PS5 Pro: Sales Forecasts Unaffected by Reception Woes

Despite mixed initial reactions, analysts predict strong sales for the newly released PS5 Pro. The latest PS5 iteration also reignites speculation about a potential handheld device.

Analyst Forecasts Robust PS5 Pro Sales Despite Price Increase

Enhanced PS5 Pro Capabilities Fuel "PS5 Handheld" Speculation

The $700 PS5 Pro's launch has prompted analysts to predict sales comparable to the PS4 Pro, even with the higher price tag. Ampere Analysis' Piers Harding-Rolls noted the significant price difference between the PS5 and PS5 Pro (40-50%), considerably larger than the PS4 and PS4 Pro launch gap.

Ampere Analysis projects approximately 1.3 million PS5 Pro units sold during its November 2024 launch window – around 400,000 fewer than the PS4 Pro's initial sales in 2016. Harding-Rolls highlighted the price difference between the US launch prices of the PS4 Pro ($399) and the slim PS4 ($299), a 33% disparity. He suggests the PS5 Pro's price may dampen demand, but believes PlayStation enthusiasts will be less price-sensitive. The PS4 Pro ultimately sold around 14.5 million units, representing approximately 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.

Furthermore, PS5 lead architect Mark Cerny confirmed PS5 Pro enhancements for PSVR2 games, citing improved GPU performance for higher resolutions. While specific titles haven't been announced, Cerny indicated that PlayStation Spectral Super Resolution, the PS5 Pro's AI upscaling, will be PSVR2 compatible. The PS5 Pro also maintains compatibility with existing PS5 accessories, including the PS Portal.

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