Sony’s PS5 Pro, a mid-generation upgrade priced at $699, is a harder sell than the previous model due to the high price point. The new PS5 has opted for more nuanced messaging in terms of upgraded graphics, advanced raytracing, and AI-driven upscaling.
With this next-generation model, Sony is looking to achieve two goals: offer the most powerful console gaming experience and increase hardware ARPU and profit margins.
Sony is trying to position the PS5 Pro as a premium console for gamers who prefer a superior graphics experience. It is also responding to the realities of the console market, which are pretty harsh on the console platform holders.
It is believed that the main audience of the PS5 Pro are early adopters of the PS5 and price-insensitive gamers looking for high-fidelity experiences. With the rise of middle-class users willing to invest in high-end entertainment in Asia and the Middle East, the PS5 is expected to see a geographic expansion.
The base PS5 models will remain a main entry point into current-gen gaming, and the PS5 Digital Edition will continue to increase its market share due to lower prices and digitalization into gaming.
The rough estimations say that the PS5 Pro will account for roughly 10% of lifetime PS5 sales, pushing it over 10 million units.
Sony’s efforts to increase margins through high-end hardware, digital content, and premium services indicate a broader industry trend. Thus, it is using the new PS5 Pro as a product that will drive hardware profitability, all while establishing itself as a leading console brand.
