased support from game developers have turned it into an excellent console – one that feels ahead of its time. PlayStation’s improvements are starting to show results, and it’s becoming a worthwhile purchase for 2026 and beyond. However, a few remaining issues could still be a major obstacle for many buyers.
The PS5 Pro Is Vastly Improved In 2026

When the PS5 Pro first launched, it didn’t have many games that truly took advantage of its power, and the visual difference between it and the standard PS5 was barely noticeable. While it did offer a better balance between graphics quality and smooth gameplay – Final Fantasy 7 Rebirth showed this well when it came out in 2023 – many felt the high price didn’t justify the improvements. But things are different now. Sony has released important updates, and game developers – both from Sony and other companies – are now making better use of the PS5 Pro’s capabilities.
The recently released PSSR 2 update, launched in March 2026, significantly improves performance and graphics in many major games. While the PS5 Pro doesn’t quite match the power of a high-end PC, it offers a noticeably better experience than the standard PS5. Several large games have been enhanced for the PS5 Pro, with substantial updates throughout 2026 taking full advantage of the PSSR 2 technology. For example, Cyberpunk 2077 looks dramatically better on the PS5 Pro than on any other console, making it a standout title.
While great graphics aren’t the only thing that matters, the PS5 Pro is finally delivering on its promise of a high-quality gaming experience without cutting corners. It’s not flawless, but many games now run smoothly at 60 frames per second with all the visual details you’d expect from a modern game. With 60FPS becoming the norm – and some even considering it old news – it’s good to see consoles offering that level of performance without compromise. Right now, the PS5 Pro is the only console that consistently achieves this, making it a step ahead of the competition.
The PS5 Pro Was Ahead Of Its Time

The PS5 Pro launched before its time, and initially, developers struggled to take full advantage of its capabilities. They either lacked the knowledge, resources, or motivation to create versions specifically for it. But now, almost two years later – and especially with the recent PSSR 2 update – developers, both at Sony and independent studios, seem much more comfortable and confident using the console’s power.
Most developers don’t need the advanced capabilities of the newest consoles just yet, as the PS5 is still a powerful and capable machine even after almost six years. However, with games like Crimson Desert pushing the boundaries, we’re quickly reaching a point where the PS5 Pro is becoming essential, not just a luxury. The PS5 Pro significantly improved Crimson Desert, fixing many of the technical and visual problems and providing an experience much closer to the PC version compared to the original PS5.
We’re likely to see more big-budget games struggle to run well on the PS5 unless developers put in significant effort to optimize them, much like they did after the release of Crimson Desert. Crimson Desert isn’t unplayable or ugly on the PS5, but there’s a noticeable difference in quality between the standard PS5 version and the PS5 Pro version – a gap we haven’t seen as clearly in a while. Developers are starting to use technology that pushes beyond the PS5’s capabilities, even if just a little, making the more powerful PS5 Pro seem like a better investment. However, the high cost of the PS5 Pro remains a major concern.
The PS5 Pro Is Still Too Expensive

A major reason people criticized the PS5 Pro was its high price. At $699.99, it was $200 more expensive than the standard PS5, and surprisingly, didn’t include a disc drive. While the significant performance improvements might have justified the higher cost, many consumers didn’t feel it offered enough value, particularly since the original PS5 was already considered a big purchase.
Sony continues to struggle with pricing, and the situation has actually gotten worse since the PS5 Pro was released. The price of the Pro has jumped by $200 since it first came out, now costing $900. That price feels very high, especially considering you could build a decent gaming PC or even afford a trip for the same amount. While the PS5 Pro offers impressive technology, its high cost makes it difficult to recommend to most people.
While Sony and game developers are now getting the most out of the PS5, and big-name games are starting to rely on its power, the price still feels too high – even considering what analysts predict the base PS6 will cost. It’s a bit of a paradox, but if you already have a PS5, it’s probably smarter to wait for the next generation console. It will be similarly priced but offer significantly better performance and graphics. Yes, you might have to put up with the PS5 occasionally struggling with newer games, but it’s better than spending $900 on a console that will soon be outdated.
So, I’m really curious – what are everyone’s thoughts on the PS5 Pro now that it’s been announced? Head over to the ComicBook Forum and let’s chat about it – I’d love to hear what you think!
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2026-04-16 21:15