Why is the PS5 Pro so expensive?

PS5 Pro There is a lot to talk about, not so much because of its technical specifications or capabilities, but because of its price. The fact that Sony’s new console costs $700 in the US and €800 in Europe has become a subject of heated debate among the public. Especially since it comes without a hard drive or vertical support, and those who want to include them will have to buy them separately.

Now, Why is the PS5 Pro so expensive? There wouldn’t be a single cause for this issue. Ampere Analysis has published an interesting breakdown of the reasons that could impact the price gamers will have to pay to get their hands on this device.

What’s most notable about the above analysis is that, with the exception of one specific external factor, the rest will be part of Sony’s own commercial strategy. Specifically, Ampere says that inflation recorded at a general level in the supply chain can have a direct impact on the price of the PS5 Pro. If the development of console components becomes more expensive, it is logical to assume that the manufacturer will pass this cost increase on to the price of the PS5 Pro. The figure that buyers then have to pay.

But that only tells part of the story. Aside from inflation as an external factor, Sony would have two other reasons to sell the PS5 Pro at such a high price:

• Protect your profits. This is not surprising, since the Japanese managed to prevent the PS5 from being sold at a loss in August 2021; that is, just 8 months after its launch. So it is unlikely that they will want to go back down this path. Especially when Microsoft, its direct competitor in this segment, has found it much more problematic. In late 2022, Phil Spencer admitted that they are still losing between $100 and $200 for every Series S or Series X sold. And the outlook has certainly not improved, given that Xbox hardware sales are noticeably declining and show no signs of improving.
• Lack of direct competition. This will be another key point that will allow Sony to sell the PS5 Pro at such a high price. Ampere points out that, unlike what happened with the PS4 Pro, which had to compete with the Xbox One X, Sony now has more room to maneuver in the high-end console segment. This is because Microsoft is not planning on immediately releasing a mid-cycle refresh for the Xbox Series X that could compete with Sony’s new hardware. Without pressure from a direct competitor to lower its price, the PS5 Pro is now free to move.

How much PS5 Pro will Sony sell?

Ampere believes that the PS5 Pro will have a similar impact on the market as the PS4 Pro, which is why they predict that the new console will sell for about the same amount. 1.3 million units until the end of 2024. We remind you that the device can be reserved from September 26 and will be available on November 7. This will allow you to take advantage of the end-of-year holidays, which are usually the time of the greatest sales in the sector. games.

By comparison, the PS4 Pro sold 1.7 million units when it launched in 2016. As of 2021, that version of the previous-gen console has sold 14.5 million units. The analysis estimates that the PS5 Pro has sold just 12.8 million units by 2029.

With its price, the PS5 Pro is now being presented as niche offerThe industry expects that most sales will come from customers who are already part of the PlayStation ecosystem, so it wouldn’t be surprising if those who opt for the new console are PS4 users who see it as a good upgrade option rather than waiting for the PS6. And while they shouldn’t be ruled out, it’s unlikely that current PS5 users will find the upgrade to the Pro model convenient, especially for casual gamers who aren’t hardcore fans. hardcore platforms.

Setting the Stage for PS6

The reaction to the PS5 Pro announcement seems to be setting the stage for the PS5 Pro to arrive. PS6what could happen in 2028. But not so much because of what the next-gen console could offer in terms of technology, but because of how much it could cost.

If anything has become obvious, it is that $1000/€1000 consoles aren’t crazy anymoreand they are closer than ever. In fact, if you decide to buy the PS5 Pro (€799.99) and add a disc reader (€119.99) and a vertical stand (€29.99), you will end up paying almost €950. That is $1,046 at the exchange rate of the day.

Breaking the four-digit barrier is no longer a crazy idea, and may become the norm from the next generation. Something that will likely apply to both the PlayStation and Xbox of the future.