PS5 Pro 6 months later — 3 things I love and 3 things I hate
This article is part of Tom's Guide's inaugural Gaming Week, an entire week of content dedicated to all things gaming. From insights into the latest hardware, guides to the best games you can play today, to the essential accessories we can't play without. Tom's Guide Gaming Week will guide you through the world of video games in 2025.
I've been using the PS5 Pro as my primary gaming machine for six months, which means it's time to reevaluate Sony's mid-gen refresh console and determine whether it's been a worthy update to the base PS5.
The PS5 Pro effectively does what the PS4 Pro did for supported PS4 games. PS5 Pro-enhanced titles enjoy improved performance and enhanced graphics thanks to frame-boosting tech and better ray tracing, respectively. The console also comes with a generous 2TB of storage, allowing you to store more games.
So, after using the PS5 Pro nearly every night for the past six months, do I think Sony's console is worth the $700 asking price? While the system delivers on some of its promises, its faults keep it from reaching its full potential. Here are the PS5 Pro's strengths and weaknesses, six months later.
PS5 Pro is a powerful refresh of the base PS5 hardware. It's the best way to experience the PS5's large library of must-play games and the current pinnacle of console gaming. However, the eye-watering $699 price tag makes it a machine that will only appeal to the most dedicated gamers.
The PS5 Pro has an upgraded GPU that allows the console to have enhanced ray tracing and AI-driven upscaling. This helps Sony's system deliver higher graphical fidelity and smoother performance. How does this translate into real-world use?
As I wrote in my PS5 Pro vs PS5: The 3 biggest upgrades article, supported games like Marvel's Spider-Man 2 and The Last of Us II Remastered run much smoother in their respective Fidelity Pro and Performance Pro settings. This is especially true when I enable 120Hz mode and VRR in each game. The games run at a higher frame rate but also feel more responsive. Here, the difference is very apparent.
Some unsupported PS5 and PS4 games also receive a performance boost, so long as they have uncapped frame rates. Though I wish this were the case with every game, the PS5 Pro does give some titles a nice performance boost.
The PS5 Pro also enhances the graphical quality of supported games. Generally, Fidelity Pro mode in games outputs at 4K resolution while Performance Pro upscales to 4K from 1440p. You'll also get some form of ray tracing and other graphical enhancements in both modes. Yes, you're still choosing between fidelity and performance modes in certain games, but they work better on PS5 Pro than on PS5.
I'm extremely impressed with how ray tracing looks in games like Spider-Man 2 and Ratchet & Clank: Rift Apart, which are both developed by the PS5's MVP developer, Insomniac Games. I've spent a long time web-swinging through Times Square in Spider-Man and enjoying the reflections on all the glass buildings. The reflections on puddles in Ratchet & Clank also look phenomenal.
As I said before, you'll need one of the best TVs or best gaming monitors with a minimum 120Hz refresh rate that supports VRR to get the most from the PS5 Pro's AI upscaling, which Sony calls PSSR. If you have a TV or monitor with a high refresh rate, your eyes are in for a treat.
You won't need to buy one of the best PS5 internal SSDs for the PS5 Pro since the system comes with a hefty 2TB of storage.
I've been downloading games since I got a PS5 Pro and have only managed to use half of the system's storage. That's mostly because I've been downloading a lot of fighting games, so I'm sure I'd have more space if I were mostly playing games I'm reviewing. Still, it demonstrates that even if you're downloading an unusual amount of games, you won't have to worry about running out of space for a while.
Games that have been optimized for PS5 Pro look and run phenomenally. The system doesn't disappoint in that regard. Unfortunately, I wish there were more supported games.
At time of writing, there are only 55 PS5 Pro-enhanced games on the PlayStation Store. The game selection isn't exactly robust, and it doesn't help that almost all these titles are old, sometimes years old. Though newer games like Indiana Jones and the Great Circle take full advantage of the PS5 Pro's capabilities, titles like that are few and far between.
Sony mandated that all new games (at the time) had to be enhanced for the PS4 Pro. I'm not sure if the company has the same mandate for PS5 Pro, especially since brand-new games like Doom: The Dark Ages offer minimal enhancements. If Sony really wants to convince more folks to get a PS5 Pro, the company needs to step it up with new supported titles.
When testing games on a regular PS5 and PS5 Pro to see how they compare, the thing that stood out most to me was just how good PS5 games still look and run. While that's good news for PS5 owners, it somewhat diminishes the need for a PS5 Pro.
