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 fuel speculation about a potential future handheld console.

Analyst Forecasts for PS5 Pro Sales Despite Price Increase

PS5 Pro's Enhanced Capabilities Spark Renewed Handheld Console Rumors

The $700 PS5 Pro's launch has prompted analysts to predict sales comparable to the PS4 Pro, even with the significant price jump. Ampere Analysis' Piers Harding-Rolls notes a much larger price difference between the PS5 and PS5 Pro (40-50%) than between the PS4 and PS4 Pro at launch.

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 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/PS5 Pro pricing. He suggests the higher price may dampen demand, but believes PlayStation enthusiasts will be less price-sensitive. Sony ultimately sold around 14.5 million PS4 Pro units, representing roughly 12% of total PS4 sales, with projected sales reaching approximately 13 million units over 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 indicated that the PS5 Pro's improved GPU will allow for higher resolutions in PSVR2 games, although specific titles haven't been named. He also mentioned that the PS5 Pro's PlayStation Spectral Super Resolution (AI-assisted upscaling) will be compatible with PSVR2. The PS5 Pro also supports other PS5 accessories, including the PS Portal.

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