PS5 Pro Sales Unaffected by Negative Reception

Despite mixed initial reactions, the PS5 Pro's sales projections remain strong, according to industry analysts. The latest PS5 iteration also fuels speculation about a potential new handheld device.

Analyst Perspective on PS5 Pro Sales and Pricing

PS5 Pro's Enhanced Features Spark Handheld Console Speculation

The $700 PS5 Pro is projected to achieve sales comparable to the PS4 Pro, despite the higher price point. Ampere Analysis' Piers Harding-Rolls notes a significant price difference between the standard PS5 and the Pro model (40-50%), much larger than the gap 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 in 2016. Harding-Rolls highlights the price disparity, suggesting it might dampen demand, but believes PlayStation enthusiasts will likely overlook the cost. The PS4 Pro ultimately sold approximately 14.5 million units, representing about 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.)

Further enhancing the PS5 Pro's appeal, lead architect Mark Cerny confirmed that it will boost PSVR2 performance. In a statement to CNET, Cerny explained that the improved GPU will allow for higher resolution PSVR2 game outputs, though specific titles haven't been named. He also confirmed that PlayStation Spectral Super Resolution, the PS5 Pro's AI upscaling technology, will be compatible with PSVR2. The PS5 Pro also supports other PS5 accessories, including the PS Portal.

This PS Portal compatibility, coupled with previous rumors of a portable PlayStation console capable of running PS5 games, has reignited speculation about a new handheld device. While unconfirmed, the PS5 Pro's capabilities suggest a potential evolution of PlayStation's handheld offerings.