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

Following the recent PS5 Pro launch, analysts offer insights into its projected sales. Meanwhile, the new console reignites earlier speculation about a potential new PlayStation handheld.

Analyst's Perspective on PS5 Pro Sales Despite Price Increase

PS5 Pro's Enhanced Features 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%), much larger 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 launch sales in 2016. Harding-Rolls highlights the price difference between the PS4 Pro ($399) and the slim PS4 ($299) at launch (33%) as a comparison.

While acknowledging the PS5 Pro's price might dampen demand, Harding-Rolls believes PlayStation enthusiasts will be less price-sensitive. The PS4 Pro ultimately sold approximately 14.5 million units, representing about 12% of total PS4 sales, with an estimated 13 million unit sell-through 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 through performance boosts. In a statement to CNET, Cerny mentioned that the improved GPU will allow for higher resolution PSVR2 game outputs, though specific titles haven't been named.

Cerny also indicated that PlayStation Spectral Super Resolution, the PS5 Pro's AI upscaling technology, will be compatible with PSVR2. The PS5 Pro also maintains compatibility with existing PS5 accessories like the PS Portal.

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