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

Recent PS5 Pro launch sparks analyst discussion on sales projections. Elsewhere, the new console reignites earlier speculation about a potential handheld device.

Analyst Perspective on PS5 Pro Sales and Pricing

PS5 Pro's Enhanced Features Fuel "PS5 Handheld" Speculation

Despite a $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 between the PS5 and PS5 Pro (40-50%), much larger than the PS4 and PS4 Pro launch gap.

Ampere Analysis forecasts around 1.3 million PS5 Pro units sold during its November 2024 launch window – approximately 400,000 fewer than the PS4 Pro's initial launch sales in 2016. Harding-Rolls highlights the US launch prices: PS4 Pro at $399 and the slim PS4 at $299 (a 33% difference), contrasting with the PS5 and PS5 Pro pricing. He suggests the PS5 Pro's price might dampen demand, but believes it will be less of a concern for dedicated PlayStation fans. The PS4 Pro ultimately sold around 14.5 million units, representing roughly 12% of total PS4 sales, with projected sales of "around 13 million units" over five years. Sell-through, in this context, refers to direct consumer purchases from retailers.

PS5 lead architect Mark Cerny confirms PS5 Pro enhancements for PSVR2 games, citing improved GPU capabilities for higher resolutions. While specific titles haven't been announced, he mentions compatibility with PlayStation Spectral Super Resolution, the PS5 Pro's AI upscaling feature. The PS5 Pro also supports existing PS5 accessories like the PS Portal.

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