PS5 Pro's Poor Reception Does Nothing to Slow Sales Projections

PS5 Pro's Poor Reception Does Nothing to Slow Sales Projections Despite mixed initial reactions, the PS5 Pro is projected to achieve strong sales. Analysts offer insights into its sales trajectory and the impact of its higher price point. Furthermore, the console's capabilities fuel speculation about a potential new PlayStation handheld device.

Analyst Predictions for PS5 Pro Sales: A Pricey Proposition

PS5 Pro's Enhanced Features Spark Handheld Console Rumors

PS5 Pro's Poor Reception Does Nothing to Slow Sales Projections The $700 PS5 Pro's launch is anticipated to mirror the PS4 Pro's sales success, according to industry analysts, even with the increased price. Ampere Analysis' Piers Harding-Rolls notes the significant price difference between the standard PS5 and the Pro model—a 40-50% jump, considerably higher than the PS4 and PS4 Pro launch gap.

Ampere Analysis forecasts approximately 1.3 million PS5 Pro units sold during its November 2024 launch window—400,000 fewer than the PS4 Pro's initial sales in 2016. Harding-Rolls highlights the price disparity between the PS4 Pro ($399) and the slim PS4 ($299) at launch (33%), contrasting it with the PS5 Pro's 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 roughly 12% of total PS4 sales, with projected lifetime sales near 13 million units. Sell-through, as defined, represents direct consumer purchases from retailers.

PS5 Pro's Poor Reception Does Nothing to Slow Sales Projections PS5 lead architect Mark Cerny confirmed that the PS5 Pro will boost PSVR2 performance. In a statement to CNET, Cerny emphasized the Pro's improved GPU will deliver higher resolutions for PSVR2 games, although specific titles haven't been revealed. He also mentioned that PlayStation Spectral Super Resolution, the PS5 Pro's AI upscaling technology, will be compatible with PSVR2. The PS5 Pro also supports existing PS5 accessories like the PS Portal.

This PS Portal compatibility, coupled with previous rumors of a PlayStation handheld capable of running PS5 games, has reignited speculation about a new portable console. While unconfirmed, the PS5 Pro's advanced capabilities could pave the way for a new handheld device in Sony's lineup.