Tag: PS5 Pro

  • PS5 Shipments Hit 77.8 Million; Software and Services Soar in FY2024

    PS5 Shipments Hit 77.8 Million; Software and Services Soar in FY2024

    Key Takeaways

    1. Global PS5 shipments reached 77.8 million units as of March 31, 2025, with a decline in fourth-quarter shipments.
    2. Total PS5 shipments for FY2024 were 18.5 million, down from 20.8 million in FY2023, indicating a slowdown in hardware sales.
    3. The Game & Network Services division showed strong performance in software and digital content, despite hardware sales decline.
    4. Growth in digital sector revenue and subscriptions helped mitigate losses from declining console sales.
    5. The PS5 lineup has evolved with slimmer models released in 2023 and a new PS5 Pro introduced in 2024.

    In the recent financial update, Sony announced that global shipments of the PlayStation 5 have reached 77.8 million units as of March 31, 2025. This total includes 2.8 million units shipped in the fourth quarter of FY2024 (from January to March 2025), which is a decrease from 4.5 million units during the same quarter last year. For the entire fiscal year, PS5 shipments totaled 18.5 million, showing a drop from 20.8 million in FY2023, suggesting a slowdown in the momentum of hardware sales.

    Strong Performance Despite Decline

    Even with the decline in console sales, the Game & Network Services (G&NS) division at Sony has performed well in terms of software, services, and digital content offerings. This segment has managed to hold its ground, showcasing resilience in a challenging market.

    The highlights from Sony’s complete FY2024 Q4 supplemental report indicate that while hardware shipments have faced a downturn, the growth in the platform’s digital sector and ongoing revenue from subscriptions and add-on content have helped mitigate those losses. Additionally, Sony’s focus on software, live services, and digital sales highlights the maturing phase of the console’s lifecycle and a more robust effort towards achieving long-term profitability.

    Changes in the PS5 Lineup

    The PlayStation 5 (currently priced at $759.69 on Amazon) was released in 2020, marking the most significant console launch ever. In 2023, the original console models were upgraded to slimmer versions, and just recently, in 2024, a PS5 Pro with enhanced specifications was introduced.

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  • Assassin’s Creed Shadows PS5 Pro Test: Boosted Lighting Quality

    Assassin’s Creed Shadows PS5 Pro Test: Boosted Lighting Quality

    Key Takeaways

    1. Enhanced Lighting Effects: The PS5 Pro version of Assassin’s Creed Shadows features significant improvements in lighting, particularly with ray-traced global illumination (RTGI), creating realistic visuals in its Japanese settings.

    2. Performance Modes Offered: The game provides multiple modes – performance, quality, and balanced – with the PS5 Pro achieving a smooth 60fps in performance settings.

    3. Lack of PSSR Upscaling: Despite being optimized for the PS5 Pro, Assassin’s Creed Shadows does not include PlayStation Spectral Super Resolution (PSSR) upscaling, leading to potential image artifacts at higher resolutions.

    4. Minor Differences in Fluidity: While players can experience ray tracing effects on the PS5 Pro, the overall differences in gameplay fluidity and image clarity compared to the standard PS5 are minimal.

    5. Technical Stability: Despite Ubisoft’s previous challenges, Assassin’s Creed Shadows demonstrates a well-crafted open world with few technical issues on consoles, providing a solid gaming experience.

    Developers sometimes don’t clearly state the benefits a title will offer on the PS5 Pro. Luckily, Digital Foundry conducted a detailed examination prior to the release date of Assassin’s Creed Shadows. The most notable enhancements are in the lighting effects, which render the Japanese settings of the game hauntingly realistic.

    Modes and Performance

    Similar to many recent console titles, Assassin’s Creed Shadows provides performance, quality, and balanced modes. Digital Foundry discovered that Sony’s most powerful gaming console truly shines with 60fps performance settings. The version of Assassin’s Creed Shadows for PS5 Pro utilizes ray-traced global illumination (RTGI), a feature not available on the standard PS5. The footage illustrates how indirect light authentically reflects off plants, while the visuals on the PS5 appear lackluster.

