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

Following the PS5 Pro's release, industry analysts offer insights into its projected sales figures. Meanwhile, the new console reignites earlier speculation regarding a potential new PlayStation handheld.

Analyst Forecasts for PS5 Pro Sales Amidst Price Increase

Enhanced PS5 Pro Capabilities Fuel "PS5 Handheld" Speculation

Despite its $700 price tag, analysts predict the PS5 Pro will achieve sales comparable to the PS4 Pro. 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 – around 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 and PS5 Pro pricing. While acknowledging the PS5 Pro's price may dampen demand, he believes price is less of a concern for dedicated PlayStation fans. Sony sold approximately 14.5 million PS4 Pro units, representing about 12% of total PS4 sales, with an estimated 13 million units sold over five years. Sell-through, in this context, refers to direct consumer purchases from retailers.

Furthermore, PS5 lead architect Mark Cerny confirmed that the PS5 Pro will enhance PSVR2 gaming performance. In a statement to CNET, Cerny stated the PS5 Pro's upgraded GPU will allow for higher resolution PSVR2 game outputs, though 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 reports of a potential new PlayStation handheld, has fueled renewed speculation. The PS5 Pro's advanced capabilities could potentially pave the way for a new handheld device capable of running PS5 games, although nothing official has been announced.