We crunch the numbers on performance, accessories, and resale value to see if the PS5 Pro is a smart upgrade for you.
You’ve been saving up, eyeing that shiny new PS5 Pro announcement. But as you stare at your trusty launch-day PS5, a familiar question creeps in: Is this really worth it? I get it. I’m right there with you, wallet in hand, trying to justify the leap. Let’s break down the cost-benefit like a budget pro—because dropping $700+ isn’t just a purchase; it’s a financial decision.
Why This Upgrade Decision Matters
Gaming is an expensive hobby, and console generations are getting blurred with mid-cycle refreshes. The PS5 Pro promises 45% faster rendering, advanced ray tracing, and AI upscaling—but at what real cost? You’re not just buying a console; you’re buying into a new ecosystem (or staying in your current one). We’ll calculate everything: the console itself, mandatory accessories, games that actually use the power, and what you can get for your old PS5. By the end, you’ll know if the Pro is a smart buy or just FOMO.
Item 1: The Console Itself – PS5 Pro ($699.99)
Let’s start with the sticker price. The PS5 Pro launches at $699.99 for the digital edition—no disc drive included. That’s a $250 premium over the standard PS5 Digital ($449.99) and $200 over the Disc version ($499.99). But you’re getting a custom GPU based on RDNA 3 architecture with 33.5 teraflops (vs. 10.3 TF on base PS5), 2TB SSD, and Wi-Fi 7. The question is: does raw power translate to a perceptible difference on your 4K TV? In our testing, the Pro delivers consistent 60 fps in demanding titles like Horizon Forbidden West and Spider-Man 2 where the base PS5 dips. But if you’re on a 1080p display, you’ll see minimal improvement. Trade-off: The Pro lacks a disc drive—if you own physical games or rent discs, you’ll need the optional $79.99 PlayStation 5 Disc Drive, bumping the total to $779.98.
Item 2: Mandatory Accessories – Hidden Costs
Beyond the console, you need extras. The PS5 Pro doesn’t include a vertical stand—that’s PS5 Pro Vertical Stand for $29.99. And let’s be honest, you’ll want a second controller; the base PS5 controller works, but if you want the new features like adaptive triggers and haptic feedback (both already on the standard DualSense), you’ll grab a DualSense Wireless Controller at $74.99. If you’re upgrading from a PS4 controller, you’ll also need a USB-C cable. Total add-on cost: ~$105 for stand and extra controller. That’s now $805 (without disc drive) or $885 with it.
Item 3: Games That Leverage the Upgrade
The Pro’s value depends on games optimized for its hardware. Sony’s first-party titles like Marvel’s Spider-Man 2 and The Last of Us Part I run at native 4K/60 with ray tracing—a nice bump from the base PS5’s dynamic 4K. Third-party games like Cyberpunk 2077 and Call of Duty: Black Ops 6 will have “Pro Enhanced” modes. But here’s the kicker: most current PS5 games already run well. You’ll need new releases that push the envelope, and that means spending $70 each. If you buy 3-4 Pro-aware games, that’s $210–$280 extra. Trade-off: If most of your library is cross-gen or older, the upgrade is wasted. Try Ratchet & Clank: Rift Apart for a showcase you can actually test.
Item 4: Resale Value of Your Old PS5
Selling your PS5 offsets the cost. As of writing, a used standard PS5 (Disc) fetches around $350–$400 on eBay or Facebook Marketplace. The digital version goes for $300–$350. If you sell, your net upgrade cost is: $699.99 (Pro) – $375 (avg resale) = $324.99. Add mandatory accessories ($105) if you don’t already have them, and you’re at $430. Throw in games ($70 each), and it climbs fast. Trade-off: The resale market might dip once the Pro is widely available—prices could slide 10-15%. Sell now, not later.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Factor | PS5 Standard (Disc) | PS5 Pro (Digital) | Delta |
|---|---|---|---|
| Console Price | $499.99 | $699.99 | +$200 |
| With Disc Drive | N/A | $779.98 | +$280 |
| With Stand & 2nd Controller | ~$575 | $805–$885 | +$230–$310 |
| 4K/60 Performance | Variable, sometimes 30 fps | Consistent 60 fps with RT | Noticeable in specific titles |
| Storage | 825GB | 2TB | +1.2TB (huge advantage) |
| Resale Value (now) | ~$375 | N/A | Offsets ~$325 |
| Total Net Cost (Disc owner) | – | $430–$510 | Depending on games |
| Best For | Budget gamers, casuals | Enthusiasts, high-refresh displays | Performance vs. cost |
How to Choose Yours – Decision Framework
Ask yourself these three questions:
- Do you have a 120Hz 4K TV? If not, the Pro’s gains are invisible. Standard PS5 is enough.
- Are you a competitive player? Higher frame rates matter in Call of Duty or Apex. Pro helps, but the difference from 60 to 120 fps is marginal without VRR.
- Do you care about storage? The 2TB SSD is a major upgrade. If you juggle 5+ games, the Pro saves you from deleting and re-downloading.
Who the Pro IS for: Gamers with budget flexibility, a premium display, and a list of upcoming Pro-enhanced titles. Also, content creators who want the capture improvements.
Who the Pro ISN’T for: Anyone on a tight budget, playing on a 1080p/60Hz TV, or satisfied with current performance. The standard PS5 is still a beast.
The Verdict – Bottom Line
Here’s the honest truth: the PS5 Pro is a luxury, not a necessity. If you have the cash and want the absolute best, go for it—net cost after selling your PS5 is around $400–$500, which is similar to buying a new console at launch. But if you’re stretching your budget or only game casually, stick with your PS5. The games will still be amazing, and you can wait for a price drop or bundle. Remember: the best console is the one you can afford to enjoy. No FOMO needed.
Just be sure to grab that PS5 Pro Vertical Stand early—supply might be short. And if you’re on the fence, spend the $70 on The Last of Us Part I instead; it’s a masterpiece on any PS5.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the PS5 Pro backwards compatible with PS4 and PS5 games?
Yes, the PS5 Pro is fully backwards compatible with all PS5 and PS4 games. You can play your existing library without issues. Some PS4 games may even benefit from Boost Mode, improving frame rates or load times. Just like the standard PS5, the Pro supports the vast majority of PS4 titles.
Does the PS5 Pro make a difference on a 1080p TV?
On a 1080p display, the visual improvement is minimal. The Pro's main advantages—higher resolutions and ray tracing—are best seen on 4K TVs. However, you may still benefit from more stable frame rates and faster load times. If you plan to upgrade to a 4K TV later, the Pro is a future-proof choice.
Why doesn't the PS5 Pro come with a disc drive?
Sony designed the PS5 Pro as a digital-only console to reduce manufacturing costs and appeal to the growing digital market. By omitting the disc drive, they lowered the base price and allowed users to add one separately if needed. This also gives buyers the flexibility to choose physical or digital media.
Who should buy the PS5 Pro over the standard PS5?
The PS5 Pro is ideal for gaming enthusiasts with a 4K 120Hz TV who want the best performance, including stable 60fps with ray tracing. It's also suitable for content creators needing extra storage. Casual gamers or those on a budget will find the standard PS5 offers excellent value and a similar experience.