    Patch Updates and Development

    Post-launch patches are common for many PS5 games to introduce features specific to the PS5 Pro. Nevertheless, since Assassin’s Creed Shadows is a current-gen title, it seems to have been designed with this console in mind. Digital Foundry suggests that Ubisoft’s game is one of the finest examples of the PS5 Pro’s capabilities to date. However, it’s surprising that Assassin’s Creed Shadows lacks PlayStation Spectral Super Resolution (PSSR) upscaling. As a result, images at higher resolutions can display more artifacts than one might expect.

    Experience on PS5 Pro

    Players of Assassin’s Creed Shadows on PS5 Pro can enjoy standard ray tracing effects in quality mode. Conversely, when compared to the PS5, the differences in fluidity and overall image clarity are minimal. For those solely focused on consistent frame rates, the Xbox or PS5 versions could be adequate. Frame rates generally achieved their goals in quality, performance, and balanced modes. Meanwhile, similar to Monster Hunter Wilds, the Xbox Series S demonstrates its limitations with occasional stuttering gameplay.

    Ubisoft has faced delays and controversies leading up to the release date of Assassin’s Creed Shadows. Given these challenges, the publisher could not risk poor performance leading to further backlash. At least on consoles, the game showcases a beautifully crafted open world with few technical issues.

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    Assassin's Creed Shadows PS5 Pro Test: Boosted Lighting QualityAssassin's Creed Shadows PS5 Pro Test: Boosted Lighting Quality
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  • Xbox Sales Struggles Confirmed as PS5 Outsells PS4

    Xbox Sales Struggles Confirmed as PS5 Outsells PS4

    Microsoft has made a gradual move away from just selling hardware, aiming for a more diverse platform strategy. Recent market statistics show that Xbox sales are still declining. Mat Piscatella, a video game industry analyst at Circana, recently posted the findings on Bluesky. He pointed out that while U.S. console sales overall dropped in 2024, the Xbox Series X|S is lagging 18% behind the Xbox One during their first 50 months on the market. In contrast, the PS5 is doing significantly better, with lifetime sales 7% above those of the PS4.

    Year of Disappointment for Xbox Fans

    The previous year didn’t offer much excitement for gamers waiting for a new Xbox console to be announced. Microsoft did release some updated models, like the Series X 2TB Galaxy Black Special Edition, but these didn’t bring any performance improvements. Fans are now looking forward to a handheld console hinted at by Phil Spencer, the CEO of Microsoft Gaming. However, without a set launch date, the company is currently concentrating on its well-liked Xbox Game Pass subscription and Cloud Gaming services.

    Sony’s Strong Performance

    On the other hand, Sony launched the PS5 Pro in November 2024, featuring slightly better graphics and smoother performance. Even with a hefty price tag, this enhanced console shows Sony’s dedication to gaming hardware. When compared to 2023, PS5 sales only dipped by 11.8%, which is a better result than the Xbox Series X|S and Nintendo Switch, whose sales fell by 31% and 33.7%, respectively.

    Nintendo’s Bright Future

    Nintendo seems to be in a good spot, especially with the Switch 2 anticipated to launch later this year. It wouldn’t be shocking if it quickly outsold current consoles from Microsoft and Sony in their initial years. Furthermore, the Fall release of Rockstar Games’ Grand Theft Auto VI could potentially increase sales for all consoles. In the meantime, Microsoft is aiming to broaden its Play Anywhere strategy, targeting mobile devices and even Smart TVs.

    Xbox Sales Struggles Confirmed as PS5 Outsells PS4
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  • PS5 Pro’s Grooved Heatsink Prevents Liquid Metal Leaks

    PS5 Pro’s Grooved Heatsink Prevents Liquid Metal Leaks

    Though quickly disproven, a significant worry about the initial PlayStation 5 was whether the liquid metal thermal interface material (TIM) would leak if the console was positioned vertically. Nonetheless, problems like dry spots forming due to contamination from the adhesive in the foam seal or oxidation of the liquid metal itself are not uncommon.

