Gran Turismo 7: A Leap Forward in Gaming Fidelity with the PS5 Pro

CONTENTS:

• Gran Turismo 7: A Stunning 8K Experience
• PS5 Pro: A Powerful Upgrade with a Familiar Design
• PS5 Pro: A Focus on Graphics and AI
• PS5 Pro: Higher Image Quality
• Hands-On Experience with PS5 Pro Games
• PS5 Pro: Potential for VR Enhancements
• PS5 Pro: Is It Worth the Upgrade?
• PS5 Pro: Confirmed Games
• PS5 Pro: Key Features
• PS5 Pro: Package Contents

Gran Turismo 7: A Leap Forward in Gaming Fidelity with the PS5 Pro

Gran Turismo 7: A Stunning 8K Experience

Playing Gran Turismo 7 on an 80-inch TV in 8K resolution is nothing short of breathtaking. Even with average driving skills, the incredible landscape clarity is impressive. The newly introduced 4K ray-tracing mode enhances realism, with reflections bouncing off cars and the environment, making the experience feel almost like VR—without the need for a headset.

At Sony’s PlayStation headquarters in San Mateo, various TVs are set up displaying demos of familiar games such as Ratchet and Clank and Spider-Man 2. These are running on the upcoming PlayStation 5 Pro, which launches on November 7 for $700 (£700), with preorders starting on September 26. Mark Cerny, Sony’s lead system architect for PlayStation, guided me through these demos, showing the graphical enhancements compared to the standard PS5.

Switching between the consoles, the improvements are evident—sharper visuals, smoother gameplay, and overall better performance. While the PS5 Pro offers clear advantages, its price compared to the standard PS5 ($500, likely to be discounted during holiday sales) may not justify the upgrade for everyone. The PS5 Pro isn’t a next-generation console like the future PS6, but rather a powerful mid-cycle upgrade aimed at competing with high-end gaming PCs.

PS5 Pro: A Powerful Upgrade with a Familiar Design

The PS5 Pro is designed to enhance gaming experiences on large TVs. With an upgraded GPU, it delivers more ray tracing, smoother 4K gameplay at 60fps for Pro-enhanced games, and AI-driven upscaling for the entire PlayStation library. Sony estimates that 40 to 50 games will receive Pro-enhanced patches at launch, offering improved graphics and performance.

During my hands-on session, I tested several games and discussed the console’s future with Mark Cerny and Hideaki Nishino, CEO of Sony Interactive Entertainment’s Platform Business Group.

Compact and Redesigned

Despite the power boost, the PS5 Pro isn’t bulkier than its predecessor. It closely resembles the original PS5 but is slightly smaller. The “Slim” PS5 released last year remains the most compact, but the difference is minimal.

A noticeable external change is the diagonal black ribbed vents across the middle, making the Pro incompatible with existing PS5 console covers. Additionally, the back replaces a USB-A port with a USB-C. The Pro should fit in the same spaces as the standard PS5, unlike the chunkier PS4 Pro from 2016. Users can opt for a vertical stand for $30.

Storage and Connectivity Enhancements

The PS5 Pro features a larger 2TB SSD, with support for expandable M2 SSDs. It lacks a built-in optical drive, but an external disc drive, compatible with newer PS5 models, can be purchased separately. The console also supports Wi-Fi 7, ensuring faster game downloads with compatible routers.

PS5 Pro: A Focus on Graphics and AI

While CPU and SSD speeds remain unchanged, the PS5 Pro’s GPU sees a major upgrade:

• 67% more computing cores
• 28% faster RAM
• 45% improved rendering performance

Three Key GPU Upgrades

Sony highlights three major advancements:

1. Enhanced Ray Tracing – More realistic lighting and reflections.
2. AI-Assisted 4K Upscaling – A new feature called PlayStation Spectral Super Resolution (PSSR), which applies to the entire game library (games need a patch for full optimization).
3. Pro Mode – A combination of 60fps gameplay and 4K resolution.

