Sony has just released the PlayStation 5 Pro, and the $700 price tag has caught everyone’s attention. I looked into the details to see why Sony thinks it’s worth the cost.
In a revealing interview with IGN, PlayStation Senior Principal Product Manager Toshi Aoki shared insights on the console’s features and pricing strategy. The PS5 Pro boasts impressive technological advancements, including enhanced graphical capabilities, a faster SSD, and Wi-Fi 7 support. These upgrades, Aoki argues, justify the higher price tag and provide “exceptional value” to players.
It’s clear that Sony is targeting its most dedicated fan base with this release. These are the gamers who’ve previously grabbed mid-generation upgrades like the PS4 Pro and have shown a willingness to invest in high-end accessories such as the $200 DualSense Edge controller or the PS Portal handheld.
The base $700 model doesn’t include a disc drive or vertical stand. These are available as separate purchases, potentially pushing the total cost to $800. Aoki frames this as giving players “choices,” but it’s a decision that might not sit well with everyone. Many dedicated PlayStation fans have extensive physical game collections, and the need to buy a separate disc drive could feel like an extra burden rather than a choice.
The PS5 Pro isn’t just about raw power, though. Sony promises that all games, even those without specific PS5 Pro enhancements, will benefit from the console’s boost mode. This feature alone might be enough to tempt some players into upgrading, especially those with large game libraries.
For players craving the absolute best performance and willing to pay a premium, the PS5 Pro might just be the answer. However, for many others, the standard PS5 or even a refurbished PS5 Slim (available for as low as $350) might remain the more sensible choice.
