Following the PS5 Pro launch, analysts offer insights into its projected sales. Meanwhile, the new console reignites earlier speculation about a potential PlayStation handheld.
Analyst Forecasts PS5 Pro Sales Despite Price Increase
PS5 Pro's Enhanced Features Fuel Handheld Console Rumors
Despite a significant price increase, analysts predict the $700 PS5 Pro will achieve sales comparable to the PS4 Pro. Ampere Analysis' Piers Harding-Rolls notes the substantial price difference (40-50%) between the PS5 and PS5 Pro, exceeding that of the PS4 and PS4 Pro at launch.
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 points to the PS4 Pro's $399 launch price (compared to a $299 slim PS4), highlighting a smaller 33% price differential. He suggests the PS5 Pro's price might dampen demand, but that for dedicated PlayStation fans, cost is less of a concern. Sony ultimately sold around 14.5 million PS4 Pro units, representing roughly 12% of total PS4 sales, with a projected 5-year sell-through of approximately 13 million units. (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 improved GPU will allow for higher resolution PSVR2 game outputs, though specific titles haven't been announced. He also confirmed that PlayStation Spectral Super Resolution, the PS5 Pro's AI upscaling feature, will be compatible with PSVR2. The PS5 Pro also supports other PS5 accessories like the PS Portal.
This PS Portal compatibility, coupled with past rumors of a PlayStation handheld capable of running PS5 games, has fueled renewed speculation about a potential new portable console. While unconfirmed, the PS5 Pro's advanced capabilities could indeed pave the way for a new handheld device.