This is purely anecdotal, but I remember being more impressed with how the PS4 Pro enhanced its games. And mind you, I was impressed despite not owning a 4K TV at the time. I haven't gotten that same feeling when playing PS5 Pro games.
The fact that I review the best gaming PCs and best gaming laptops, which can outperform the PS5 Pro, might have something to do with this. Regardless, if you have a regular PS5, you'll still enjoy games that look and run great. You won't miss out if you don't own a PS5 Pro.
The PS4 Pro cost $399, which was the same price as the base PS4 at launch. That was a great price since you were effectively paying the same price for a better console. With the PS5 being $499 at launch, I hoped the PS5 Pro would have a similar price. Sadly, that isn't the case.
At $699, the PS5 Pro is Sony's most expensive console ever. And now that Sony is considering hiking the PS5's price, that price could potentially go higher. While the enhancements the system delivers are nice, they're not transformative enough for most folks to spend $699 on. There's a reason the PS5 Pro isn't selling out everywhere. It's too damn expensive!
I like the PS5 Pro for what it offers and will continue using it as my primary gaming console. Tech-wise, it's objectively the finest system Sony has released. It's certainly an indication of what we can expect from the inevitable PS6.
But despite appreciating what the PS5 Pro can do, it's hard for me to recommend it to most people. Unless by some miracle you can find the PS5 Pro at a discount, you're better off with a PS5. You're not missing out on much by not upgrading.
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But here, I'm ignoring my own advice — don't let looks deceive you. Although it's a bit of a monster, it really means business. Apart from weighing close to 18 lbs, it's incredibly baker-friendly, which is why I recommend it as the best scale for bakers. Unlike any of the other kitchen scales I've tested, it has a Baker's Percentage function. This feature enables breadmakers to scale a recipe up or down according to fixed ratios. It's not for everyone, but it's a handy function if you've got a home bakery going on at home. The scale did find it tricky to pick up the first gram or two, but it proved to be reliable, registering weights quickly and without any fluctuation. It also features a clear LED display, positioned at an angle for easy visibility. You'll also find it has a cover that protects the display. The idea is to shield the display from flour and other ingredients, but while the display is covered, you can't access the buttons. For instance, you'll need to lift the cover to press the tare function. I found it a bit of a nuisance, but this is easily remedied, as you can lift and slide the shield across to remove it. I'm not a fan of plug-in kitchen scales, as when I'm baking, I already have enough clutter on my countertop, but with the My Weigh you get the option to plug in a cable or insert batteries. It's good to have this dual option. Not all of the kitchen scales I test meet the requirements to gain a place among my top recommendations. However, they still have worthy attributes, which might be what you are looking for in a kitchen scale. SMEG Contemporary Kitchen Scales (★★★★☆)This kitchen scale is majestic and will stand out on a countertop, but I found the internal bowl was difficult to remove and I didn't feel it warranted the high price point. However, SMEG enthusiasts will love it, and the scale performed well on the accuracy test. Plus, it's charged with a USB cable, so if you can never find any batteries and you're looking for an aesthetic kitchen scale, this one could tick the box. Read my full SMEG Contemporary Kitchen Scale review Joseph Joseph SwitchScale (★★★½★) This is a neat scale with a bowl that can flip over for compact storage, but I found there is a flaw in the design. When the bowl is in use you'll have to step back and view the display. I also found that the bowl is small with shallow sides, which can cause a flurry of flour, and isn't ideal if you tend to way large amounts of said, SwitchScale does give you the option to use the scale without the bowl. Read my full Joseph Joseph SwitchScale review My training and experience has been grounded in classical French cuisine, from pastry to butchering, from purchasing and receiving, from garde manger to running a kitchen brigade, everything I have done in my career has pointed me towards teaching others how to cook professionally. I'm the head chef, recipe creator, writer and photographer behind The Forked Spoon, where you'll find family-friendly recipes for the everyday cook. For over 14 years, I've been crafting and sharing more than 1200 recipes, blending flavors with practical kitchen tips and expert culinary advice. I started Maricel's Kitchen in 2017 to help others cook Asian food with confidence and joy. My love for bold, fresh ingredients began in my Lola's kitchen in Manila. Since then, I've shared that passion on Hulu, PBS, and Food Network — and now through my cookbook, Maricel's Simply Asian Cookbook, filled with approachable recipes for every home cook. AccuracyThere's no point in using a scale if it's not