In stark contrast to the elusive PS5 Pro, the quest to secure an original PS5 resembled an adventure in its own right. I found myself joining multiple Discord servers and subscribing to a barrage of restock notifications, all in pursuit of this elusive console. Thankfully, my sister-in-law was an absolute trooper, rising at the ungodly hour of 3 a.m. each day to monitor the situation diligently. Eventually, after much effort and familial support, I managed to snag my precious launch model Sony console, cherishing it like it was my own child. Thankfully, those intense days of hunting for stock are mostly behind us; anyone eager to capture the newly unveiled PS5 Pro should encounter minimal hurdles, aside from the substantial price tag. However, UK PlayStation enthusiasts seem to be experiencing much smoother sailing.
Not only is the PS5 Pro readily accessible, but it is now available for £659.99 at Argos, reflecting a notable discount of £40 off its suggested retail price of £700. Although a £40 difference might not seem monumental, it is significant that this discount emerged merely one week after the console’s launch. Typically, major corporations like Sony tend to hold off on slashing prices for their latest technology until a few months have passed. For context, the PS5 Slim didn’t record its first price reduction until four months post-release, during which both the disc and digital variants experienced a sizable £70 price cut.
Now, any UK resident eager to upgrade can enjoy a 7% savings without having to endure a prolonged waiting game. Initially, I speculated that this discount might be a part of Argos’s early Black Friday PS5 promotions, yet it seems that other retailers across the UK are joining the fray. The PS5 Pro is also seeing a £40 discount at the EE Store, albeit for a limited timeframe. As we progress deeper into November, the permanence of this new PS5 Pro pricing in the UK remains uncertain. Nevertheless, regardless of whether this is simply a part of early Black Friday promotions, it undoubtedly stands out as one of the best offers available so far.
Today’s best PS5 deals in the US
Today’s best PS5 deals in the UK
Should you buy the PS5 Pro?
(Image credit: Future)
My affection for my launch model PS5 remains unwavering, but I’ve been contemplating a replacement for some time now. To be completely transparent, the PS5 Slim Disc Edition has captured my attention, albeit the recent price drop on the PS5 Pro is making it increasingly hard to overlook.
Unfortunately, the newly launched PS5 Pro does not offer a disc version. Instead, similar to the Slim digital edition, one needs to procure a PS5 disc drive to play physical PS5 games. Despite possessing digital games courtesy of PS Plus Premium, my game library predominantly consists of physical copies. I even sourced a physical version of Like a Dragon Gaiden: The Man Who Erased His Name since it was never released in the UK. However, with the PS5 Pro being more affordable now, it opens up the possibility of purchasing the PS5 Disc Drive, effectively resolving that dilemma.
With regards to my digital collection, I frequently find managing the limited 825GB storage of the original PS5 more time-consuming than actually engaging in gameplay. For instance, online games like Fortnite claim a hefty 99.23GB, and the necessity for storage seems to only escalate. While I could invest in one of the best PS5 SSDs to augment my existing console, the PS5 Pro’s 2TB storage capacity is undeniably enticing. A larger storage option would likely reduce my need for physical games, consequently liberating space in my home that was once occupied by stacks of game boxes.
Notably, the primary distinction between the Pro and Slim models lies in their graphical enhancements. Our colleague Tabitha Baker elaborated on these distinctions in her PS5 Pro review, yet I’m uncertain whether I would even perceive the enhancements. My PS5 currently resides in the living room, mounted on the wall at a distance that makes identifying significant differences surreal. Nevertheless, I am considering relocating a PS5 to my bedroom. Living in a household with a fellow PlayStation enthusiast can be challenging when it comes to securing gaming time. Should a game associated with the renowned Dragon Ball creator, Akira Toriyama, be released, I foresee my gaming time dwindling for the foreseeable future. However, having a PS5 Pro nestled in my bedroom would allow me to indulge in Dead by Daylight from the comfort of my bed while being close enough to fully appreciate the enhanced ray tracing and performance upgrades.
This recent price drop on the PS5 Pro in the UK has certainly led me to reevaluate my options. I was initially committed to purchasing the Slim model; however, with this £40 markdown, which can considerably contribute towards the cost of the PS5 disc drive, the appeal of the PS5 Pro as an early Black Friday deal is difficult to resist.
For those of you satisfied with your original or Slim model PS5, be sure to explore our Black Friday PS5 deals hub, which is packed with substantial savings and games this November. Additionally, if you’re in need of extra storage but have plenty of games to play, check out our Black Friday PS5 SSD deals hub for terrific discounts on both internal and external storage solutions for your cherished Sony console.
– How does the PS5 Pro enhance the gaming experience with its upgraded hardware and improved performance features?
Previously dedicated to game cases and discs. This makes the PS5 Pro a more convenient option for someone like me who enjoys a mix of physical and digital games.
Moreover, considering the growing library of games designed to take advantage of the PS5’s upgraded hardware, the Pro version’s enhanced graphics and performance features are definitely appealing. With titles like *Final Fantasy XVI* and *Spider-Man 2* already showcasing what the PS5 can do, it makes sense to want a console that can deliver an optimal experience.
If you’re still on the fence about whether to upgrade, weigh your options carefully. The PS5 Pro does come at a premium, even after the recent discount, but for those who are deeply invested in console gaming, the benefits of improved performance and storage space might make it a worthy investment. Ultimately, it’s about matching the console’s capabilities with your gaming needs and preferences, ensuring you get the most value from your purchase.
So, is now the right time to make the switch? For those experiencing storage struggles or looking for enhanced gaming visuals, the PS5 Pro, especially with current discounts, could be just the solution. And for anyone looking to stay on top of gaming trends, this console certainly sets the stage for what’s to come in the next generation of gaming experiences.