PS5 Pro Sales Forecast

The PS5 Pro's $700 price tag has sparked intense debate, but despite the backlash, there is still a market for PlayStation's high-end device. To gauge the console's prospects, industry analysts have shared their sales expectations and the factors that will influence its mid-generation launch. Ampere Analysis' Piers Harding-Rolls predicts that 1.3 million units could be sold by the end of 2024, slightly behind the PS4 Pro's launch window sales. Conversely, SJN Insights' Sam Naji believes that Sony will struggle to shift more than one million units within the first year. The PS5 Pro's performance is expected to be similar to that of the PS4 Pro, which sold 14.5 million units in its lifetime. Ampere forecasts that the PS5 Pro will reach 13 million units by 2029, while Rhys Elliott of Midia Research suggests that it could sell up to 15 million units before the end of the generation. The console's appeal will likely be enhanced by bundles and premium features, with some analysts noting that the Pro's $700 price tag is not entirely unexpected, given the current market trends. However, others argue that the price may be too steep, especially considering the incremental tech upgrades and the lack of a clear selling point. The PS5 Pro's long-term impact is expected to be relatively small, with the console complementing PlayStation's business rather than significantly boosting it. The console's mid-term performance will depend on factors such as the state of the economy, Sony's ability to demonstrate the Pro's capabilities, and consumer willingness to pay a premium for the digital-only console or external disc drive. Ultimately, the PS5 Pro's success will depend on the quality of games that utilize its power, and whether developers and publishers will create content that showcases the console's capabilities. If not, the Pro may struggle to find its place in the market, leading to a potential Catch 22 scenario.