Despite mixed initial reactions, analysts predict strong sales for the newly released PS5 Pro. The console's advanced features also fuel speculation about a potential future handheld device.

Analyst Forecasts Robust PS5 Pro Sales Despite Price Increase

Enhanced PS5 Pro Capabilities Spark Renewed Interest in a Handheld PlayStation

Despite its $700 price tag, the PS5 Pro is projected to achieve sales comparable to the PS4 Pro, according to Ampere Analysis. Market research director Piers Harding-Rolls notes a significant price difference between the standard PS5 and the Pro model (40-50%), much larger than the gap between the PS4 and PS4 Pro at launch.

Ampere Analysis forecasts approximately 1.3 million PS5 Pro units sold during the November 2024 launch window – 400,000 fewer than the PS4 Pro's initial launch sales in 2016. Harding-Rolls attributes this to the higher price point, though he believes this will be less of a deterrent for dedicated PlayStation fans. The PS4 Pro ultimately sold around 14.5 million units, representing roughly 12% of total PS4 sales, with projected sales reaching approximately 13 million units over five years. (*Sell-through refers to direct consumer purchases from retailers.)

Furthermore, PS5 lead architect Mark Cerny highlights the PS5 Pro's enhanced capabilities for PSVR2. In a statement to CNET, Cerny confirmed that the Pro's improved GPU will allow for higher resolution PSVR2 game outputs, though specific titles haven't been announced. He also mentioned the eventual compatibility of PlayStation Spectral Super Resolution (the PS5 Pro's AI upscaling feature) with PSVR2. The PS5 Pro also boasts compatibility with existing PS5 accessories, including the PS Portal.

This PS Portal compatibility, coupled with previous rumors of a portable PlayStation console capable of running PS5 games, has rekindled speculation about a new handheld device. While unconfirmed, the PS5 Pro's advanced features suggest that a handheld PlayStation may be a realistic future possibility.