In the PS4 Pro vs PS5 match-up, the PS5 wins clearly: about twice the graphics power, a fast SSD instead of a hard drive, and access to new games the PS4 can’t run, including GTA 6. If you’re buying fresh, buy a PS5; if you own a PS4 Pro, upgrade when a game you want needs it.
Key differences
| PS4 Pro | PS5 | |
|---|---|---|
| Graphics power | 4.2 teraflops | About 10.3 teraflops |
| Memory | 8 GB | 16 GB (faster type) |
| Storage | 1 TB hard drive | SSD (825 GB to 2 TB depending on model) |
| Loading | Slow | Seconds, often near-instant |
| Frame rates | Mostly 30 fps | 60 fps common, up to 120 fps |
| Ray tracing | No | Yes |
| Controller | DualShock 4 | DualSense (haptics, adaptive triggers) |
The biggest difference between PS4 Pro and PS5 that you’ll feel day to day is loading speed. Fast travel and restarts that take a minute on a PS4 Pro take seconds on a PS5.
Games that need a PS5 (including GTA 6)
Most big new releases are now PS5-only, and that list only grows. The headline example is GTA 6, which isn’t coming to PS4 at all; our guide to which consoles can play GTA 6 explains why.
If your favourite games are yearly sports titles or big open-world releases, a PS4 Pro is close to the end of its road.
Can you play PS4 games on PS5?
Yes. The vast majority of PS4 games play on a PS5, and many run smoother or load faster.
- PS4 discs work in a PS5 with a disc drive. The Digital Edition needs the add-on drive to read discs.
- Your digital PS4 games re-download free on the same account.
- Saves move across via PS Plus cloud storage, a USB stick (for some games) or the data transfer during PS5 setup.
- A DualShock 4 works on PS5, but only for PS4 games.
So upgrading doesn’t mean losing your library.
Upgrade or stay: a checklist
Upgrade now if: – You want GTA 6 or other new PS5-only games. – Loading times and 30 fps bother you. – Your PS4 Pro is loud, overheating or its hard drive is failing.
Stay on PS4 Pro for now if: – You mostly play older games or online football with friends on PS4. – Money is tight. A PS4 Pro still plays thousands of great games.
If you upgrade, sell the PS4 Pro sooner rather than later. Second-hand values in Kenya drop as more games go PS5-only, so the trade-in or resale cash is worth most now. Wipe it first (Settings > System > Reset Options) and sign out of PSN.
Unsure about timing with a future console on the horizon? Read should you buy a PS5 or wait for a PS6. New to consoles altogether? Start with our beginner’s guide to gaming in Kenya.
Quick answers
Yes. It’s roughly twice as powerful, loads far faster thanks to its SSD, and runs new games the PS4 Pro can’t.
Buy a PS5 unless your budget really can’t stretch. A PS4 Pro is only good value very cheap and for older games.
Yes, the vast majority of PS4 games play on PS5, from disc (on disc models) or by re-downloading your digital library.
