Kristen and I had our first chance to see (and try out) the PlayStation Pro console, and early impressions are promising. While we weren’t able to thoroughly examine every single game at last week’s hands-on event, even a cursory glance at the PS5 Pro Enhanced games on display revealed immediate and tangible advantages over the current PS5 console.

It was interesting to see how different studios took advantage of the PS5 Pro’s advanced hardware. Many PS5 games currently allow players to choose between “Fidelity” and “Performance” modes to suit their tastes. Some of the PS5 Pro games we saw seemed to combine the benefits of High Fidelity and High Performance, taking the experience to a new level.

This “best of both worlds” approach was clearly evident in Horizon Forbidden WestPro Performance Mode is expected to launch on November 7 with the launch of the PS5 Pro. Compared to the PS5’s standard Performance Mode, the PS5 Pro’s extra power allows for the same high frame rate while massively improving image quality. Visual graininess in fine environmental details like moss, leaves, and the red stealth bushes is gone, but even some textures and holograms looked noticeably cleaner and sharper. Pro Performance Mode also benefits the game’s volumetric effects; misty sunbeams were free of distracting shimmer and strobe effects we noticed in the PS5’s standard Performance Mode.

Final Fantasy VII Rebirth showed off impressive PS5 Pro flare, high framerate, and crisp visuals in the new Enhanced Mode, due out November 7. As we explored the landscape, we observed crystal-clear vistas free of distracting shimmer and visual noise, especially in classic trouble spots like distant trees and buildings. We then visited the high-contrast environments of the Gold Saucer, where the neon lights stood out cleanly against the darker ambient surfaces. Perhaps more importantly, the high framerate brought tangible benefits to combat and locomotion, making this a significant upgrade.

The Last of Us Part II Remastered provided another impressive demonstration of the PS5 Pro’s vision of high image quality paired with a high frame rate. Blades of grass and leaves were cleanly resolved, without annoying shimmer effects or image noise. Marvel’s Spider-Man 2 was observed with both a high frame rate and crisp resolution in Fidelity mode and a feature set including the signature ray-traced reflections. Overall, it was a great presentation that balanced out small compromises to provide the best looking Marvel’s Spider-Man 2 Experience we saw on PlayStation.

This brings us to another topic: Ray tracing performance has more than doubled on the PS5 Pro. And while not every game takes advantage of this unique technology, we’re seeing some very interesting results in early PS5 Pro testing.

Hogwarts Legacy is taking a unique approach to the PS5 Pro by emphasizing ray tracing quality via its new Fidelity Ray Tracing mode, which is set to arrive at the console’s launch. From what we’ve seen, this new mode significantly improves the lighting system by adding ray traced shadows and improving ray traced reflections, all while targeting a stable 30fps. Seeing your character realistically reflected in armor is a stunning demonstration of ray tracing’s potential, while the improved RT shadows add further visual enrichment to an already polished game. Although ray tracing appears to be developer Avalanche’s primary focus, the game’s Performance Mode and Fidelity Mode will also see quality improvements.

GT7 is aiming to release a new patch in November that will add several new PS5 Pro-focused rendering modes, including a ray-traced priority mode that adds striking new auto-reflections. F1 24 updates its quality mode to add new ray tracing effects that shine especially on rain-soaked tracks, giving the tracks a more realistic and immersive feel.

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GT7 will also include an optional and experimental 8K/60fps rendering mode that focuses on extremely sharp and clean images (yes, you must have an 8K display).

These are just our first impressions, we can’t wait to spend more time with the PS5 Pro when it launches on November 7.

Learn more about how game developers are taking advantage of the PlayStation 5 Pro console.

Ray tracing and high frame rate gameplay features are only available on select PS5 games that have been enhanced for PS5 Pro compared to PS5. Enhanced features on PS5 Pro vary by game. Enhanced features require a compatible display.