June 2026 Circana (NPD) Thread + Predictions

[Kyuu]

Farsala said:

Kyuu said:

PS software sales combine PS4 and PS5. Early pandemic years had a split that greatly favored PS4, now the split greatly favors the PS5, but we don't know the exact numbers for each console because Sony doesn't provide them.

PS5's current software sales do far surpass the early years. That's just common sense when you think about the install base difference between then and now.

I am well aware the PS5 launched with severe supply issues. So like I said, I was surprised the PS4 could carry so hard.

CosmicSex said:

The effects of the pandemic on the video games industry has been documented many different times. Basically everyone was trapped home so they spending on gaming shot up. When restrictions were lifted spending on gaming went down sharply.   

I am well aware. Still surprises me the PS4 could sell that much software in FY9-11

Yeah PS4 and PS5 are huge and will both probably pass 2 billion software when all is said and done. PS5's CrossGen period will be much longer. And unlike PS5, the PS6 isn't expected to sell well, which means PS5 should have an even greater player retention than PS4 (unless Sony's disastrous PR causes a gradual mass exodus to other platforms).

Sony had a long period where PS4 and PS5 were doing well simultaneously (software and revenue wise). It'll be a while before anything like this happens again. They should consider releasing a weaker PS5 version with limited storage to get the remaining PS4 players onboard.