Sony is reportedly preparing to introduce a Pro version of the PlayStation 5 later this year, aiming to rekindle interest in PS5 sales as the current console generation enters its latter stages. Since its debut in November 2020, the PS5 has exceeded 50 million units sold; however, recent trends show a decline in sales momentum. The company anticipates falling short of its PS5 sales target for the fiscal year 2023, projecting four million fewer units sold than the initial goal of 25 million.
In a recent discussion with CNBC, industry analysts suggested that Sony is likely to refresh its PS5 lineup with the Pro variant scheduled for 2024. This upgraded console is expected to feature enhanced hardware capabilities and may carry a higher price tag compared to the standard PS5. “There seems to be a broad consensus in the game industry that Sony is indeed preparing a launch of a PS5 Pro in the second half of 2024,” noted Serkan Toto, CEO of Kantan Games, a Tokyo-based gaming consultancy.
Toto further indicated that the anticipated PS5 Pro could be strategically positioned to coincide with the release of Rockstar Games’ Grand Theft Auto 6, anticipated to launch in 2025. GTA 6 is one of the most eagerly awaited games in history and is predicted to provide a substantial boost to the gaming sector. Set to launch on current-generation consoles, and with no PC version confirmed, GTA 6 is expected to invigorate sales for both the PS5 and Xbox Series S/X.
In November of the previous year, Sony introduced a slimmer, lighter iteration of the PS5, which includes slightly increased internal storage and a detachable disc drive. This PS5 Slim maintains the original console’s processing power and graphical performance without altering the price. The introduction of a PS5 Pro would bring significant hardware enhancements, potentially offering better framerates and higher resolution capabilities.
It is notable that Sony released a Pro version of the PS4 roughly three years after the original PS4 launched in November 2013. The upgraded PS4 Pro featured a more powerful GPU and supported 4K resolution.
Last week, during its earnings call, Sony adjusted its full-year sales forecast for the PS5, revising its estimates down to 21 million units from the earlier target of 25 million for fiscal year 2023. The company also projected a gradual decline in PS5 sales moving into the next financial year, expressing concern over the lack of major franchise titles scheduled for release in 2024. In the third quarter of 2023, Sony sold 8.2 million PS5 units, while operating profit in the gaming division dropped by approximately 25 percent.
