Last Updated on October 1, 2024

Evaluating the PS5 Pro: A Cost-Benefit Analysis Ahead of the PS6

Just as Premier League football clubs opt to sign players on extensive contracts to manage costs and remain compliant with financial fair play regulations, I find myself considering the PS5 Pro through a similar lens of cost versus reward over the years. Ultimately, the question that looms is when we can expect the much-anticipated PlayStation 6.

While no one, perhaps not even Sony, can pinpoint the PS6’s release date, industry speculation suggests that it may arrive toward the end of 2027, 2028, or even 2029. This timeline indicates that the PS5 Pro could potentially be on the market for three, four, or five years, creating a considerable range of uncertainty about its longevity. Knowing the exact year when the PS6 will debut would certainly influence my decision regarding a potential investment in the PS5 Pro. As someone who typically jumps on new console releases, I am excited about acquiring a PS6 but feeling less enthusiastic about the prospect of purchasing a PS5 Pro—especially with a price tag of $700.

If the existing PS5 generation concludes after a seven-year cycle, I would find myself utilizing the PS5 Pro for only three years, resulting in an annual cost of approximately $230. Should the PS5 enjoy an extended lifespan of eight years, that yearly cost would drop to about $175. In an optimistic scenario of a nine-year generation—though that might be an overreach—the PS5 Pro would be used for five years, bringing the yearly expense down to around $140.

Image credit: Sony

The dilemma is evident; I am quite apprehensive about the $700 price point for the PS5 Pro. Ideally, I had hoped for a price closer to $600, perhaps with a 1TB drive included. Yet, I find myself trying to rationalize the purchase by convincing myself that the PS5 Pro is indeed a necessary addition to my gaming setup.

Considering the price on an annual basis is just one aspect; the number of years of usage is equally significant. If Sony were to announce unequivocally, "Tom, you won’t be playing on the PS6 until 2029 at the earliest," I would be investing in a console that could enhance my gaming experience for five whole years. At that point, I would find myself in my late 40s, one of my children would be on the brink of driving age, and Robert Downey Jr. might have had another stint with the Marvel Cinematic Universe.

However, it’s unlikely Sony will reveal the PS6’s launch date anytime soon, leaving me to potentially navigate a shorter three-year term with the PS5 Pro. That timeframe isn’t as dire as it sounds; I would still be comfortably in my mid-40s and resisting the notion of paying $230 a year. Yet, I can’t help but wonder—what if the next three years are packed with the most incredible game releases in PlayStation history?

The uncertainty is palpable. Rumors are swirling about a PlayStation Showcase happening before the end of September that may clarify upcoming exclusives for the platform, yet I can’t recall a time when I felt more in the dark about what lies ahead for PlayStation gamers.

This marks the beginning of my reconsideration of the PS5 Pro, shifting my perspective from skepticism to a genuine desire to purchase. Despite my inner conflict about the decision, it appears to be an inevitable outcome. It will be interesting to see how I feel as the pre-order day approaches.