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

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

Analyst Perspectives on PS5 Pro Sales: A Pricey Proposition?

Enhanced PS5 Pro Capabilities Fuel Handheld Console Rumors

Despite its $700 price tag, analysts predict the PS5 Pro will achieve sales comparable to the PS4 Pro. Ampere Analysis' Piers Harding-Rolls notes a significant price difference (40-50%) between the PS5 and PS5 Pro, much larger than the PS4 and PS4 Pro launch gap.

The firm 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 US launch pricing disparity: a 33% difference between the $399 PS4 Pro and the $299 slim PS4, contrasting with the PS5/PS5 Pro price gap.

While acknowledging the price may dampen demand, Harding-Rolls believes PlayStation enthusiasts will prioritize the enhanced capabilities. The PS4 Pro ultimately sold around 14.5 million units, representing about 12% of total PS4 sales, with projected five-year sales of roughly 13 million units. Sell-through, in this context, refers to direct consumer purchases from retailers.

The PS5 Pro's impact extends to PSVR2. Lead architect Mark Cerny confirmed performance enhancements for PSVR2 games, citing the improved GPU for higher resolution output. While specific titles haven't been announced, Cerny mentioned PlayStation Spectral Super Resolution (AI-assisted upscaling) compatibility with PSVR2. The console also supports other PS5 accessories, including the PS Portal.

This PS Portal compatibility has fueled speculation about a potential new PlayStation handheld. Earlier rumors suggested a handheld capable of running PS5 games. While unconfirmed, the PS5 Pro's capabilities could indicate a shift toward a new portable gaming device.