Sony recently unveiled the PS5 Pro, an upgrade to its current console, aimed at improving the experience for more demanding gamers. However, the price of €799.99 has raised doubts and discussions within the community. As detailed in a comprehensive article by GamesIndustry.biz, price is not the only factor in the success of this new version of the PlayStation 5, and the console is expected to have modest performance based on industry expert analysis.
Piers Harding-Rolls from Ampere Analysis projects that the PS5 Pro could sell around 1.3 million units by the end of 2024, a slightly lower estimate than the PS4 Pro, which sold 1.7 million units in the same period. For Harding-Rolls, similar to what happened with the PS4 Pro, the new version of the PS5 is not expected to significantly change the sales dynamics of the platform, primarily being purchased by loyal fans and PS4 owners looking for an upgrade.
The article also compares the performance of the PS4 Pro, which sold 14.5 million units during its lifetime. Analysts predict that the PS5 Pro should sell around 13 million units by 2029, remaining in line with the previous generation. Rhys Elliott from Midia Research suggests that the PS5 Pro could reach 15 million units by the end of the current console generation.
Despite the high price, analysts agree that there is a market for the PS5 Pro, although limited to a niche of loyal PlayStation fans. The console, with enhanced features such as advanced ray tracing and 45% faster rendering times, primarily appeals to those seeking the best gaming experience possible. Comparisons have been made to luxury brands like Mercedes-AMG, indicating that the PS5 Pro is targeted at consumers who value technological excellence, even at a high cost.
The GamesIndustry.biz article highlights that, while the price of €799.99 is considered the maximum that Sony could ask without generating further resistance. This price range, according to Elliott, aligns with consumer behavior that is already willing to spend more on high-end electronic products. Harding-Rolls, on the other hand, emphasizes regional disparities in pricing: in Europe, the increase over the base PS5 is 45%, while in Japan, it reaches 50%.
Regarding the American market, one of the most significant for Sony, Mat Piscatella from Circana predicts that up to 20% of PS5 units sold in the first two months after the Pro’s launch will be of the more advanced model. He compares the current scenario to that of the PS4 Pro, which accounted for 13% of total PS4 sales in the U.S., and expects the PS5 Pro to represent between 9% and 15% of unit sales.
In the global context, Sony sees growing opportunities in markets like China and Saudi Arabia, where consumer purchasing power has increased. The international expansion of the brand could be an important factor for the success of the PS5 Pro, according to Harding-Rolls.
Another point raised is that the console market is diversifying. Piscatella notes that, unlike in previous years, gamers no longer share a standardized experience with consoles. Today, consumers are willing to spend on special editions of games and premium accessories, and the PS5 Pro reflects this trend of market segmentation.
In summary, the future of the PS5 Pro will depend on its ability to provide a gaming experience that justifies the investment, something that could become a reality with the release of highly anticipated titles like Grand Theft Auto 6. While the new version is not expected to revolutionize PlayStation hardware sales, it will play an important role in Sony’s strategy, especially among gamers seeking superior performance in their games.