    New Design Improvements

    It appears that the new PS5 Pro addresses these concerns with its innovative grooved heatsink design. Steve Porter from TronicsFix shared a teardown video of the PS5 Pro on YouTube, showcasing the console equipped with this updated heatsink.

    While this issue wasn’t widespread, many older PS5s in vertical orientation experienced oxidation spots because the liquid metal settled at the bottom of the die. This situation required users to take apart the console, clear the oxidation, and reapply the liquid metal to restore its thermal efficiency.

    Enhanced Heat Management

    For the PS5 Pro, Sony has introduced a heatsink with precisely machined grooves that are intended to keep the liquid metal securely in place, avoiding any sinking or leakage. Steve highlights that these grooves also expand the surface area, which could theoretically lead to improved heat dissipation and cooling performance. He notes that although some liquid metal is found outside of the grooved sections, the bulk of the TIM remains contained within.

    To verify if the grooved heatsink effectively holds the liquid metal, Steve dropped the PS5 Pro from a few inches above his desk multiple times before taking it apart again. Upon inspection, the grooves indeed appeared to stop the liquid metal from leaking.

    Future Observations Needed

    However, this is by no means a scientific experiment, and only time will reveal if PS5 Pro users experience any oxidation or sinking of the liquid metal.

    Source: Link

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  • Sony Reports PlayStation Network Growth Amid PS5 Sales Decline

    Sony Reports PlayStation Network Growth Amid PS5 Sales Decline

    Sony has recently begun to sell the PlayStation 5 Pro (PS5 Pro) openly, after showcasing the console in mid-September. To put it simply, the PS5 Pro is no longer facing the stock problems that affected the PS5 during its early years. Nevertheless, the rise in availability of consoles like the PS5 Slim (curr. $449.99 on Amazon) has not led to better sales numbers.

    Sales Fluctuations

    In fact, Sony has announced a notable decline in PS5 hardware sales when compared year-on-year. As per Tom Warren from The Verge, hardware sales reached 4.9 million in the second quarter of Sony’s prior financial year. Following that, it managed to sell 8.2 million units in the third quarter before falling back to 4.5 million units in Q4.

    Recent Performance

    In stark contrast, Sony reported that it sold 2.4 million PS5 units in the first quarter of FY24, indicating a 27% decrease from the previous year. Although the company has shown better performance in Q2, its hardware sales remain 22% below the figures from 2023. Overall, expectations are that Q3 will be a stronger quarter, especially with the addition of PS5 Pro sales.

    Game Sales Growth

    On the other hand, game sales have surged by 28% during the same timeframe. Additionally, the number of active PlayStation Network users has climbed by over 8%, increasing from 107 million to 116 million. However, it’s important to note that this number is still below the 123 million monthly active users that Sony reported in Q3 FY2023.

    Sony via Tom Warren, Tamara Bitter (Unsplash) – Image credits

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  • PlayStation 5 Pro Now Available: No Stock Shortages

    PlayStation 5 Pro Now Available: No Stock Shortages

    Sony has begun sending out PlayStation 5 Pro (PS5 Pro) units to customers who pre-ordered. Just to remind you, the company started taking orders on September 26, which was a little over two weeks after the console’s official announcement. Good news is, you can still order the PS5 Pro worldwide, even as of now.

    Stock Situation

    This indicates that Sony’s new console isn’t facing the stock problems that plagued the original PS5. For example, it was quite challenging to find the PS5 for most of the time until about this period last year. The same issue has been seen with the PS5 Pro 30th Anniversary Edition, which some scalpers tried to sell for more than $35,000.

