The PlayStation 5 Pro has been available for a few weeks, but unlike many, I haven’t rushed to buy it. Even with a high-end TV capable of showcasing the console’s power, I’ve decided to wait. So far, I haven’t regretted this decision, as some early trends with the PS5 Pro are giving me pause. Here are three things I’m hoping to see in the coming months that would convince me to finally purchase the new hardware.
Developer Optimization Improvements
Improved PS5 Pro Game Performance
One of my biggest concerns with the PS5 Pro is the performance of certain games. While many titles are optimized for the new hardware, not all optimizations have been successful. Specifically, Silent Hill 2 and Star Wars Jedi: Survivor have reportedly performed worse on the PS5 Pro compared to their standard PS5 counterparts. While these might be isolated incidents, they’re notable considering the limited number of PS5 Pro-supported games currently available. This suggests some developers might still be grappling with the nuances of the new console, potentially leading to further performance issues with future PS5 Pro-optimized titles.
Related: New PS5 Controller Comes With a Major Oversight That Fans Hate
A True PS5 Pro Flagship Title
Ghost of Tsushima Sequel on PS5 Pro
Beyond third-party developers, Sony itself hasn’t released a first-party title specifically designed for the PS5 Pro. While studios like Naughty Dog, Insomniac Games, and Santa Monica Studio quickly released PS5 Pro patches for The Last of Us Part II Remastered, Marvel’s Spider-Man 2, and God of War Ragnarok, these games were initially built for the PS4 architecture. Consequently, their PS5 Pro enhancements are likely less significant than they could have been if designed with the new hardware in mind from the start. Ghost of Yotei seems poised to be the first major PlayStation title built specifically to leverage the PS5 Pro’s capabilities. Given the visual splendor of Ghost of Tsushima on the PS4 Pro, I’m optimistic that Ghost of Yotei will be a significant visual upgrade on the PS5 Pro upon its 2025 release. A true killer app, whether it’s Ghost of Yotei or another title, would significantly increase my desire to purchase the console.
A Price Drop or Incentive
PlayStation Logo and Money
The $700 price tag is a major barrier for many considering the PS5 Pro, myself included. I’m waiting for a sale or promotion before seriously considering a purchase. This discount doesn’t necessarily have to come directly from Sony. I purchased my PS4 Pro thanks to a limited-time trade-in offer at GameStop, which provided additional value towards the upgraded console. Given the PS5 Pro’s recent release, such deals haven’t surfaced yet, and might not for several months. When these discounts finally appear, I’ll likely make the purchase.
