The PlayStation 5 Pro, Sony’s latest mid-generation console upgrade, has hit the market with less hype than expected. Unlike past console launches that saw instant sell-outs and supply shortages, the PS5 Pro remains in stock across the US and UK.
The console’s new price point at $700 has scared-off a lot of customers. Many are questioning the worth of the upgrade, especially given the ongoing support for last-gen consoles and the absence of must-have exclusive titles. It seems that even scalpers are thinking twice now before taking the console into their inventory.
The gaming community agrees that the main factors for to the lukewarm response is the high price point. In a time of economic uncertainty, dropping $700 on a console upgrade is a tough sell for many gamers. This is further complicated by additional costs, such as $120 for a separate disc drive, as the base model is digital-only.
Many gamers still value physical media, and the decision to make the disc reader an add-on has alienated a big part of the potential customer base. It’s seen by some as Sony pushing toward a digital-only future. The PS5 community isn’t happy about that.
Another issue is the continued support for last-gen consoles. With many new games still releasing on PS4 and Xbox One, the full potential of the PS5 Pro remains untapped. This cross-gen approach of publishers just doesn’t create enough incentive to switch at the moment.
That said, the PS5 Pro does offer some notable improvements. Faster load times, thanks to its improved SSD, and the capability for higher frame rates are surely appealing to die-hard tech enthusiasts. However, these upgrades are just incremental at best and not enough of a reason to spend $700.
Mid-gen upgrades typically serve niche audiences rather than replacing base models entirely. The PS4 Pro faced a similar situation at launch. When it launched in 2014, it was mainly targeted at early adopters with 4K TVs.
The gaming landscape has also changed since the original PS5 launch. The global chip shortage that led to scarcity and scalping issues has largely resolved. Sony most likely prepared a larger stock for this release. This abundance of supply, combined with the high prices, leaves the PS5 Pro available in most places.
Looking ahead, the success of the PS5 Pro may depend on upcoming exclusive titles that can truly create a need for the new console. However, with many popular games not pushing hardware limits, most gamers have plenty of time to plan their move to the PS5.