    Pricing and Availability

    On the other hand, the PS5 Pro is available for purchase from Amazon, Best Buy, Sony, and several other retailers in the US for $699, and it has relatively short waiting times. However, it’s important to note that Sony currently limits orders to one console per customer. Strangely, the same can’t be said for the PS5 Pro’s disc drive, which is expected to sell for $79. Sadly, it’s not clear when this accessory will be available for order again.

    Retailers Offering the Console

    Amazon, Best Buy, and Sony are just some of the places where you can find the PS5 Pro. The excitement around this new console seems to be much more stable compared to its predecessor, making it easier for gamers to get their hands on it.

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  • PlayStation 5 Pro Hardware Boost Revealed in New Gameplay Videos

    PlayStation 5 Pro Hardware Boost Revealed in New Gameplay Videos

    Sony revealed the PS5 Pro in September, and fans can expect the new console to hit stores on November 7. Priced at $699.99, this mid-generation upgrade offers more powerful hardware compared to the standard PlayStation 5. In the launch event, Sony emphasized three major enhancements: AI-driven upscaling, improved ray tracing, and an expanded GPU.

    Improved Gaming Experience

    Thanks to these upgrades, the PlayStation 5 Pro is expected to deliver a significantly better gaming experience than its non-Pro counterpart (Slim model can be found on Amazon). Leading up to the launch, YouTuber Gabriel Master has shared footage showcasing several games on the new console. He claims that the enhanced hardware provides a clear performance boost.

    Performance Highlights

    For instance, a gameplay video of Dragon’s Dogma 2 reveals that it operates more smoothly on the PS5 Pro. The same can be said for Monster Hunter Wilds, which seems to run at a higher resolution and maintain steadier FPS when compared to the original model.

    Gabriel Master also posted gameplay of Spider-Man 2, and it looks like the game runs seamlessly at 60 FPS with the resolution cranked up to 4K and ray tracing enabled.

    Game Boost Feature

    The YouTuber also highlighted the Game Boost feature. In his footage of Red Dead Redemption 2, it’s visible that the texture quality has improved, and the game runs at a higher resolution than what the standard PlayStation 5 offers.

    Other gameplay clips shared by the YouTuber include Dragon Age: The Vanguard and The Last of Us Part II Remastered. Both titles are displayed running at 4K resolution and 60 FPS.

    Gabriel Master’s YouTube channel (videos embedded above) via: Wccftech.

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  • Sony Closes Two Game Studios, Including Concord Developer

    Sony Closes Two Game Studios, Including Concord Developer

    Sony has had a pretty eventful year with its PlayStation branch. One of the big moments was the introduction of the PS5 Pro, which you can pre-order on Amazon for $699 and will hit the shelves next month. Additionally, they released Astro Bot, a first-party title for the PS5. On the downside, not everything has gone smoothly; the major letdown was Concord, a PvP first-person shooter that received poor reviews and was taken offline just weeks after its release.

    Drastic Measures Taken

    Now, in a surprising turn of events, Sony has made the tough choice to shut down Firewalk Studios, the team behind Concord. They have also decided to permanently end the game after careful thought on the matter.

    Concord marked Firewalk’s first foray into gaming, and it’s truly unfortunate that people have lost their jobs due to the game’s lack of success, without even being given a second chance. Although Sony didn’t specifically state it, the decision to close the studio might have been influenced by the considerable amount of money said to have been spent on developing the game.

    Closure of Another Studio

    Furthermore, Sony has also revealed that it is closing down Neon Koi, which was previously known as Savage Game Studios, a studio it bought back in August 2022. Neon Koi was working on a AAA mobile live service action game for Sony, but it has now been shut down before it could launch its first project. This means that the mobile action game will also never see the light of day.

    Despite these closures, Sony mentioned in its press release that mobile gaming still remains a key area for growth. However, they believe that the path to success lies in focusing on titles that align with PlayStation Studio’s standards and can reach a wider audience across the globe.

    In the aftermath of this announcement, more information is likely to emerge in the following weeks regarding what truly happened with Concord, Firewalk, and Neon Koi.

