The Chinese version of the PS5 Pro is now available for purchase, prompting discussions about its value and practical advantages.

      Credit: Sony

      Today, Sony launched the PlayStation 5 Pro (PS5 Pro) in the Chinese mainland market, priced at RMB 5,599 ($770). Initially released overseas in November 2024, the PS5 Pro made its way to China nearly 11 months later.

      As a next-gen high-performance console, the new model includes significant upgrades such as improved GPU performance, enhanced ray tracing abilities, and a 2TB storage option, making it one of the most discussed gaming products of the year. However, its hefty price and mixed reviews regarding actual performance have sparked considerable debate among Chinese gamers—some regard it as a “must-buy,” while others see it as an “overpriced upgrade.”

      4K/60fps becomes standard, AI upscaling raises expectations

      The primary enhancements of the PS5 Pro focus on graphics capabilities. According to Sony, the GPU compute units in the PS5 Pro are 67% larger than those in the standard PS5, resulting in a 45% increase in rendering speeds. Alongside the new PSSR (PlayStation Spectral Super Resolution) AI upscaling technology, the console can improve dynamic resolution for 4K TVs.

      For instance, Final Fantasy VII Rebirth utilizes PSSR to upgrade native 1080p visuals to near-4K quality while maintaining a steady 60fps. Ray tracing performance has seen a 2–3 times improvement compared to the original PS5, making reflections on glass and city lighting in Marvel’s Spider-Man 2 appear more lifelike.

      The PS5 Pro includes a standard 2TB SSD and 18GB of memory (16GB + 2GB reserved for the system). It also supports Wi-Fi 7, offering download speeds around 30% quicker than the standard PS5. The PS5 Pro’s DualSense controller boasts enhanced haptic feedback and adaptive triggers, providing more detailed tactile responses in games like Astro’s Playroom.

      PS5 Pro in China – high price ignites discussions about value

      The PS5 Pro’s price in the Chinese mainland is set at RMB 5,599 ($770), and it is offered only in a digital version, with a disc drive available separately for approximately RMB 569 ($78). In comparison, the standard PS5 can be found on the second-hand market for around RMB 2,400 ($330), making the Pro edition's cost-performance ratio relatively low. The price exceeding RMB 5,000 ($688) has dissuaded many players, who believe it presents less value than acquiring a second-hand PS5 or waiting for the PS6.

      The PS5 Pro does not launch with any exclusive games or unique effects; all titles remain compatible with the standard PS5. Many players express that the Pro only enhances graphics and frame rates, lacking must-have exclusives that would boost its attractiveness for the average user.

      Some view the Pro as ideal for players seeking the ultimate visual experience, whereas others argue that the standard PS5 already fulfills 4K gaming requirements. The advantages of the Pro edition are limited unless paired with a high-refresh-rate 4K TV.

      Potential early performance and graphical issues

      New models may occasionally display visual defects and performance regressions. For example, Sohu News reports that games such as Silent Hill 2 Remake have experienced stuttering or flickering on the overseas PS5 Pro, while the standard PS5 shows more stable performance.

      The PSSR technology has yet to be fully optimized, which could lead to noisy visuals or glitches when interacting with global illumination in certain games. In Alan Wake 2, enabling ray tracing on the overseas PS5 Pro causes noticeable fluctuations in frame rates, and some scenes may not appear significantly better than on the original PS5.

      Region restrictions and content limitations on the Chinese PS5 Pro

      The Chinese version of the PS5 Pro is region-locked, meaning games can only be bought and downloaded from the China PS Store, and some international titles may not be available. It is possible to switch to an overseas account using a system backup method, but this process is complicated and requires a foreign console.

      Games on the Chinese PS5 Pro must undergo content review. Some titles may be altered or censored, particularly those containing violence, blood, or other sensitive material. Moreover, certain popular games may not be released in China.

      Balancing technological upgrades with player expectations

      The discussion around the PS5 Pro brings to light new challenges in the console market. As hardware performance nears its limits, players are becoming increasingly attuned to cost-performance ratios.

      With the rising penetration of high-refresh-rate 4K TVs and the integration of AI technologies, the competition for performance in the console market is expected to persist. Ultimately, success may depend on which companies can best address the essential demands of players.