Per the analyst predictions, Sony is likely to release a refreshed version of the PlayStation 5 this year, following a cut in sales forecast for its flagship console.
“The move would be designed to boost interest in the PlayStation 5 and offer a souped-up piece of hardware ready for the release of Grand Theft Auto VI in 2025, one of this decade’s most hotly anticipated games,” the analysts said.
First launched in November 2020, Sony’s PlayStation 5 is now over 3 years old. The Japanese gaming giant recently revised its forecast for PS5 sales for the fiscal year ending in March from 25 million units to 21 million units.
During the company’s earnings call last week, an executive mentioned Sony’s anticipation of a “gradual decline” in unit sales from the next fiscal year.
In previous console cycles, gaming firms have introduced refreshed hardware to reinvigorate sales when faced with similar situations. For instance, Sony introduced a “Pro” version of the PlayStation 4, the previous generation console, approximately three years after its initial launch.
Analysts are now anticipating a PlayStation 5 Pro from Sony.
“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,” said Serkan Toto, CEO of Tokyo-based games consultancy Kantan Games.
“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.”
