Hands-On with the PlayStation 5 Pro: A First Look at Enhanced Gaming
Kristen and I recently had the opportunity to experience the new PlayStation 5 Pro (PS5 Pro) console firsthand. With its promising capabilities, the initial impressions were overwhelmingly positive. Although we couldn’t explore every game during the hands-on event, even a brief overview of the PS5 Pro Enhanced games showcased significant improvements over the existing PS5 console.
Leveraging Advanced Hardware for Enhanced Gaming
It was fascinating to observe how different game studios are utilizing the advanced hardware of the PS5 Pro. Currently, many PS5 games provide players with the option to choose between Fidelity and Performance modes, allowing them to prioritize either high visual quality or better performance. Some of the PS5 Pro games we saw seem to merge the advantages of both modes, offering an elevated gaming experience.
Horizon Forbidden West: Pro Performance Mode
One notable example of this "best of both worlds" approach is Horizon Forbidden West‘s Pro Performance mode, which is set to launch on November 7 alongside the PS5 Pro. Compared to the standard Performance mode on the PS5, the PS5 Pro’s additional power delivers the same high framerate while significantly enhancing image quality. The visual details, such as moss, leaves, and the red stealth bushes, appear much cleaner and crisper. Even textures and holograms show noticeable improvements.
The Pro Performance mode also enhances the game’s volumetric effects. For instance, misty sunbeams are now free of the distracting shimmers and strobing seen in the PS5’s stock Performance mode.
Final Fantasy VII Rebirth: Enhanced Mode
Final Fantasy VII Rebirth also benefits from the PS5 Pro’s capabilities, featuring a high framerate and sharp presentation in its new Enhanced Mode, which is also due out on November 7. While exploring the countryside, we observed crystal-clear vistas devoid of distracting shimmering and visual noise, especially in traditionally problematic areas like distant trees and structures. The Gold Saucer’s high-contrast environments were particularly impressive, with neon lights resolving cleanly against darker surfaces. More importantly, the high framerate significantly improved combat and traversal, making this a substantial upgrade.
The Last of Us Part II Remastered and Marvel’s Spider-Man 2
The Last of Us Part II Remastered showcased the PS5 Pro’s ability to deliver high visual quality combined with a high framerate. Blades of grass and leaves appeared clean and free of distracting shimmer or visual noise. Similarly, Marvel’s Spider-Man 2 ran at both a high framerate and high Fidelity-mode resolution. This included its signature ray-traced reflections, resulting in a stunning overall presentation that balanced minor trade-offs to offer the best-looking Marvel’s Spider-Man 2 experience seen on PlayStation to date.
Enhanced Ray Tracing Performance
Another significant topic is ray tracing, which has received more than a 2x performance boost on the PS5 Pro. Although not every game utilizes this technology, the early tests on the PS5 Pro yield some intriguing results.
Hogwarts Legacy: Fidelity Ray Tracing Mode
Hogwarts Legacy takes a unique approach by emphasizing ray tracing quality through its new Fidelity Ray Tracing Mode, available at the console’s launch. This mode enhances the lighting system by adding ray-traced shadows and improving ray-traced reflections, all while targeting a stable 30 frames per second (fps). Seeing your character reflected in a suit of armor is a stunning demonstration of ray tracing’s potential. The upgraded ray-traced shadows add another visual flourish to an already polished game. Although ray tracing is the main focus for developer Avalanche, the game’s Performance Mode and Fidelity Mode will also receive quality enhancements.
GT7 and F1 24: New Rendering Modes
GT7 is preparing for a November release of a new patch that will introduce several PS5 Pro-focused rendering modes, including a Raytrace Priority mode that adds impressive new car reflections. F1 24 is enhancing its Quality mode to include new ray tracing effects that shine particularly on rain-soaked courses, making the tracks feel more realistic and immersive.
Experimental 8K/60fps Rendering Mode in GT7
In addition to these enhancements, GT7 will feature an optional and experimental 8K/60fps rendering mode. This mode aims to provide hyper-crisp and hyper-clean visuals, but it requires an 8K display to fully appreciate the upgrade.
Conclusion: Promising Prospects for PS5 Pro
These are just our initial impressions, but the PS5 Pro already shows significant promise. We eagerly anticipate spending more time with the console when it officially launches on November 7.
For more information on how game developers are leveraging the new technology of the PlayStation 5 Pro, you can visit the official PlayStation blog.
Note: Ray tracing and high frame rate gameplay features are only available on select PS5 games that have been enhanced for PS5 Pro when compared to the standard PS5. Enhanced features will vary by game and require a compatible display.
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