accurate, so be sure to invest in a kitchen scale that's reliable and gives precise readings. MeasurementsAlthough you probably prefer working in either metric or imperial measurements, your favorite recipes will undoubtedly combine both. As Jessica says, 'I don't want to do manual conversions if a recipe is in either.' For this reason, your scale of choice should have a selection of measurements and be easy to switch between options. Tare function A tare function is an essential feature. It allows you to zero out a container's weight during a recipe, but it can also be used to reset the scale if you are measuring more than one item into your bowl at a time. CapacityApart from a scale that can measure a decent amount of weight, Michael says to look for one that can accommodate the size of bowl you usually use in your recipe preparation. But do remember to press the tare button before adding your ingredients. He also advises that your scale should handle the maximum weight needed for recipes while being able to measure the smallest weight too, 'whether that is a portion of an ounce or micrograms.' DisplayLook for a clear and easy-to-see display, with a good clearance from the bowl, with Michael suggesting, 'A pull-out display option is helpful for use with larger bowls or containers.' Jessica also advises to choose a scale with a digital readout for accuracy. Cleaning Consider how easy the scale will be to clean. Are there lots of nooks and crannies that ingredients can get caught under, or will it be easy to wipe clean? Auto-OffAn auto-off function will save on battery life, and will stop you having to think about turning it off when you're busy in the kitchen. It's worth taking care of your kitchen scales to keep them in good working order. Jessica recommends always keeping them in a dry place and avoiding exposure to heat, as extreme temperatures can affect their accuracy. And when storing your scales, Maricel recommends keeping them flat, with nothing on the weighing platform. With this in mind, Michael warns against overloading the scale and not exceeding the scales maximum weighing capacity. Maricel has a handy trick when using her scales to avoid too much mess accumulating on them, 'I cover my scale platform with saran wrap or parchment paper— it makes cleanup easy, and ensures that you are working on a sanitary surface if you are weighing dough or something raw.' And when it comes to keeping them clean Jessica says, 'Clean the scales regularly with a soft damp cloth to remove any food debris or spills. Avoid using harsh chemicals or submerging them in water, as moisture can damage the electronic components.' Jessica advises that you can use objects of a known weight, such as a preweighed calibration weights to test the accuracy of your scales. I used the same set of calibration weights during my testing, and the pack contained a 1g, 2 x 2g, 5g,10g, 20g, 50g, and 100g weight. However, if you don't want to purchase a set of calibration weights Maricel recommends using something from your kitchen cupboards, but removing the packaging beforehand. She favors using a pound of butter, but says flour can work too. However, you'll need to check that the bag isn't ripped and flour has leaked. Alternatively, Michael suggests using your spare change, advising that new pennies weigh 2.5g and nickels weigh 5g. If you're still experiencing accuracy issues, he suggests, 'Remove the batteries from the unit, wait a few minutes and then re-install the batteries. Replace the batteries if the issue persists.' It's also worth ensuring that the scale is on an even surface. 'Some units may have a re-calibration procedure, and these steps should be available in the owner's manual. Some units may also have a factory re-set function, as well,' Michael adds. You might wonder whether dual scales are worth it or whether you should have two — one for standard measurements and another for precision weighing. Michael Handel, says opting for a dual-platform scale may be helpful, but it depends on your needs during recipe preparation. 'A regular kitchen scale will be able to weigh ounces and increments of an ounce. A larger platform scale will show conversions of pounds and ounces to whole grams.' However, he adds, 'If you need to weigh ingredients in increments smaller than a gram, say tenths or hundredths of a gram, then a dual-platform scale would be very helpful. You would then have the option to do several types of weight calculations on one unit.' The tare function on scales resets the display weight back to zero. Therefore, if you place a plate or bowl on top of your scales, before adding ingredients, you can reset the weight, so that you start from zero. You'll also find it helpful if you like to add all of your ingredients into a bowl in one go, for instance when making a cake batter using the all-in-one-method. This will allow you to reset the weight every time you want to add another ingredient. I'd prefer to opt for a dual-scale, as it's more space-saving than having two, however, Maricel isn't a fan of multi-use items and has a large scale for items over a pound and a smaller scale for smaller measurement. It comes down to individual choice and what you are measuring.
