PlayStation 5 Continues to Dominate Despite PS4 Players

by Frank McDougall
in News, Playstation, Release, XBOX
on 16 May 2024

Despite being close to its fourth anniversary, the PlayStation 5 (PS5) still holds strong in the gaming market. Since its launch in November 2020, millions of people have eagerly purchased the next-gen console. However, it is worth noting that a significant portion of the PlayStation audience still remains loyal to the PS4.

Sony recently announced that they have shipped a staggering 59.3 million units of the PS5. Alongside this impressive number, there are currently 118 million active PlayStation players as of March 31, 2024. Gaming journalist Stephen Totilo drew attention to the fact that half of these players are still playing on the PS4.

When the PS5 was first released, there were numerous barriers that hindered players from upgrading. The ongoing pandemic caused manufacturing issues, resulting in limited supply of the new console. Despite Sony’s best efforts, the scarcity of PS5 units meant that not everyone who wanted to upgrade could do so.

Furthermore, the presence of cross-generation games also played a role in players’ hesitation to upgrade. Many high-profile releases from PlayStation and third-party publishers have been designed for both the PS4 and PS5, making the need for an immediate upgrade less pressing.

It is no surprise, then, that many players have chosen to stick with their PS4 consoles. With a lack of games that fully utilize the PS5’s hardware capabilities and the availability of games on both platforms, the incentive to upgrade may seem unnecessary for some. Only when exclusive titles, like the next installment of the Call of Duty series, become current-gen exclusive, can we expect a significant spike in console sales.

However, it is important to note that even with the allure of new exclusive titles, games such as Fortnite, Roblox, Apex Legends, Overwatch 2, and Destiny 2 continue to hold the attention of PS4 and Xbox One players. There is no indication that these players will be excluded from future expansions and updates.

While the PS5 has undoubtedly been successful, its journey towards complete dominance is ongoing. The loyal PS4 community remains a significant presence in the gaming landscape, proving that there is still much to be excited about for both current and previous-generation console owners.

Additional facts:
– The PlayStation 5 was released on November 12, 2020.
– The PS5 offers several improvements over the PS4, including faster loading times, higher resolution graphics, and support for features such as ray tracing and haptic feedback.
– Sony has faced challenges with scalpers and resellers, who have been buying up PS5 consoles in bulk and reselling them at inflated prices.
– The PS5 has faced criticism for its relatively high price point compared to the previous generation console.
– The PS5 has a strong lineup of exclusive games, including titles like “Demon’s Souls,” “Marvel’s Spider-Man: Miles Morales,” and “Ratchet & Clank: Rift Apart.”
– The PS5 has a new controller called the DualSense, which features adaptive triggers and improved haptic feedback for a more immersive gaming experience.

Key questions and answers:
1. How many units of the PS5 have been shipped?
– Sony has shipped 59.3 million units of the PS5.

2. How many active PlayStation players are there?
– As of March 31, 2024, there are 118 million active PlayStation players.

3. Why did some players hesitate to upgrade to the PS5?
– Manufacturing issues caused by the ongoing pandemic resulted in limited supply of the PS5, making it difficult for everyone to upgrade. The presence of cross-generation games also made the need for an immediate upgrade less pressing.

4. What would incentivize players to upgrade to the PS5?
– Exclusive titles that become current-gen exclusive, such as the next installment of the Call of Duty series, are expected to drive a significant spike in console sales.

Key challenges and controversies:
– Limited supply and scalpers have made it difficult for some players to purchase the PS5 at its original retail price.
– The relatively high price point of the PS5 compared to the previous generation console has been a point of criticism.
– The ongoing loyalty of the PS4 community raises questions about how long it will take for the PS5 to completely dominate the gaming market.

Advantages of the PS5:
– Faster loading times and higher resolution graphics for a more immersive gaming experience.
– Support for features such as ray tracing and haptic feedback, enhancing gameplay.
– Strong lineup of exclusive games.

Disadvantages of the PS5:
– Limited supply and challenges with purchasing due to scalpers and resellers.
– Higher price point compared to the previous generation console.