When Konami announced Metal Gear Solid Delta: Snake Eater, expectations were sky-high. A modern remake of one of the most celebrated stealth action titles ever, running on cutting-edge hardware like the PS5 Pro, sounded like a perfect match. Instead, early technical analysis has revealed a surprising twist: the game often performs worse on the PS5 Pro than on the standard PlayStation 5.
Performance Drop on the PS5 Pro
The most striking discovery is that the PS5 Pro, despite its upgraded CPU, GPU, and AI-powered upscaling features, is producing lower and more unstable frame rates than the baseline PS5. Reports from Digital Foundry and other reviewers highlight gameplay dips into the 30–50 FPS range on the Pro, while the regular PS5 maintains a steadier 48–60 FPS average in Performance Mode.
Direct comparisons even show the base PS5 averaging around seven frames per second higher in early areas of the Virtuous Mission, a result almost unheard of in mid-generation upgrades.
Why Metal Gear Solid Delta Has a PS5 Pro Performance Problem
Several factors appear to be undermining the PS5 Pro version:
1. Low Native Resolution Baseline
The game is internally rendered at a sub-720p resolution before being upscaled. Upscaling from such a low starting point places enormous strain on PlayStation Spectral Super Resolution (PSSR), leading to blurry visuals and additional processing overhead.
Digital Foundry measured a jungle scene where PS5 Pro resolved around 756p versus the base PS5’s 864p in the same sequence—explaining why Pro can sometimes look softer despite its advanced hardware.
2. PSSR and AI Upscaling Issues
Sony promoted PSSR as a major step forward in image clarity and smoothness, but here it introduces complications. PSSR reduces some motion flicker, but because it is reconstructing from such a low resolution floor, it has less detail to work with. As a result, visuals can appear flatter and shimmer more pronounced compared to the standard PS5. Digital Foundry also noted that PSSR often fails to properly de-noise images, producing flickering shading and shimmering surfaces.
3. Unreal Engine 5 Optimisation
Like many recent titles, MGS Delta runs on Unreal Engine 5. While UE5 enables striking visuals, it has also earned a reputation for performance challenges. Some critics argue that Konami may have had more success with an engine like Decima, known for handling cinematic games smoothly at higher frame rates.
4. No Extra Pro Toggle
The PS5 Pro currently runs with one setup—higher quality settings with a 60 fps target—but no dedicated Quality or Performance toggle. This limits player choice and makes it impossible to select a more stable option, such as a 40 fps mode, that could balance visuals and consistency.
Quick Gameplay Refresher (For Newcomers)
For those unfamiliar with Metal Gear Solid 3, here’s why performance is so critical in this remake:
- Stealth at the core: Navigate large jungle environments using sound and visibility to remain undetected.
- Camouflage system: Change uniforms and face paint in real time to boost your camouflage percentage and blend into foliage.
- Survival mechanics: Hunt animals for food, treat wounds with splints or sutures, and manage stamina, as injuries can affect movement and aim.
- Close-quarters combat: Use CQC moves, knife takedowns, and non-lethal tranquilizers for multiple playstyles.
- Modern controls: Delta lets players pick between a modern over-the-shoulder camera and the legacy setup, with quick-access menus for items and camouflage.
- Visual storytelling: Persistent battle damage shows scars and injuries throughout your playthrough.
- Extra content: Platform-exclusive extras are coming, with Konami also planning a new “Fox Hunt” online stealth mode later in 2025.
All of these mechanics put stress on foliage rendering, AI routines, and frame-time consistency—making stable performance especially important for stealth gameplay.
What Players Can Try Now
If you own both consoles, running the base PS5 in Performance Mode currently provides the smoother experience. On PS5 Pro, enabling system-level VRR (if your display supports it) can reduce visible judder, though it won’t raise the average frame rate.
Can It Be Fixed?
The good news is that there is still time. With the game set to officially launch on August 28, 2025, Konami could address these problems with a day-one patch or post-launch updates.
Patch priorities should include adding a Pro-specific toggle, raising native resolution floors, and refining PSSR’s de-noising to better handle foliage and specular surfaces. Performance patches are common for modern AAA titles, and players are hopeful that Sony and Konami will work together to stabilise the PS5 Pro version.
For now, however, the irony remains: if you own both consoles, the regular PS5 may actually give you the smoother ride through Snake’s legendary Virtuous Mission. Play Now!
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