Sizeable Sales for PS5 Pro Despite Negative Reception

Recent PS5 Pro launch sparks analyst debate on sales projections. Meanwhile, the new console reignites speculation about a potential PlayStation handheld.

Analyst Perspective on PS5 Pro Sales: A Pricey Proposition?

PS5 Pro's Enhanced Features Fuel Handheld Console Rumors

Despite its $700 price tag, the PS5 Pro is predicted to mirror the PS4 Pro's sales success, according to industry analysts. Ampere Analysis' Piers Harding-Rolls notes the significant price difference between the PS5 and PS5 Pro (40-50%), 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 launch sales in 2016. Harding-Rolls highlights the price disparity, suggesting it could dampen demand, but believes PlayStation enthusiasts will be less price-sensitive. The PS4 Pro ultimately sold around 14.5 million units, representing roughly 12% of total PS4 sales, with projected sales of approximately 13 million units over five years. Sell-through, in this context, refers to direct consumer purchases from retailers.

PS5 lead architect Mark Cerny confirmed that the PS5 Pro will enhance PSVR2 gaming through performance boosts, specifically enabling higher resolution output for PSVR2 titles (though no specific titles have been named). He also mentioned the PS5 Pro's AI-assisted upscaling, PlayStation Spectral Super Resolution, will be compatible with PSVR2. The PS5 Pro is also designed to work with existing PS5 accessories like the PS Portal.

This PS Portal compatibility has fueled speculation about a potential new portable PlayStation console, reviving earlier rumors of a handheld capable of running PS5 games. While unconfirmed, the PS5 Pro's advanced capabilities could indeed pave the way for a new handheld device.