Is the PS4 Pro Worth Buying in 2026?

The short answer is: Maybe, depending on your budget and needs.

The PlayStation 4 Pro remains a decent console in 2024, especially for more casual gamers. Its key advantage is access to a huge PS4 game library spanning over 7 years worth of titles. However, with the far more powerful PlayStation 5 now available, it‘s tough to recommend the aging PS4 Pro at its launch price.

That said, if you can find a used PS4 Pro for under $200, it can be great for playing PS4 exclusives and simpler games that don‘t require cutting-edge performance. This guide will explain who the PS4 Pro does (and doesn‘t) make sense for in 2024.

PlayStation 4 Pro Overview

Before diving into recommendations, let‘s recap what exactly the PS4 Pro is and does.

The PS4 Pro represents a mid-generation upgrade over the original PS4 models. Sony released it in November 2016 to bring 4K and HDR gaming to PlayStation 4.

Here are the key specs according to PlayStation:

• CPU: 8-core x86-64 AMD Jaguar, clocked at 2.1GHz
• GPU: 4.2 TFLOP AMD Radeon, 36 Compute Units capped at 911MHz
• Memory: 8GB GDDR5, 218GB/s bandwidth
• Storage: 1TB HDD
• Video Out: HDMI 2.0, HDCP 2.2
• 4K, HDR and 1080p Support
• Optical Audio Out
• 3 USB 3.1 Gen.1 ports
• WiFi ac, Bluetooth 4.0
• Dimensions: 295 x 55 x 327 mm
• Weight: 3.3kg

Compared to the original PS4, the PS4 Pro brings a faster CPU, improved GPU with double the graphics cores, and faster GDDR5 memory. This allowed games to run at higher resolutions and frame rates when optimized for the Pro.

According to Digital Foundry‘s PS4 vs PS4 Pro benchmarks, the Pro achieves up to 2x the framerate in games like Battlefield 1 and Titanfall 2. Some titles like Rise of the Tomb Raider also get enhanced graphics and double the pixel count at 1080p or 4K.

So in summary, the PS4 Pro enabled:

• Sharper 4K and 1080p gaming
• Smoother frame rates
• Faster load times in many games
• Higher quality graphics in supported titles

Despite releasing in 2016, the PS4 Pro remains a decent gaming system in 2024 if you set appropriate expectations. But how well does it hold up against modern consoles?

PS4 Pro vs PlayStation 5

The PlayStation 5 brings massive generational leaps in performance and features compared to the PS4 Pro. Here is a tech specs comparison according to PlayStation:

Specification	PS4 Pro	PS5
CPU	8-core Jaguar @ 2.1GHz	8-core Zen 2 @ 3.5GHz
GPU	4.2 TFLOP, 36 CUs @ 911MHz	10.3 TFLOP, 36 CUs @ 2.23GHz
Memory	8GB GDDR5 @ 218GB/s	16GB GDDR6 @ 448GB/s
Storage	1TB HDD	Custom 825GB SSD
Optical Drive	Blu-ray	4K UHD Blu-ray
Display Support	4K, HDR	Up to 8K, HDR
New Features	–	Hardware ray tracing, 3D audio, DualSense controller

As the table illustrates, the PS5 brings major generational leaps in processing power, graphics capability, memory bandwidth and super fast SSD storage.

According to Digital Foundry‘s PS5 vs PS4 Pro analysis, this allows up to 2x the framerate in some PS4 games when running via backwards compatibility. Load times are slashed by up to 4x thanks to the SSD. Ray tracing also brings vastly improved lighting and reflection effects.

So in summary, the key advantages of PS5 over the PS4 Pro include:

• Significantly faster load times from SSD
• Higher frame rates up to 120FPS
• Higher resolution graphics up to 8K
• More advanced effects like ray tracing
• New haptics and adaptive triggers
• PS5 exclusives not on PS4
• PS4 backwards compatibility

It‘s clear the PS5 far outpaces the 2016-era PS4 Pro on a technical level. But how do the game libraries compare?

PS4 Pro Game Library

The PlayStation 4 generation spanned 7+ years and amassed a vast catalog of over 4,000 game titles.

The PS4 Pro can play all these PS4 games with the added benefit of improved performance and visuals when optimized for the Pro. Even in 2024, you have a huge library to enjoy if new to PlayStation.

Some of the biggest PlayStation exclusives available on PS4 include:

• God of War
• Spider-Man
• Ghost of Tsushima
• The Last of Us Part 2
• Uncharted 4
• Horizon Zero Dawn
• Bloodborne
• Persona 5
• Gran Turismo Sport
• Shadow of the Colossus
• Ratchet & Clank
• Until Dawn
• The Last Guardian

These system-selling exclusives remain playable on both PS4 Pro and PS5 via backwards compatibility. However, they‘ll run and look noticeably better on PS5.

