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

The PS5 Pro's recent unveiling has sparked considerable discussion among analysts regarding its projected sales. The new console reignites earlier speculation about a potential PlayStation handheld.

Analyst Weighs in on PS5 Pro Sales Trajectory Despite Price Hike

PS5 Pro's Enhanced Capabilities Fuel Handheld Console Rumors

Despite the $700 price tag of the PS5 Pro, analysts at Ampere Analysis predict sales comparable to the PS4 Pro. Ampere's Piers Harding-Rolls notes the significant price difference between the PS5 and PS5 Pro (40-50%), considerably larger than the PS4 and PS4 Pro launch gap. They project around 1.3 million PS5 Pro units sold during the November 2024 launch window—approximately 400,000 fewer than the PS4 Pro's launch sales in 2016. Harding-Rolls points out the US launch price difference between the PS4 Pro ($399) and the slim PS4 ($299), a 33% differential, highlighting the impact of pricing on consumer demand. While acknowledging the PS5 Pro's price may soften demand, Harding-Rolls believes that PlayStation enthusiasts will be less price-sensitive. Sony sold approximately 14.5 million PS4 Pro units, representing roughly 12% of total PS4 sales, with an estimated 5-year sell-through of around 13 million units. (Sell-through refers to consumer purchases directly from retailers.)

Meanwhile, PS5 lead architect Mark Cerny confirmed that the PS5 Pro will enhance PSVR2 gaming through performance improvements. In a statement to CNET, Cerny highlighted the upgraded GPU's ability to deliver higher resolutions for PSVR2 games, though specific titles haven't been announced. He also mentioned that PlayStation Spectral Super Resolution, the PS5 Pro's AI upscaling feature, will eventually be compatible with PSVR2. The PS5 Pro maintains compatibility with existing PS5 accessories like the PS Portal.

This PS Portal compatibility, coupled with the PS5 Pro's enhanced capabilities, has fueled speculation about a potential new portable PlayStation console. Earlier rumors of a PS5 handheld capable of running PS5 games have resurfaced, although Sony has yet to confirm any such plans. The PS5 Pro's features could significantly influence the development and capabilities of a future handheld device.