The highly anticipated reimagining of the classic PS2 title, Metal Gear Solid Delta: Snake Eater, features upgraded graphics. Early reports suggest the PC version performs admirably, but pre-release console performance is surprisingly problematic. Despite a “performance mode,” Konami’s enhanced version struggles to maintain a stable 60 frames per second on the PlayStation 5. The supposed enhancements for the PS5 Pro are particularly underwhelming. While not necessarily game-breaking, these initial performance concerns raise questions about Konami’s ability to optimize the console experience through future updates.
Releasing on August 26th for Deluxe Edition purchasers, Metal Gear Solid Delta on PS5 doesn’t offer a true 60fps experience. While aiming for that target, gameplay often dips considerably below. A detailed technical analysis by Digital Foundry reveals frame rates frequently plummet to around 45fps in densely vegetated jungle environments, and even lower when the player is submerged underwater. The situation is reportedly worse on the PS5 Pro. The enhanced version eschews distinct graphics modes, opting for a single setting designed to boost performance. However, this comes at the cost of image quality, utilizing a sub-1080p resolution which is then upscaled, resulting in a noticeably degraded visual presentation.
MAJOR WARNING If you’re planning on playing Metal Gear Solid Delta:
The game runs terribly, with PS5/XSX rendering 720p-1080p at 30-50FPS in Performance mode
The PS5 Pro somehow runs worse & looks blurrier despite using PSSR
Another disastrous Unreal Engine 5 release. pic.twitter.com/Lnha48T2C6
— Synth Potato🥔 (@SynthPotato) August 22, 2025
According to Digital Foundry, the “quality” mode on the standard PS5 offers improved texture and shadow draw distances, as well as enhanced global illumination leading to better lighting effects that are heavily emphasized by the jungle setting. Unfortunately, despite generally hitting 30fps, even this mode experiences drops during intense action sequences, such as blowing up barrels. The “performance” mode is even more erratic. While managing 60fps in initial areas, it frequently dips well below in larger, more detailed environments. Overall, the game’s performance appears less polished than expected, particularly considering it is primarily a visual overhaul of a PS2 game powered by Unreal Engine 5.
Metal Gear Solid 3 Remake: PS5 Pro Mode Struggles
The PS5 Pro-specific enhancements introduce their own set of issues. To achieve a more consistent 60fps, the game upscales from a lower resolution, resulting in a degraded visual experience, particularly at a distance, compared even to the base PS5’s “performance” mode. Digital Foundry notes, “For PS5 Pro, it’s a win in motion with smarter handling of occlusion artifacts and swaying grass. However, the resolved reconstructed image appears to struggle to match the clarity of the base PS5 when at rest.” The PS5 Pro experience is further marred by the shimmering and flickering artifacts introduced by PSSR (PlayStation Spectral Super Resolution), reminiscent of similar issues seen in the Silent Hill 2 remake.
With the game’s early access launch imminent, Konami has a limited window to address these apparent shortcomings, particularly on the base PS5, via a day-one patch. The fate of the PS5 Pro experience remains to be seen. While these issues don’t necessarily represent deal-breakers, they suggest that players with access to a powerful PC may find that platform offers the superior Metal Gear Solid Delta experience.