Recent PS5 Pro launch sparks analyst debate on sales projections. Meanwhile, the new console reignites speculation about a potential PlayStation handheld.
Analyst Insights into PS5 Pro Sales: Price Point Considerations
Enhanced PS5 Pro Capabilities Fuel Handheld Console Rumors
Despite its $700 price tag, analysts predict the PS5 Pro will achieve sales comparable to the PS4 Pro. Ampere Analysis' Piers Harding-Rolls notes a significant price difference (40-50%) between the PS5 and PS5 Pro, much larger than the PS4 and PS4 Pro launch gap. They project approximately 1.3 million PS5 Pro units sold during its November 2024 launch window—400,000 fewer than the PS4 Pro's initial sales.
Harding-Rolls acknowledges the price may dampen demand but believes PlayStation enthusiasts will prioritize the console's capabilities. The PS4 Pro ultimately sold around 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.
PS5 lead architect Mark Cerny confirms PS5 Pro enhancements for PSVR2, specifically higher resolution outputs thanks to the improved GPU. He also mentions the console's AI-assisted upscaling, PlayStation Spectral Super Resolution, will eventually be compatible with PSVR2. The PS5 Pro also boasts compatibility with existing PS5 accessories like the PS Portal.
This PS Portal compatibility fuels speculation about a potential new portable PlayStation console. Earlier rumors of a PS5 handheld capable of running PS5 games have resurfaced, and the PS5 Pro's advanced features could indeed pave the way for a new handheld device. However, nothing official has been announced.
