It has now been 12 months since Sony unleashed its mid-generation powerhouse, the PlayStation 5 Pro, onto the market. With console prices reaching new heights, the burning question for UK gamers is whether this souped-up machine represents a smart investment or an expensive luxury a full year after its debut.
The Performance Promise: Delivering 4K 60fps
When the PS5 Pro was first announced on 10 September 2024, scepticism was rife. The standard PS5, launched in 2020, was already a formidable machine. However, its one notable limitation was forcing players to choose between high-resolution Quality mode and smoother Performance mode, rarely achieving both 4K resolution and 60 frames per second simultaneously.
This is where the Pro model makes its most compelling argument. Leveraging AI-driven PlayStation Spectral Super Resolution (PSSR), the console can deliver sharper image clarity on 4K TVs while maintaining that coveted smooth framerate. For supported titles, the need to choose between visual fidelity and performance is almost eradicated. The console even supports 8K resolution and up to 120fps on compatible displays, though these extremes remain niche.
Game Support and Growing Pains
The true test of any hardware is its software library. Here, the PS5 Pro's record is strong but not flawless. A library of over 120 titles has received Pro-enhancement patches. First-party studios have led the charge, with games like Death Stranding 2: On the Beach and Ghost of Yotei showcasing the console's extra processing 'oomph'.
Insomniac Games has been a standout, implementing a default 'Performance Pro' mode in its titles like Marvel's Spider-Man 2 and Ratchet & Clank: Rift Apart, seamlessly blending high resolution with high framerates. Third-party support is also evident, with Star Wars Jedi: Survivor seeing significant improvements to resolution and ray-tracing.
However, the journey hasn't been entirely smooth. High-profile releases such as Silent Hill 2 suffered from major performance issues on the Pro at launch, highlighting that optimisation is not always guaranteed.
The Digital-Only Reality and Value Proposition
Another significant consideration is the PS5 Pro's design and pricing. The console adopts a sleeker, all-digital form factor, removing the disc drive as standard. Players wishing to use physical media must purchase a separate add-on, a controversial move that limits access to cheaper second-hand games.
On the storage front, the Pro comes with a generous 2TB built-in SSD, a welcome upgrade from the standard model's 825GB, especially as game file sizes continue to balloon.
Price remains the biggest barrier. With a UK RRP of £699.99, compared to £479.99 for the standard PS5, it's a substantial outlay. However, recent sales events like Black Friday 2025 have seen prices drop to around £569.99, proving that deals can be found for the patient shopper.
So, is the PS5 Pro worth buying one year on? It successfully fulfills its core promise: delivering a premium, more PC-like experience with superior performance and visual flair for supported games. For enthusiasts with a 4K TV who crave the best possible PlayStation experience without compromising on framerate, it is a compelling, if pricey, upgrade. Yet, for the average gamer still happy with their standard PS5's output, the Pro's high cost and digital-first approach make it a harder sell. It remains, unequivocally, a console for the most devoted PlayStation fans.
