The PS5 Pro’s sales are apparently behind those of the PS4 Pro, even with a strong start. The console’s high price and general softening of hardware sales appear to be the reasons why, according to gaming analyst Mat Piscatella.
PS5 Pro Not Holding Initial Momentum
The PS5 Pro launched in early November 2024, and initial sales matched those of the PS4 Pro, despite the latter’s significantly higher price of $700. But the latest is that the system has not been able to maintain that rhythm. Piscatella said on Bluesky that, as of February 21, 2025, the PS5 Pro is now trailing behind the PS4 Pro’s sales for the same period. Although an exact figure was not given, the drop indicates that Sony’s newest premium console update might not be as appealing to consumers as its previous iteration.
Hardware Sales Dipping Across Industry
With the exception of the PS5 Pro, gaming hardware sales have tanked across the board. According to Piscatella, overall PlayStation 5 hardware spend is down by 38% year over year. The Xbox Series X and S did not lag behind, dropping by 50%, while the Nintendo Switch fell by 53%. In Europe, console sales fell 21% in 2024, again indicative of the overall downturn in the industry.
A combination of factors could be at work, such as reduced demand for games that by their nature are exclusive, budget constraints, and the transition to subscription models and cloud gaming. There have been some performance problems with the PS5 Pro too, but these have been recognized by Sony, who are providing solutions.
What’s Next for Sony
How Sony will tackle these lagging sales is unknown. Rumors included that it would include a PlayStation handheld launching with the PS6, but no word on such has been released. Microsoft, in the meantime, has turned to software and subscription offerings, while Nintendo should strengthen its hardware market with the impending Switch 2 launch later in 2025.
Although the PS5 Pro is struggling, the PS4 Pro was booming at the time it was manufactured, so a slump for the PS5 Pro isn’t quite a failure unto itself—given the overall hardware spending slump across the industry.
