Sony's latest PlayStation 5 sales figures reveal impressive milestones despite a dip in console numbers. With the recent launch of the PlayStation 5 Pro, the company reported selling 65.5 million PS5 units by the end of Q2 2024. Although console sales saw a slight decline of 1.1 million units compared to the same period in 2023—and a decrease of 2 million units overall in 2024—the broader picture for Sony remains positive.
Game sales surge keeps revenue high
While hardware sales fell, Sony's game sales have soared. The company reported selling 77.7 million game units during Q2, an increase of 14.9 per cent over last year. This surge in game sales has been a significant driver of Sony's recent financial success, allowing the company to post revenue growth of 9 per cent. Operating profit, meanwhile, saw a substantial increase of 73 per cent, reaching 445.1 billion yen (approximately US$2.91 billion).
A key player in Sony's game sales was the hit action RPG Black Myth: Wukong, which sold a remarkable 20 million units in Q2 alone. This includes console and PC sales, underlining the title's broad appeal. Another major contributor was Sony's own Astro Bot game, which demonstrated the impact of exclusive, high-quality titles in boosting overall sales and engagement on the platform.
Despite a noticeable price hike in late 2023 for PlayStation Network subscriptions, Sony has retained 116 million active monthly users. This steady engagement underscores a loyal player base willing to stay connected despite higher costs.
Sony's outlook: New console, more revenue
The launch of the PS5 Pro also brings renewed optimism for Sony's future. The higher price point will likely drive even greater profitability as the new model arrives in time for the holiday season. Buoyed by these results and the impending release of its enhanced console, Sony has slightly increased its revenue forecast for the rest of the fiscal year.
This strong sales performance in Q2 positions Sony well for the remaining two quarters of its fiscal year, which ends on March 31, 2025. Expectations are high for the new titles on the horizon, including two first-party releases set for February 2025: Assassin's Creed Shadow and Monster Hunter Wilds. Both are anticipated to attract significant interest and potentially push sales further.
Blockbuster titles expected to boost next year's sales
Looking ahead, Sony's fiscal 2025, which kicks off in April, could be a landmark year for the company. The company will release highly anticipated titles like Ghost of Yotei, Death Stranding 2, DOOM: The Dark Ages, and the much-awaited Grand Theft Auto VI. These blockbuster games have the potential to set new sales records and fuel further growth, making Sony's future outlook robust.
While the gaming giant faces industry challenges, such as managing hardware shortages and navigating price-sensitive markets, its strong focus on quality game releases and hardware innovations like the PS5 Pro is expected to sustain its upward trajectory. With another promising year in sight, Sony's performance underscores the powerful blend of console sales, compelling games, and consistent user engagement.
