Sony’s PS5 sales drop despite growth in PlayStation network users

Sony has reported a decline in PlayStation 5 (PS5) console sales despite significant growth in PlayStation Network (PSN) monthly active users and game sales. The company’s recent financial statement shows that the gaming division of the company had a mixed performance in the first half of the fiscal year 2024.

The sales of PS5 reduced drastically as compared to the last fiscal year. Sony reported it sold 2.4 million PS5 in Q1 FY24 which was 27% less compared to the same quarter of the previous fiscal year. Although, the sales in Q2 amounted to 3.8 million units, this was 22% less than the same quarter in 2023.

Sony sold 3.8 million PS5 consoles in Q2, down 22% from 4.9 million year-over-year. Game sales are up 28%, and monthly active PlayStation Network users is now at 116 million, up from 107 million year-over-year pic.twitter.com/DIfkl19fRt

— Tom Warren (@tomwarren) November 8, 2024

Sony attributed the decline partly to the year-on-year comparison, which was impacted by the supply chain enhancement in 2023. The slim and pro version of the PS5 is expected to be released in Q3, which will present the company with an opportunity to have a better performance in the second half of the fiscal year.

Financial Performance Boosted by Other Segments

Unlike the hardware, the software sales and the number of active PSN users increased sharply. The sales of games rose by 28% in the first half of FY24. In the same period last year, PSN monthly active users were at 107 million, while in this year it increased to 116 million. However, the number is still below the 123 million people that were estimated in Q3 of FY23.

According to Sony, the increase in sales can be attributed to the high demand for gaming software. The company has also done much to ensure that it retains its users within its gaming ecosystem, which has supported the positive growth in its network services.

Sony’s overall financial results were bolstered by strong performance across several business segments. The company’s quarterly profit stood at $2.2 billion for the three months to September, up 69% on the same period of 2014. The company’s quarterly sales for the three months ended June 30 increased by 3% to 2.9 trillion yen or $19 billion.

While gaming and music performed well, the audiovisual division experienced challenges due to Hollywood production delays. However, the company sees FY24 as positive with the projected profit of $6.4 billion which is 1% more than FY23. Sony plans to stop the sales drop of PS5 during the holiday season with new PS5 Slim and Pro versions.