After waiting a full 13 years, Rockstar’s GTA VI is finally driving into Vice City! Players are rubbing their hands together, ready to dive into the streets flashing with neon lights, but the first hurdle is: should you buy the standard PS5 or splurge on the PS5 Pro? Is spending nearly $300 more really going to get you smoother frame rates or more stunning visuals? Don’t worry, this guide breaks down the real differences between the two consoles so you don’t waste a single penny.

🔍 Frame Rate Myth: Same CPU, Can PS5 Pro Really Run a Few More Frames?

Many players buy the Pro for “smoother performance,” but the truth is: both consoles use the same CPU, with only a slight clock speed overclock difference. And GTA VI, with its packed traffic, NPC crowds, and physics engine in an open world, is exactly a “CPU hungry” heavy user. In other words, when the standard PS5 locks at 30 FPS in busy downtown areas, the Pro version is unlikely to break through that ceiling. If you’re obsessed with high frame rates, the difference between these two probably won’t be the key to your purchase decision.

🌟 Visual Upgrade: PSSR and Ray Tracing, How Big Is the Visual Difference?

The real strength of the PS5 Pro lies in its GPU and PSSR AI upscaling technology. The upgraded PSSR 2 can reconstruct lower internal resolutions into sharp 4K images, significantly reducing jagged edges and blur during fast camera movements. Paired with Vice City’s wet asphalt roads and neon signs, the Pro version’s ray tracing can deliver more realistic water reflections and environmental lighting. However, these visual effects are almost invisible on TVs under 55 inches or without VRR. Only when paired with a 65-inch or larger 4K 120Hz OLED panel will the visual leap make you exclaim “worth it.”

💾 Storage Space Battle: How Big Is GTA VI? How Many Days Can 2TB Last?

Modern Rockstar games are infamous “storage monsters” when it comes to install sizes. The full version of GTA VI plus subsequent updates easily exceeding 150GB is no problem. The standard PS5 only has 825GB or 1TB, and after installing the main game, you might struggle to fit a few regularly played games like CoD or FIFA. The PS5 Pro comes with a 2TB SSD right out of the box, letting you switch game libraries painlessly and still have space for future DLC and online updates. If you hate the cycle of “deleting games, installing games,” the Pro’s large storage is definitely your savior.

💰 Price and Future: Buying PS5 Pro in 2026, Will PS6 Stab You in the Back?

The current PS5 Pro price is about $899; if you want the disc version, you’ll need to buy the drive separately, pushing the total cost close to $980. The standard PS5 with disc drive is only $649. The price difference exceeds $200, and with rumors of PS6 possibly launching in fall 2027, the Pro’s usage window is indeed shorter. Unless you have an unlimited budget and crave the ultimate visuals, the standard PS5 offers clearly better value for money, and the money saved can buy more games or upgrade peripherals.

✅ Final Recommendation: Who Should Buy Which One?

• Choose Standard PS5: Using a 4K TV under 55 inches, limited budget, want to save money for games or PS Plus subscription. Rockstar optimizes for the standard version as baseline, so the core experience has no discounts.
• Choose PS5 Pro: You have a large OLED/120Hz display at home, pursue PSSR sharp visuals and ray tracing effects, or hardcore players who hate running out of storage space.

GTA VI’s Vice City is already lighting up the neon for you. Instead of hesitating, make the best choice based on your TV setup and budget. Now lock in the right console for you, and on November 19, let’s hit the gas pedal together and start the game!