The PlayStation 5 Pro, priced at a hefty $700, is sparking debate. While it’s a high-end console cheaper than most comparable gaming PCs, it’s still the most expensive console from one of the big three gaming manufacturers. This begs the question: will the PS5 Pro find its niche in the gaming world or struggle to justify its hefty price tag?
Experts from the game industry, while acknowledging its potential for success, seem to agree that it will be a modest triumph rather than a revolution. They believe the PS5 Pro will appeal mainly to tech enthusiasts who crave the latest and greatest, but likely won’t reignite the entire console industry or become the go-to PlayStation console for the average gamer.
Mat Piscatella, executive director of video games at Circana, sees the PS5 Pro as a “reason to buy and stay engaged” for those who appreciate powerful gaming experiences. However, he emphasizes that it’s a niche market, and its success will be measured by how well it caters to those specific enthusiasts.
The $700 price point has already generated negativity online, a trend Sony seems to be embracing with its high-end products. Last year, the PlayStation VR2, launched at $550, faced significant criticism for its price and underwhelming sales. However, the analysts I spoke to believe the PS5 Pro is a different story. They highlight that the PlayStation VR2 lacked compelling games and first-party support, whereas the PS5 Pro will have both. Additionally, they believe the PS5 Pro is specifically targeted at an audience who are more willing to pay a premium for top-tier technology.
Analysts like Rhys Elliott, from MIDiA Research, point to the success of other PlayStation accessories like the PlayStation Portal and DualSense Edge. These products, also criticized for their high prices, have found success with dedicated PlayStation fans. Elliott suggests that the PS5 Pro’s price, while high, could appeal to these same passionate gamers who are willing to pay for premium console experiences.
However, the question remains, will enough of those enthusiasts exist to make the PS5 Pro a financial success? Looking at the PS4 Pro’s sales, which made up 13% of total PS4 units sold, provides some insight. Piscatella predicts that the PS5 Pro will likely sell between 9% and 15% of total PS5 units by the end of the console’s lifecycle, though he acknowledges that this remains a projection.
Simon Carless, founder of GameDiscoverCo, believes that the PS5 Pro makes sense for die-hard PlayStation fans, but its success will depend on the quality of “Pro-enhanced” games. He questions whether there will be enough players willing to pay a premium for a deluxe console experience.
Despite its targeting of the hardcore gaming audience, the PS5 Pro might struggle to attract casual gamers. The consensus from analysts is that it lacks the value proposition needed to draw in those who prioritize affordability and accessibility. However, there’s a glimmer of hope.
Elliott points out that MIDiA research shows 40% of console gamers prioritize graphics as a key motivator for playing new games. He believes that bundles, potentially including games like Marvel’s Spider-Man 2, Monster Hunter Wilds, or Grand Theft Auto VI, could be a compelling incentive for casual gamers to upgrade.
While the PS5 Pro’s high price may initially limit its appeal to the casual market, there’s still a chance that it could finally convince players to upgrade from PS4 to PS5. This could potentially lead to a boost in overall PS5 sales, even if those upgrades are to the standard PS5 model rather than the Pro version.
The video game industry has faced significant challenges in recent years, with a decline in console sales and ongoing layoffs. Some are wondering if the PS5 Pro could be a catalyst for a positive shift in the industry’s fortunes. However, the analysts I spoke to were cautiously optimistic.
Piscatella believes that the PS5 Pro, while not targeting the mass market, could provide a much-needed boost to the enthusiast segment, encouraging them to invest in a second PS5 console. Carless doesn’t anticipate a significant surge in overall console sales due to the PS5 Pro but hopes that its advanced technology and high cost will pave the way for more affordable future PlayStation consoles.
Elliott is the most optimistic, particularly regarding PlayStation’s overall growth, with players subscribing to PS Plus and purchasing PS5 games. He believes that the PS5 Pro will have a positive impact on hardware sales, which will also translate into software sales. However, he acknowledges that the PS5 Pro is unlikely to draw in many non-PlayStation players. He expects the upcoming releases of the Switch 2 and Grand Theft Auto VI to have a greater impact on the overall video game market.
While the PS5 Pro’s $700 price tag is undoubtedly a significant barrier for many, the consensus among industry experts is that it’s not a dealbreaker. The console’s success will likely hinge on its ability to cater to a passionate audience of tech enthusiasts and dedicated PlayStation fans. If it can capture that niche, it could achieve a solid level of success even without becoming a mainstream phenomenon. The PS5 Pro’s high price might not be its most appealing feature, but it’s not necessarily its death knell either. The fate of the PS5 Pro, which releases on November 7, remains to be seen.
