PlayStation 5 Pro Is Actually Aimed at “Hardcore” Gamers

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Sony’s PlayStation 5 Pro is expected to launch in 2024 at a price of nearly €800, reflecting a 75% increase over the PS4 Pro and a 56% premium compared to the PS5 Digital Edition. This higher price is designed to attract passionate gamers seeking the best possible experience. James McWhirter, Senior Games Analyst at Omdia, provided insights into this pricing strategy.

Unlike previous more affordable consoles, the PS5 Pro enters the market at a time when the costs of key components, like the CPU, remain high. This has also led to increased prices for other consoles, including the PS5 Slim.

Data from Omdia shows that only 1.8 million units of the PS4 Pro were sold in its first year. By the end of 2019, after four years on the market, the PS4 Pro accounted for less than 15% of the total PS4 installed base. Omdia does not expect the PS5 Pro to sell as well as the PS4 Pro. The PS4 Pro benefited from a lower launch price and the widespread adoption of 4K TVs. It also launched alongside PlayStation VR, a more appealing platform compared to today’s PS VR2.

In contrast, the PS5 Pro faces a higher price and fewer major game releases in 2024, which may limit its appeal. Even with the anticipated release of Grand Theft Auto 6 in 2025, which could boost some sales, analysts forecast an overall 17% decline in PS5 sales in 2024. The PS5 Pro will debut with Lego Horizon Adventures, a casual-friendly game that is currently the only major first-party title confirmed for the holiday season.

Sony is betting on the PS5 Pro to maintain the interest of its most dedicated players, but with fewer exclusive blockbuster games and strong competition, the stakes are high. The PS5 Pro will need to offer significant value to justify its price over the next three to four years before Sony begins its transition to the PS6, especially in a generation that has had fewer exclusives compared to the previous one.