PlayStation 5 has sold millions of units worldwide since its launch at the end of 2020; however, it falls short of Sony's more ambitious sales expectations. In response, it seems that the company could launch a new version of its console to reinvigorate consumer interest and prepare for one of the most significant releases: Grand Theft Auto 6.
For months, rumors have circulated about the alleged PlayStation 5 Pro, a new version of the next-gen console that would improve its power and other features. A reliable source claimed in 2023 that the hardware is real and will be revealed very soon, while another report suggested that the launch could take place in late 2024.
Although Sony has not confirmed the existence of the new version of its next-gen console, analysts believe that the project is real and that it will hit stores during the second half of this year.
Sony could release the PlayStation 5 Pro in 2024, according to analysts
In a recent report from CNBC, Serkan Toto, CEO of the Tokyo-based game consultancy Kantan Games, stated that it is likely that Sony intends to launch a new version of its console in 2024.
"There seems to be a broad consensus in the gaming industry that Sony is preparing to launch a PS5 Pro in the second half of 2024. Sony will want to make sure to have a big piece of hardware ready when GTA 6 arrives in 2025, a launch that will be a boost for the entire industry," highlighted Serkan Toto.
PlayStation 5 has already sold 54.8 million units worldwide since its release in 2020, meaning it shipped 8.2 million during the last quarter ending on December 31, 2023. While these are good numbers, they fall below Sony's expectations.
In the latest financial report, the company lowered its sales target. Originally aiming to ship 25 million units by the end of the fiscal year, it now only targets 21 million. Additionally, a "gradual decrease" in sales is anticipated from the next fiscal year onwards. As a result, the stock value plummeted.
Sony's management states that one of the goals is to "optimize sales with a greater emphasis on balance with profits." These could be bad news, according to experts. Specifically, analysts theorize that even with the release of the supposed PlayStation 5 Pro, the original version of the console will not decrease in price, contrary to what happened in the PS4 generation.
"Therefore, a scenario where Sony releases a PS5 Pro but still experiences a year-over-year drop in hardware sales is very much within the realm of possibility," said George Jijiashvili, Senior Principal Analyst at Omdia.
It's important to note that this is pure speculation, so we recommend waiting for Sony to share details about the supposed PlayStation 5 Pro and its plans for the future.
But tell us, do you think Sony will launch an upgraded version of its console? Let us know in the comments.
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