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  • PS5 Pro 120 FPS at 1440p: Tips for Optimizations and PSSR

    PS5 Pro 120 FPS at 1440p: Tips for Optimizations and PSSR

    Sony’s new PS5 Pro console has had a rather controversial launch. Priced at a staggering $699, the PS5 Pro features the same Zen 2-based CPU as the original PS5 but boasts a GPU that claims to enhance performance by 45%. Unfortunately, Sony’s official demonstrations showed only slight improvements in graphics and performance.

    Significant Enhancements Noted

    A recent report from Digital Foundry indicated that the PS5 Pro does provide notable advancements over the original PS5. Gameplay from Final Fantasy 7 Rebirth showcased what Digital Foundry describes as "night and day improvements." The PS5 Pro achieved a steady 60 fps in performance mode, along with impressive enhancements in visual fidelity.

    Promising Gameplay Capabilities

    Industry insider Moore’s Law is Dead reported that gameplay footage from an unnamed developer suggested the PS5 Pro could run their game at dynamic resolutions between 1600p and 1300p at approximately 50 fps. When the framerate was unlocked, it easily surpassed 100 fps without any optimizations required. The developer expressed confidence that with further tweaks specific to the PS5 Pro, the console could maintain 1440p to 1600p at 120 fps or even reach 4K 60 fps at ultra settings.

    The Price Dilemma

    Despite these impressive features, the PS5 Pro’s high price cannot be ignored. Additionally, considering the original PS5 (currently priced at $449 on Amazon) was released nearly four years ago, significant improvements were to be expected. Nevertheless, for gamers seeking top-tier console performance, the PS5 Pro is indeed an attractive option—if they can handle the hefty price tag.

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  • Sony PS5 Pro Launches: Enhanced GPU, AI Upscaling, Ray Tracing

    Sony PS5 Pro Launches: Enhanced GPU, AI Upscaling, Ray Tracing

    Sony has officially rolled out the eagerly awaited PlayStation 5 Pro, marking a significant update to the original PS5. As Sony’s latest gaming console, it boasts cutting-edge components and innovative technology. Here’s a detailed overview of its features.

    Enhanced Performance for Gamers

    The PS5 Pro is designed for gamers and content creators who demand higher performance levels. Sony’s goal is to deliver smoother frame rates while maintaining high graphical quality. This means challenging games can run at 60FPS with enhanced graphics, due to an upgraded GPU. The PS5 Pro offers 67% more Compute Units and 28% faster memory than its predecessor, enabling up to 45% quicker rendering for fluid gameplay.

    Ray tracing capabilities have also been improved, with the PS5 Pro achieving double or even triple the ray cast speeds of the base model. Utilizing AI, Sony enhances image clarity through PlayStation Spectral Super Resolution and machine learning. The console aims to eliminate the need for gamers to choose between performance and quality, as highlighted by PlayStation lead architect Mark Cerny.

    Optimized Game Titles

    Several games will be optimized specifically for the PS5 Pro. Here’s the list:

    • Alan Wake 2
    • Assassin’s Creed: Shadows
    • Demon’s Souls
    • Dragon’s Dogma 2
    • Final Fantasy 7 Rebirth
    • Gran Turismo 7
    • Hogwarts Legacy
    • Horizon Forbidden West
    • Marvel’s Spider-Man 2
    • Ratchet & Clank: Rift Apart
    • The Crew Motorfest
    • The First Descendant
    • The Last of Us Part II Remastered

    Additional titles are anticipated to receive enhanced versions to leverage the PS5 Pro’s superior performance.

    Pricing and Release Information

    The PS5 Pro will be available starting November 7, 2024, through major retailers and Sony’s official website. Pre-orders can be placed from September 26, 2024. The console is priced at 699.99 USD and comes with a DualSense wireless controller, 2TB SSD storage, and Astro’s Playroom pre-installed. A disc-less version is also available, with an optional Disc Drive sold separately.

    Sony PS5 Pro Launches: Enhanced GPU, AI Upscaling, Ray Tracing
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