At launch, 40 to 50 games will receive updates focusing on 4K/60fps enhancements, improved volumetric lighting, richer environments, additional background characters, and new modes supporting up to 120fps or even 8K gameplay. During my Gran Turismo 7 demo, I was particularly impressed by the ray-tracing effects and overall visual fidelity.

TV Compatibility and Frame Rates

The PS5 Pro seamlessly works with TVs featuring variable refresh rates (40-120Hz), ensuring smoother gameplay without requiring patches. Dedicated 120fps modes are also in development. Cerny noted that 25% of PS5 owners have 120Hz-capable TVs, while 10% have variable refresh rate displays.

Although 8K gaming is supported, its relevance is limited due to the rarity of 8K TVs. However, even on a 4K TV, users will benefit from the enhanced visual effects. This technology may also improve PlayStation VR2 (PSVR2) experiences in the future.

PS5 Pro: Higher Image Quality

Cerny shared that new games will have three different graphical modes optimized for the PS5 Pro. Over time, the focus will shift toward improved image quality rather than just resolution increases.

Easier PC Ports

The PS5 Pro streamlines the process of porting PC games. Developers can leverage high-end PC optimizations and selectively adapt them for the console. Cerny also mentioned that the PS5 Pro utilizes unique ray-tracing features developed in collaboration with AMD, setting it apart from existing AMD GPUs.

Hands-On Experience with PS5 Pro Games

During my testing, I compared multiple PS5 and PS5 Pro versions side by side. Some improvements were subtle, but others were striking.

Standout Games on the PS5 Pro

• Final Fantasy 7 Rebirth – Sharper visuals and smoother performance.
• F1 24 – Enhanced ray-tracing effects in rainy weather for a photorealistic feel.
• Gran Turismo 7 – The most impressive demo, featuring an 8K mode and a 4K ray-traced mode, bringing unparalleled realism to races.

After four years since the PS5 launch, this upgrade arrives later than previous mid-cycle updates (the PS4 Pro launched three years after the PS4). Following this pattern, the PS6 could be expected in another four years.

PS5 Pro: Potential for VR Enhancements

As CNET’s VR expert, I’m especially curious about how the PS5 Pro will improve PSVR2 experiences. While Sony has confirmed the Pro’s GPU boost will support higher-resolution VR games, no specific updates for PSVR2 titles have been announced yet.

Future Peripherals

Sony’s PlayStation Portal offers handheld remote play but is limited by Wi-Fi speeds. The PS5 Pro’s improved Wi-Fi 7 support could lead to a next-generation handheld with better performance.

PS5 Pro: Is It Worth the Upgrade?

A $700 mid-cycle console upgrade isn’t for everyone, especially since the original PS5 remains a strong gaming system. However, Sony expects the Pro to attract new PlayStation users, just as the PS4 Pro did. Industry analysts suggest that while consoles and PCs continue to evolve separately, the decision to upgrade is more about preference than necessity.

For gamers looking for the best possible experience on a high-end TV, the PS5 Pro is a compelling choice. If I were buying a PS5 for the first time, I’d strongly consider the Pro, especially with future TV upgrades in mind.

PS5 Pro: Confirmed Games

At launch, the PS5 Pro will support enhanced versions of the following games:

• Alan Wake 2
• Assassin’s Creed: Shadows
• Demon’s Souls
• Dragon’s Dogma 2
• Final Fantasy 7 Rebirth
• Gran Turismo 7
• Hogwarts Legacy
• Horizon Forbidden West
• Marvel’s Spider-Man 2
• Ratchet & Clank: Rift Apart
• The Crew Motorfest
• The First Descendant
• The Last of Us Part I & II Remastered
• Until Dawn

PS5 Pro: Key Features

• Upgraded GPU with advanced ray tracing and AI upscaling
• Two USB-C (front), two USB-A (rear), HDMI 2.1, and Ethernet
• 2TB SSD storage
• Wi-Fi 7 support

PS5 Pro: Package Contents

Included:

• • PS5 Pro console
  • DualSense controller
  • HDMI, USB-C, and power cables

• Horizontal stand feet

Sold Separately:

• Vertical stand ($30)
• Optical disc drive ($80)

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