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

Despite mixed initial reactions, analysts predict strong sales for the newly released PS5 Pro. Meanwhile, the PS5 Pro's features have reignited speculation about a potential new PlayStation handheld.

Analyst Forecasts for PS5 Pro Sales: A Pricey Proposition

PS5 Pro's Enhanced Capabilities Fuel Handheld Console Rumors

The $700 PS5 Pro's launch has prompted analysis of its projected sales. Ampere Analysis predicts sales comparable to the PS4 Pro, despite a significant price increase. "The price difference between the PS5 and PS5 Pro is substantial," notes Piers Harding-Rolls, Ampere Analysis' market research director, as reported by VGC. "It's far greater than the gap between the PS4 and PS4 Pro at launch."

Ampere Analysis estimates approximately 1.3 million PS5 Pro units sold during the November 2024 launch window – roughly 400,000 fewer than the PS4 Pro's initial launch sales in 2016. Harding-Rolls highlights the price disparity: the PS4 Pro launched at $399, while the slim PS4 was $299 (a 33% difference), contrasting with the PS5 and PS5 Pro's larger price gap. He suggests the price may dampen demand, but believes "PlayStation enthusiasts will be less price-sensitive." Sony ultimately sold around 14.5 million PS4 Pro units, representing approximately 12% of total PS4 sales, with projected sales reaching around 13 million units within five years. (Sell-through 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 indicated the PS5 Pro's improved GPU will allow for higher resolutions in PSVR2 games, though specific titles haven't been confirmed. He also mentioned the PS5 Pro's AI-assisted upscaling, PlayStation Spectral Super Resolution, will be compatible with PSVR2. The PS5 Pro also supports other PS5 accessories, including the PS Portal.

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