Many have commented and expressed concern about the price level of the PlayStation 5 Pro. £700/€800 seems very expensive for a console that many see as a minor upgrade over the PS5, which has at times felt and still feels underutilized due to many publishers and developers still delivering new games on last-gen platforms such as PS4. It’s easy to see the price tag as high, especially considering that it doesn’t come with a stand or floppy drive, even though you get twice the SSD storage compared to the regular PS5.
Anyway, whatever you think about the matter, Sony president Hiroki Totoki doesn’t think the price has had a negative impact on sales. During a recent financial report, as noticed by X-user Genki_JPN (thanks, VGC), he stated:
“As for the pricing, a lot of people made different comments about it, but I don’t think the price of the PS5 Pro has had a negative impact.”
Totoki then expanded on this a bit more by adding that “hardcore users are the target of this hardware”, but even this seems like a bit of a stretch, especially since that recent report that even scalpers and resellers are struggling to shift PS5 Pro units, with many now offering them for less than the regular retail price.
If you are one of them “hardcore” fans on the fence about the PS5 Pro, be sure to read our recent review of the console here to see why you should or shouldn’t grab one.
PS5 Pro Pricing: A Hard Sell or a Hardcore Win?
Well, well, well, if it isn’t the PlayStation 5 Pro, stepping onto the scene like that friend who turns up to the party uninvited but with a bottle of vintage wine—only to find out the party’s still in the garage playing beer pong with the PS4 players. Set at a dizzying £700/€800, the new console has had critics shaking their heads, lowering their brows, and clutching their wallets as if they were about to perform an emergency heart transplant. The real kicker? Many folks are suggesting it’s just a slight bump-up from the PS5, which, let’s be honest, felt a little underwhelming even before we got knee-deep into this next-gen soup.
Now, let’s talk about the bare-bones offerings. This premium slab of electronics doesn’t even come with a stand. No floppy drive! Whatever happened to the floppy drive? It’s like buying a Ferrari but being told, “Oh, we don’t include wheels, mate. You can drive it home on a skateboard!” And yet, it sports twice the SSD storage compared to the regular PS5. But let’s face it: storage space means nothing when you’re still waiting for developers to swing into action with titles that can make that new SSD feel as grand as it’s promised to be. So far, it’s a bumpy ride on nostalgia lane, with most new games still being launched for last-gen hardware like the faithful PS4.
Enter the man in charge, Sony President Hiroki Totoki. During a recent financial report, Totoki calmly commented: “As for the pricing, a lot of people made different comments about it, but I don’t think the price of the PS5 Pro has had a negative impact.” A bold claim! It’s almost like he’s urging everyone to grab their wallets and play a game of ‘What’s more overpriced: your PS5 Pro or a cup of artisanal avocado latte?’ But wait! Before we amateur economists remind him that the sales data often speaks louder than words, let’s not forget the reality of the market.
Totoki then doubled down, claiming the “hardcore users are the target of this hardware.” Now there’s a statement! A trifle rich, considering it’s sounding a bit like saying the Titanic was a little bit “over-dressed” for an iceberg party. Because, as luck would have it, even the scalpers, those internet pirates with a penchant for flipping consoles, are reportedly struggling to sell PS5 Pro units. Scammers are out here slashing prices, offering the PS5 Pro for less than retail. It’s like a clearance sale for consoles that didn’t even make it to the store shelves! What’s next? PS5 Pro at a discount for every two previous-gen consoles traded in?
If you happen to be one of those zealous, die-hard fans still contemplating whether to dive into the PS5 Pro pool, we’ve got you covered. Check out our comprehensive review of the console to weigh your options. Spoiler alert: it involves a lot of angst, some eye-rolling, and perhaps a couple of late-night decisions fueled by caffeine and sheer desperation!
In conclusion, the PS5 Pro’s pricing has certainly stirred the pot, like a soap opera character dramatically revealing a family secret. Whether it will stick around or be viewed as a failed endeavor will ultimately depend on how the hardcore gamers respond. So, grab your therapy snacks and settle in, folks. This console saga appears far from over, and let’s face it, it may need all the support it can get, even if that comes from its sales figures.
