PS5 Pro Targeted at ‘Hardcore’ Gamers, Sony President Claims Pricing Has Not Affected Sales
Sony has addressed concerns regarding the pricing of the newly launched PlayStation 5 Pro, stating that it has not had a negative impact on console sales. While the company has not disclosed specific sales figures for the PS5 Pro, Sony remains confident that the high-end console, priced at $699.99 and launched on November 7, will not significantly affect the overall sales numbers for the PS5. The company views the PS5 Pro as a niche product aimed primarily at “hardcore” gamers, rather than the broader market of general console users.
During the second-quarter FY 2024 earnings call, Sony president Hiroki Totoki explained that the PS5 Pro’s sales were factored into the company’s overall projections for PlayStation 5 sales for the current fiscal year. Sony expects to sell 18 million units of the PS5 across various models in FY 2024. Totoki noted that while the PS5 Pro may not contribute heavily to the overall sales figures, it remains an important offering in Sony’s portfolio for dedicated, high-end users who are looking for the best possible gaming experience.
Totoki further emphasized that the PS5 Pro is positioned as a premium device, targeting users who demand more power and performance from their gaming consoles. “Hardcore users are the target for this hardware,” he explained, indicating that the PS5 Pro is not meant to appeal to the broader, more price-sensitive gaming audience. Instead, it aims to attract those looking for an advanced console experience, with enhanced graphical performance and faster processing speeds, appealing to enthusiasts who prioritize top-tier specs.
Despite its higher price point, Sony’s decision to target this segment of gamers rather than the mass market appears to be a strategic move. Totoki reassured investors that the PS5 Pro’s introduction wouldn’t cannibalize the sales of the standard PS5. In fact, he suggested that compared to the regular PS5, the PS5 Pro might even appeal more to certain gamers, further cementing the idea that the two models serve different purposes within the PlayStation ecosystem.
