If you mean Sony’s newest current console, you’re choosing between the PS5 family’s standard models and the premium PS5 Pro—not a confirmed next-generation PlayStation. For most buyers focused on price or physical discs, the standard PS5 is the better starting point. Choose PS5 Pro if supported games’ graphics and performance enhancements and its 2 TB storage justify the higher price for you.
What is the “new PlayStation”?
Sony’s current U.S. console lineup includes PS5 and PS5 Pro. PS5 Pro is a more powerful, premium member of the PS5 family, not an announced next-generation system. Sony’s corporate strategy Q&A says it has made no decisions about the timing or price of a next-generation platform. Sony’s U.S. PlayStation site presents the current PS5 choices; Sony’s corporate Q&A addresses the successor question.
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How much do PS5 and PS5 Pro cost?
Sony’s recommended U.S. retail prices, effective April 2, 2026, are:
| Console | U.S. recommended price | Disc drive |
|---|---|---|
| PS5 Digital Edition | $599.99 | Not included |
| PS5 with disc drive | $649.99 | Included |
| PS5 Pro | $899.99 | Not included; sold separately |
At those U.S. recommended prices, Pro costs $250 more than the disc-drive PS5 and $300 more than Digital Edition. These are not guaranteed live retailer prices, and they do not apply globally; Sony lists separate prices for the U.K., Europe and Japan and advises buyers elsewhere to check local retailers or PlayStation Direct where available. Sony’s price announcement has the regional details.
#1 Best Overall
- Ray Tracing - Immerse yourself in worlds with a new level of realism as rays of light are individually simulated, creating true-to-life shadows and reflections in supported PS5 games.
- Faster Loading - Fast-travel across the map and get back into the game almost instantly with the PlayStation 5 console’s ultra-high-speed SSD and fast load times.
- Stunning Visuals - Experience the vast world in stunning 4K and HDR at 120 FPS (with a 4K and HDR compatible TV or display)
- Breathtaking Immersion - Discover a deeper gaming experience with support for haptic feedback, adaptive triggers, and 3D Audio technology.
- Backwards Compatibility - Play over 4,000 PS4 games on PS5. Enjoy faster and smoother frame rates in some of the PS4 console's greatest games.
What does PS5 Pro add?
Sony positions Pro around an upgraded GPU, advanced ray tracing and PlayStation Spectral Super Resolution (PSSR), an AI-driven image-upscaling technology. Its launch announcement also lists a 2 TB SSD. Pro-enhanced features are available only in select PS5 games, and the specific features vary by game. The vertical stand is sold separately. Sony’s PS5 Pro announcement describes its hardware and launch claims; the current U.S. PS5 Pro listing notes the separate stand and disc-drive situation.
Sony’s launch performance claims
In its 2024 announcement, Sony Interactive Entertainment said PS5 Pro has 67% more GPU compute units and 28% faster memory than the then-current PS5, and can render gameplay up to 45% faster. These are Sony’s platform claims, not independent measurements or a promise of the same gains in every title. Sony says enhancements vary by game.
Rank #2
- Upgraded 2TB Ultra Fast SSD - Double the space than the standard model with the same ultra fast speed. Fast-travel across the map and get back into the game almost instantly with fast load times.
- Stunning Visuals - Experience the vast world in stunning 4K and HDR (with a 4K and HDR compatible TV or display).
- Breathtaking Immersion - Discover a deeper gaming experience with support for haptic feedback, adaptive triggers, and 3D Audio technology.
- Slim Design - More power and storage packed in the new slim and compact design.
- Bundle comes with Astro Bot Game Voucher and C-Gamers controller charger
Disc playback and total cost
PS5 Pro is digital-only as sold. If you want to play physical PS5 game discs or use discs for other supported purposes, you need to buy its separate compatible disc drive and check compatibility with the specific console revision and drive listing. Factor that accessory into Pro’s total cost. The standard disc-drive PS5 includes an optical drive; Digital Edition does not.
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Which PlayStation should you buy?
| Your priority | Best starting choice | What to weigh |
|---|---|---|
| Lower price with disc playback included | Standard PS5 with disc drive | Its announced U.S. recommended price is $250 below Pro; check current local prices. |
| Digital games and the lowest official U.S. entry price | PS5 Digital Edition | It is $50 below the disc-drive PS5 at announced U.S. prices, but has no built-in disc drive. |
| More storage and Sony’s strongest PS5 graphics/performance positioning | PS5 Pro | Its GPU, ray-tracing and PSSR features apply to supported games; it costs substantially more and is sold without a disc drive. |
| Physical PS5 game discs | Standard disc-drive PS5, or Pro plus separate drive | Include the compatible optional drive in the Pro budget. |
| Waiting for a successor | Decide based on current needs and budget | Sony has not decided next-generation timing or pricing, so no release date or price is confirmed. |
For a practical decision, consider the games you actually play and whether Sony lists them as Pro-enhanced, the display you use, whether you need disc playback, and how much extra you are willing to pay for potential image or performance improvements. Sony’s stated support is selective, so do not assume every game will run at 4K/60 or look substantially better on Pro.
Quick Recap
Rank #3
- Ray Tracing - Immerse yourself in worlds with a new level of realism as rays of light are individually simulated, creating true-to-life shadows and reflections in supported PS5 games.
- Faster Loading - Fast-travel across the map and get back into the game almost instantly with the PlayStation 5 console’s ultra-high-speed SSD and fast load times.
- Stunning Visuals - Experience the vast world in stunning 4K and HDR at 120 FPS (with a 4K and HDR compatible TV or display)
- Breathtaking Immersion - Discover a deeper gaming experience with support for haptic feedback, adaptive triggers, and 3D Audio technology.
- Backwards Compatibility - Play over 4,000 PS4 games on PS5. Enjoy faster and smoother frame rates in some of the PS4 console's greatest games.
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.
