PS5 Pro: the PSSR doesn't work every time… The height of it all for an €800 console

News JVTech PS5 Pro: the PSSR doesn't work every time… The height of it all for an €800 console

Improved performance but at what cost?

On paper, the PS5 Pro provides an obvious performance gain compared to the standard PS5. In the case of a recent game, like Dragon's Dogma 2, the console significantly improves the framerate, especially in performance mode. While the standard version oscillates between 30 and 45 frames per second in graphics mode, the PS5 Pro manages to achieve a framerate of 40 to 55 frames per second, with an advantage of up to 40% in certain situations.

However, this advantage comes with trade-offs. In performance mode, the native resolution drops to 720p, with a PSSR upscale to a 4K target. While this technique improves overall sharpness, it also introduces noticeable visual artifacts, particularly visible on fine elements like blades of grass or texture details at a distance.

The PS5 Pro offers three main graphics modes: performance, balanced and quality. Each has its pros and cons, but none stands out as the ideal solution.

• Mode performance : Designed to prioritize framerate, this mode disables ray tracing and is limited to a native resolution of 720p. Although it can achieve framerates close to 60fps, the image suffers from visual noise and flicker, making certain details such as grass and shadows particularly unpleasant.

• Balanced mode : Specific to the PS5 Pro, this mode offers a native resolution of 1080p while retaining ray tracing. It offers a more stable visual experience, with a framerate oscillating between 48 and 60fps. However, to fully benefit from this mode, a VRR (Variable Refresh Rate) compatible screen is almost essential.

• Quality mode : This mode targets a native resolution of 1440p with ray tracing enabled. If the details are better rendered than in performance mode, the framerate is too unstable, often falling below 48fps, even on a VRR screen. This mode therefore seems unsuitable for a smooth experience.

The PSSR: a tool that can still be improved

PSSR upscaling technology is claimed to deliver a sharper and more detailed image by rebuilding 4K resolution from lower bases. In some cases, such as distant textures or landscapes, it accomplishes this mission successfully. However, for more complex elements like moving grass or dynamic shadows, PSSR shows its limits.

These defects are particularly visible in performance mode, where the very low native resolution (720p) complicates the reconstruction work. The result is that sub-pixel details, such as blades of grass, appear blurry or flicker, creating constant visual noise that distracts the player's attention.

Ray tracing, while generally effective at improving lighting and shadows, also suffers. Dark areas are affected by visible flickering and noise, reducing the impact that such rendering should provide.

Improvements, but not for all screens

The potential of the PS5 Pro is obvious, but its optimal exploitation depends heavily on the player's equipment. Without a VRR screen, the benefits of Balanced and Performance modes are reduced, as the framerate remains too unstable to ensure a smooth experience.

The lack of legacy modes, which would allow the resolutions and upscaling techniques of the standard PS5 to be used, limits the options for players preferring to sacrifice a little performance for better visual quality.

With the PS5 Pro, Sony is paving the way for higher performance in games this generation. Dragon's Dogma 2 clearly benefits from this in terms of framerate, but this improvement is marred by visual artifacts and technical limitations linked to the implementation of PSSR.

For an €800 console, these compromises may seem difficult to accept, especially when they concern flagship titles. It remains to be hoped that future updates will correct these problems and allow the PS5 Pro to keep all of its promises. For now, it remains a solid choice for demanding players, but not without its flaws…