PS5's operating income already more than PS1, PS2, PS3 & PS4 combined.

[EpicRandy]

Chrkeller said:

EpicRandy said:

Yes, and it's even more concerning given the fact Sony, in the same document, claims their users are still evenly split between Ps4 and Ps5 at 49m active users As of April 30, 2024.

This means that PS4 was likely leading in monthly active users in 2023, the last year of reported profitability. The PS5 can certainly be attributed with most 2023 profits but still, the PS4 was likely very substantial.

Also looking at 2023 the gap between revenue and profits has never been that huge since the early PS3 years, which means that substantial investments are required to keep the business running and that despite revenue and profits for 2020-2023 going up ROI is significantly down.

People waiting for a ps5 pro?  Or cross generational games byproduct?  

Hard to say for sure. I doubt PS5 pro to be a main factor since there's have not been any official announcement yet making those knowing about it most likely to be enthusiast which are themselves a group most likely to have already upgraded.

Cross gen support may be a factor but you have to think what would have been the impact of not doing so on profitability and revenue. IMO cross gen support as become essential and unavoidable.

We can safely categorise those who haven't upgraded into 2 main categories with few sub category though we can only make educated guess as to how important of a factor they are:

1. Those who have no intention of upgrading (as of now)
   
   1. who did upgrade to other device (Switch, mobile, PC, Xbox...)
   2. Those wanting/Waiting to upgrade to other device (Switch 2 and other.)
   3. Those still satisfied with 8th proposals (Cross gen support but also PS4 have a huge backlog XD)
   4. Casual user who lost interest or only have sporadic interest into gaming
   5. Those whose financial capacity don't allow it
2. Those with intention of upgrading
   1. Those waiting for better proposals. (Better deals or more backlog)
   2. Waiting for pros 
   3. Those whose financial capacity don't allow it (yes this on can fit both)