Buying Guide

PlayStation 5 Pro Buying Guide

Everything you need to know before buying. We compare alternatives, recommend accessories, and give you our honest verdict.

Quick Verdict

Our take in 30 seconds.

4.5(3,421)

The PlayStation 5 Pro delivers on its promise of true 4K 120fps console gaming. The custom RDNA 4 GPU, PSSR AI upscaling, and advanced ray tracing produce genuinely impressive results. The 2TB SSD and Wi-Fi 7 are welcome upgrades. At $699, it's a premium product for gaming enthusiasts with high-end displays. The lack of exclusive games and disc drive controversy are downsides, but for the best console gaming experience available, the PS5 Pro is it.

Buying Guide

Step-by-step breakdown to help you decide.

1

Do you need a 120Hz TV for the PS5 Pro?

Yes. The PS5 Pro's key upgrades — 120fps modes, VRR, and ray tracing — are best experienced on a 4K 120Hz HDMI 2.1 display. On a 60Hz TV, the improvements are still visible but significantly diminished.

  • Must-have: 4K 120Hz TV with HDMI 2.1
  • Nice-to-have: VRR and ALLM support
  • Skip upgrade: 60Hz TV or 1080p monitor
2

PS5 Pro vs gaming PC: Which is better value?

A PS5 Pro offers PS5-level performance in a $699 package. A comparable PC costs $1,500+. The PC offers Steam library, mods, and upgradability. The console offers simplicity and exclusives.

  • Choose PS5 Pro: Lower cost, exclusives, simplicity
  • Choose PC: Higher ceiling, mods, RTS games, Steam library

Best Alternatives

Other great options worth considering.

Xbox Series X 2

$649

Microsoft's next-gen console with Game Pass and 18 TFLOPS.

4.4
View Review
Game Pass valueMore GPU powerDisc drive included

Nintendo Switch 2

$449

Hybrid portable/home console with exclusive Nintendo games.

4.5
View Review
PortableNintendo exclusivesLower price

Recommended Accessories

Complete your setup.

DualSense Edge

Pro controller with back paddles and trigger stops.

$199

Pulse Elite Headset

Premium wireless headset with planar magnetic drivers.

$149

PS5 Pro Vertical Stand

Official vertical stand for PS5 Pro.

$29
FAQ

Still Have Questions?

We've got answers.

If you have a 4K 120Hz TV and want the best console experience, yes. The ray tracing, PSSR upscaling, and stable 60fps in demanding titles are meaningful upgrades. If you play on a 60Hz TV, the base PS5 is still excellent.