PS5 Pro Demand Remains Strong Despite Negative Reviews

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 console.

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 industry analysts to forecast sales comparable to the PS4 Pro, despite a significant price jump. Ampere Analysis' Piers Harding-Rolls noted the substantial price difference between the standard PS5 and the Pro model, highlighting it's much larger than the gap between the PS4 and PS4 Pro at launch.

Ampere Analysis projects approximately 1.3 million PS5 Pro units sold during its November 2024 launch window – roughly 400,000 fewer than the PS4 Pro's initial sales in 2016. Harding-Rolls points to the price difference (a 40-50% increase compared to a 33% difference between the PS4 and PS4 Pro) as a potential factor impacting demand. However, he believes this price may be less of a concern for dedicated PlayStation fans. Sony ultimately sold around 14.5 million PS4 Pro units. Ampere estimates the PS4 Pro accounted for about 12% of total PS4 sales, projecting a sell-through of 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 performance. In a statement to CNET, Cerny indicated that the Pro's upgraded GPU will enable higher resolutions for PSVR2 games, though specific titles haven't been announced. He also confirmed 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, including the PS Portal.

This PS Portal compatibility, along with the PS5 Pro's advanced capabilities, has fueled renewed speculation regarding a potential new portable PlayStation console. Earlier rumors of a handheld capable of running PS5 games have resurfaced, though no official announcements have been made. The PS5 Pro's features could indeed pave the way for a new handheld device.