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

The PS5 Pro has arrived, and analysts are already weighing in on its projected sales. The new console's launch reignites speculation about a potential PlayStation handheld, a rumor that circulated earlier this year.

Analyst Weighs in on PS5 Pro Sales Trajectory Despite Price Hike

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

Despite its $700 price tag, the PS5 Pro is projected to achieve sales comparable to the PS4 Pro, according to industry analysts. Ampere Analysis' Piers Harding-Rolls notes the significant price difference between the PS5 and PS5 Pro (40-50%), considerably larger than the gap between the PS4 and PS4 Pro at launch. Ampere predicts approximately 1.3 million PS5 Pro units sold during its November 2024 launch window—400,000 fewer than the PS4 Pro's launch sales in 2016.

Harding-Rolls acknowledges 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 roughly 12% of total PS4 sales. Ampere projects a similar sell-through of approximately 13 million units over five years. (Sell-through refers to direct consumer purchases from retailers.)

Beyond sales projections, PS5 lead architect Mark Cerny highlights the PS5 Pro's performance enhancements for PSVR2 games. In a statement to CNET, Cerny confirmed the PS5 Pro's improved GPU will enable higher resolution outputs for PSVR2 titles, although specific supported games remain unannounced. He also mentioned the PS5 Pro's AI-assisted upscaling feature, PlayStation Spectral Super Resolution, will be compatible with PSVR2 in the future. The PS5 Pro also boasts compatibility with other PS5 accessories, including the PS Portal.

This PS Portal compatibility, coupled with the PS5 Pro's enhanced capabilities, has fueled renewed speculation about a potential "portable PlayStation console." Rumors of a PS5 handheld capable of running PS5 games surfaced earlier this year. While unconfirmed, the PS5 Pro's features could significantly influence the development of a future handheld device.