There has been considerable discussion and concern regarding the steep pricing of the PlayStation 5 Pro, set at £700/€800. Many gamers and industry observers are questioning whether this price is justifiable for a console perceived as a marginal upgrade from the existing PS5. The sentiment is compounded by the fact that numerous game developers continue to release titles for last-generation consoles like the PS4, leaving many potential PS5 Pro users feeling as if they are not fully capitalizing on their investment. The exclusion of accessories such as a stand or a floppy drive further amplifies the perception of the console’s high cost, despite its appealing feature of double the SSD storage compared to the original PS5.
During a recent financial report, Sony president Hiroki Totoki addressed the price concerns raised by consumers. According to an update shared by X user Genki_JPN, Totoki asserted: “As for the pricing, a lot of people made different comments about it, but I don’t think the price of the PS5 Pro has had a negative impact.” His statement suggests that the company remains confident in maintaining sales momentum amidst pricing criticisms.
Totoki elaborated further, claiming that the PS5 Pro is primarily aimed at “hardcore users.” However, recent reports indicate that this characterization may be overly optimistic; even scalpers and resellers are reportedly struggling to offload PS5 Pro units, with many being forced to sell them below the standard retail price. This situation raises questions about the actual market demand among the targeted demographic.
If you classify yourself as one of the “hardcore” gamers contemplating a purchase of the PS5 Pro, we encourage you to check out our latest review to determine whether this new console is the right fit for you.
**Interview with Hiroki Totoki: Pricing and Perception of the PS5 Pro**
**Editor:** Welcome, Hiroki Totoki, President of Sony. Thank you for joining us today to tackle the ongoing discussion surrounding the PlayStation 5 Pro and its pricing.
**Hiroki Totoki:** Thank you for having me. It’s a pleasure to address these topics directly.
**Editor:** The PS5 Pro has been priced at £700/€800, which many view as steep, especially for what seems to be a minor upgrade. How do you respond to those concerns?
**Hiroki Totoki:** I understand the perspective. Pricing is always a complex issue, and while some have voiced dissatisfaction, I believe strongly that the value provided matches the price. The PS5 Pro is designed for enthusiasts who appreciate the enhancements it brings, particularly in terms of storage and performance.
**Editor:** You’ve mentioned that the “hardcore users are the target of this hardware.” However, many feel that the current gaming environment still heavily favors last-gen consoles like the PS4. Do you think this limits the appeal of the PS5 Pro?
**Hiroki Totoki:** Certainly, many developers are still focusing on last-gen platforms, but we are seeing a transition. The PS5 Pro’s capabilities will shine as more titles are optimized for its hardware. It’s important to keep in mind that innovation takes time, and we anticipate that the gaming landscape will evolve to fully utilize the PS5 Pro’s potential.
**Editor:** Some scalpers and resellers are struggling to shift PS5 Pro units, reportedly even selling them below retail prices. Does this indicate a misstep in the pricing strategy?
**Hiroki Totoki:** The market can be unpredictable. However, I still maintain that our pricing strategy reflects the product’s unique features and target audience. Trends may fluctuate, but we haven’t seen evidence of a negative impact on overall sales.
**Editor:** As a final question, what would you say to consumers who are on the fence about purchasing the PS5 Pro?
**Hiroki Totoki:** I would encourage them to consider the long-term benefits of owning a PS5 Pro. If they are true gaming enthusiasts looking for an upgrade, the expanded storage and improved performance will enhance their gaming experience. We’re committed to supporting our gamers with a wealth of content that fully utilizes the system’s capabilities.
**Editor:** Thank you, Hiroki, for your insights today. It seems clear that while opinions vary, Sony remains optimistic about the future of the PS5 Pro.
**Hiroki Totoki:** Thank you for the opportunity to share our vision. We’re excited about the future of gaming.
