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Head-to-head

Sony - PlayStation 5 (Launch) vs Sony - PlayStation 5 Pro

Last updated · How Mars Score works
PlayStation 5 (Launch)SONYRENDER
Probe A
Sony
PlayStation 5 (Launch)
63.4/ 100C
Performance64· 60%
Storage62· 25%
Design & I/O—· 15%
PlayStation 5 ProSONYRENDER
Probe B
Sony
PlayStation 5 Pro
73.7/ 100B
Performance64· 60%
Storage95· 25%
Design & I/O—· 15%
Quick verdict

Between the PlayStation 5 (Launch) and PlayStation 5 Pro, the PlayStation 5 (Launch) comes out ahead in disc drive, while the PlayStation 5 Pro wins on storage. Overall, the PlayStation 5 (Launch) scores 63.4 and the PlayStation 5 Pro scores 73.7 on our Mars Score.

Buying advice

Which should you buy?

The PlayStation 5 Pro is the clear pick on raw spec strength, leading by 10.3 points on the Mars Score. The margin is wide enough that the underdog only makes sense if its individual strengths line up with what you specifically need.

Pick the PlayStation 5 (Launch) if you care most about disc drive. The biggest gaps in its favor are disc drive.

Pick the PlayStation 5 Pro if you care most about storage. Its strongest claims are storage.

Both ship with comparable ram, max resolution, max refresh, so those specs don't separate the two — focus on the differences below.

Bottom line: the PlayStation 5 Pro is the safer default. The other model is the right choice only when its specific advantages line up with your priorities.

Why Sony - PlayStation 5 (Launch) wins

  • ▲Has Disc drive.

Why Sony - PlayStation 5 Pro wins

  • ▲Storage — 148.24% more. 2048 GB vs 825 GB.
Full readout

Spec comparison

Performance

SpecSony - PlayStation 5 (Launch)Sony - PlayStation 5 Pro
CPUAMD Zen 2 8-coreAMD Zen 2 8-core
GPUAMD RDNA 2 (10.3 TFLOPS)AMD RDNA 3 (~16.7 TFLOPS)
RAMⓘ16 GB16 GB
Max resolution8K8K
Max refresh120 Hz120 Hz
Ray tracingtruetrue
VRRⓘtruetrue

Storage

SpecSony - PlayStation 5 (Launch)Sony - PlayStation 5 Pro
Storageⓘ825 GB2048 GBlead
Storage typeⓘNVMe SSDNVMe SSD
Expandable storagetruetrue

Design & I/O

SpecSony - PlayStation 5 (Launch)Sony - PlayStation 5 Pro
Disc drivetrueleadfalse
HDMIⓘ2.12.1
USB ports44
Weight4.5 kg3.1 kglead
VR supporttruetrue
Reader questions

Frequently asked

Does PlayStation 5 (Launch) or PlayStation 5 Pro have a disc drive?+

PlayStation 5 (Launch) has a disc drive; PlayStation 5 Pro is digital-only.

Which has more storage, PlayStation 5 (Launch) or PlayStation 5 Pro?+

PlayStation 5 Pro ships with 2048GB of NVMe SSD.

Which supports higher refresh rates, PlayStation 5 (Launch) or PlayStation 5 Pro?+

PlayStation 5 Pro supports up to 120Hz vs 120Hz.

Drill down

Spec-level deep dives

CPU→GPU→RAM→Max resolution→Max refresh→Ray tracing→VRR→Storage→Storage type→Expandable storage→Disc drive→HDMI→
By manufacturer

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