The highly anticipated PS5 Pro might finally be arriving this year, industry analysts told CNBC. After four years since the PS5’s initial launch, reports hint at a powerful upgrade gracing shelves in the latter half of 2024.
Experts believe this potential launch strategy aims to reignite consumer interest in the console ahead of the next instalment in the blockbuster Grand Theft Auto franchise, GTA 6 in 2025. Historically, GTA releases have propelled console sales, and Sony might be looking to capitalise again.
“There seems to be a broad consensus in the game industry that Sony is indeed preparing a launch of a PS5 Pro in the second half of 2024,” Serkan Toto, CEO of Tokyo-based games consultancy Kantan Games, told CNBC. “And Sony will want to make sure to have a great piece of hardware ready when GTA VI hits in 2025, a launch that will be a shot in the arm for the entire gaming industry.”
Sony’s latest financial report, released on February 14, tempered expectations for PlayStation fans. The company revised its PS5 sales forecast downwards, from 25 million units to 21 million units for the fiscal year ending March 2024. Additionally, an executive hinted at a potential “gradual decline” in sales moving forward.
During the earnings call, Sony SVP Naomi Matsuoka said that PS5 would enter the latter stage of its life cycle (from April 2024 until March 2025). Moreover, the documents found during the Microsoft vs FTC battle revealed that Microsoft doesn’t expect a next-generation PlayStation or Xbox until 2028.
Hence, a PS5 Pro, a potential mid-generation upgrade for the current-gen console could fill the gap to run high-definition games that are set to launch in the coming years.
Sony also announced that they would not release major sequels like God of War and Spider-Man before April 2025 and a potential PS5 Pro launch in latter half of 2024 feels nothing new.
The PS5’s launch in 2020 was thrilling, but the scarcity of the consoles had hit hard for the gamers. Global supply chain issues meant that stores would quickly run out of stock for the PS5. Thankfully, 2023 finally saw the PS5 become a more attainable treasure.
Similar to PS4 Pro, the rumoured PS5 Pro might pack upgraded internal components and possibly a refreshed look. But it will likely be an evolution of the current PS5, not a completely new console (think of it as a PS5 Plus, not a PS6).
