Sony has announced that its PlayStation 5 has surpassed 100 million units shipped globally. This milestone was confirmed on the company’s official website, marking the PS5 as the fourth console from Sony to reach this figure, following the PlayStation, PlayStation 2, and PlayStation 4.
PlayStation 5 Sales Growth Amid Challenges
The PlayStation 5 achieved this milestone six years after its launch, which occurred on November 12, 2020, in select regions and November 19, 2020, worldwide. Since the last sales report at the end of September, the console has shipped an additional 2.1 million units. However, the PS5’s sales trajectory has faced challenges due to a limited supply during its initial year, exacerbated by the COVID-19 pandemic and subsequent production issues.
Despite these hurdles, the PS5 is expected to gain further momentum with the upcoming release of Grand Theft Auto 6, which could significantly boost console sales. Currently, the PS5’s total shipments are still behind the PlayStation 4’s total of 117 million units, though it has already surpassed the PlayStation 3’s 87.4 million and the PlayStation Portable’s 76.4 million.
Comparative Sales Figures for PlayStation Consoles
As of now, the PlayStation 5 is on track to potentially exceed the original PlayStation’s total of 102.4 million units but is unlikely to surpass the PlayStation 2, which holds the record at 160 million units sold. In terms of sales performance, the PS5 is approximately 5 million units behind the PS4 at a similar point in its lifecycle, primarily due to rising prices influenced by increased manufacturing costs.
Despite these challenges, Sony remains optimistic about its gaming division, having recently raised its full-year forecast for PlayStation following increased net sales and operating income in the second quarter. However, the company is also facing setbacks, such as the disappointing sales of Marvel’s Wolverine, which sold 2.4 million units, and the cancellation of its live service game, Haven’s Fairgames.
Looking ahead, discussions about next-generation consoles, including the potential for a PlayStation 6 and possibly a new handheld device, are already underway. Speculation suggests that future consoles may launch at prices exceeding USD 1,000, raising questions about market dynamics.