PS5 Pro Sales Surge Despite Mixed Reviews

Recent PS5 Pro sales projections remain strong despite mixed initial reception. Analysts offer insights into its projected success and the implications for future PlayStation handheld devices.

Analyst Perspective on PS5 Pro Sales and Pricing

PS5 Pro's Enhanced Capabilities Fuel Handheld Console Speculation

The $700 PS5 Pro's projected sales are comparable to the PS4 Pro, according to Ampere Analysis, despite the significant price increase. Market research director Piers Harding-Rolls notes a much larger price gap between the PS5 and PS5 Pro (40-50%) than between the PS4 and PS4 Pro at launch.

Ampere Analysis forecasts approximately 1.3 million PS5 Pro units sold during its November 2024 launch window – around 400,000 fewer than the PS4 Pro's initial launch sales. Harding-Rolls highlights the price difference between the US launch prices of the PS4 Pro ($399) and the slim PS4 ($299), a 33% differential, contrasting it with the PS5 and PS5 Pro pricing. While acknowledging the price may dampen demand, he believes PlayStation enthusiasts will prioritize the enhanced features. The PS4 Pro ultimately sold around 14.5 million units, representing approximately 12% of total PS4 sales, with an estimated 13 million unit sell-through within five years. (Sell-through refers to direct consumer purchases from retailers.)

PS5 lead architect Mark Cerny confirmed PS5 Pro enhancements for PSVR2, citing improved GPU performance for higher-resolution VR gaming. He also mentioned the PS5 Pro's PlayStation Spectral Super Resolution (AI-assisted upscaling) will be compatible with PSVR2. The PS5 Pro's compatibility with existing PS5 accessories, including the PS Portal, has fueled speculation about a potential new PlayStation handheld console. This speculation builds on earlier rumors of a handheld device capable of running PS5 games. While unconfirmed, the PS5 Pro's capabilities could significantly impact the future of PlayStation handheld devices.