The PS4 also got many fantastic 3rd party games over the years. Some examples playable on a new Pro:

• Red Dead Redemption 2
• Elden Ring
• Final Fantasy 7 Remake
• Resident Evil 2 Remake
• Sekiro: Shadows Die Twice
• Doom Eternal
• Star Wars Jedi: Fallen Order
• Apex Legends
• Fortnite
• Overwatch
• Call of Duty

Most new games get developed for both PS4 and PS5, so the Pro gives access to major releases for a while yet. But the experience won‘t match the PS5.

According to PushSquare, the PS5 can run many titles at double the framerate of PS4 Pro, with up to 120FPS in games like Call of Duty, Dirt 5 and Rainbow Six Siege. The PS5 also enables ray tracing in titles like Spider-Man Remastered.

So while the PS4 Pro gives you access to the full PS4 catalog, you won‘t get the best experience without PS5-specific enhancements.

Drawbacks of the PS4 Pro in 2024

While the PS4 Pro remains usable for gaming in 2024, it does come with some drawbacks:

• Limited backwards compatibility – Only native support for PS4 games. You‘d need a PS3 or streaming to play older PlayStation titles.
• No disc drive – Some PS4 Pro models lack an optical disc drive for Blu-ray video or PS4 game discs.
• Outdated hardware – Its CPU and GPU are now previous-generation tech lacking ray tracing or SSD.
• Maxes at 1440p or 4K checkerboard rendering for intensive games. Can‘t do native 4K on most titles.
• Weaker performance than PS5 – Framerates and load times are noticeably worse than the PS5, often capped at 30FPS.
• Lacks DualSense controller features like adaptive triggers and haptic feedback. Stuck with a basic DualShock 4.
• Won‘t get most true next-gen games as PS4 support is dropped. The Pro‘s hardware is already very dated.

The aging PS4 Pro hardware will continue to hold back gaming experiences compared to PCs and new consoles. It lacks the horsepower for a truly modern experience.

Is the PS4 Pro Worth Buying in 2024?

Whether the PlayStation 4 Pro represents good value really depends on your gaming needs:

Worth considering if:

• You‘re on a tight budget (under $200)
• You want to play classic PS4 exclusives
• You have a big PS4 backlog to catch up on
• You primarily play older games that aren‘t demanding
• You game casually and don‘t need 60+ FPS
• You want something cheap until you can find a PS5

Not worth it if:

• You care about new next-gen exclusive games
• You want cutting-edge graphics features like ray tracing
• You plan to upgrade to a 4K TV soon
• Fast load times are important to you
• You want to experience PS5 features like DualSense
• You play online shooters or competitive action games

When to upgrade from PS4 Pro to PS5

It‘s a good time to upgrade when:

• More must-play PS5 exclusives release
• You upgrade to a new 4K/8K TV to benefit from PS5 graphics
• PS5 consoles are readily in stock at retail price
• You finish catching up on your PS4 backlog
• You notice PS4 games losing support and not improving
• You crave next-gen features like super fast loading

For many gamers, the PS4 Pro is still sufficient for now, especially if you have a big PS4 backlog. But expect to want a PS5 within the next 1-2 years as it realizes its potential.

Budget Alternatives to the PS4 Pro

If the PS4 Pro doesn‘t seem ideal, here are some alternatives for budget console gaming:

• Xbox Series S – $299 digital-only next-gen console good for 1440p gaming.
• PS4 Slim – The base PS4 sells used for around $130-$180 and plays the same library.
• Nintendo Switch – Handheld/console hybrid with excellent first-party games.
• PC – Build or buy a budget gaming PC with room to upgrade later.
• Xbox One S – Plays Xbox One games and often found used under $150.

For most gamers, the cheaper PS4 Slim or waiting for PS5 restocks makes more sense than buying a PS4 Pro in 2024. But getting a used Pro for under $180 can still be decent.

Conclusion – PS4 Pro in 2024 for Casual Gaming

The PlayStation 4 Pro was an excellent 4K console when it launched back in 2016. However, the far more powerful PS5 has now taken over as Sony‘s flagship.

The aging PS4 Pro can still run PS4 games at up to 1440p or 4K resolution at 30FPS. It‘s a viable option for casual gaming if you find it under $200 used. This gives you access to an incredible PS4 game library for cheap.

But with subpar performance compared to PS5, limited backwards compatibility and lacking features like SSD loads, the Pro is tough to recommend at its original price. It lacks the horsepower for a truly modern, cutting-edge gaming experience.

For the ultimate PlayStation experience, the PS5 is strongly recommended if you can afford it. But expect to pay more and wait since supply remains low.

In summary, the PS4 Pro serves best as a budget console in 2024 for playing classic PS4 games casually. Manage expectations around its dated hardware, but its massive game catalog still offers fun. If you can get a used PS4 Pro under $180, it can be great for light gaming until your eventual PS5 upgrade.