Sony claims strong PS5 sales make it the most successful PlayStation console generation

At the Tokyo Game Show, Sony executive Hideaki Nishino made a bold assertion about the current PlayStation generation. According to Nishino, the PS5 era has been more successful than that of the PS4 or any prior PlayStation console. As Geoff Keighley noted on social media, Sony claimed that it has accumulated $136 billion in sales since the debut of its most recent gaming systems.

There has been some confusion about whether Nishino was discussing operating profits or sales. However, the numbers align with the revenue from hardware, software, and subscriptions reported by the company and Push Square in June. As far as profits, Sony has earned $13 billion during the PS5 generation, compared to $9 billion from PS4 products. Revenue and operating profits have grown over the years, with the exception of the PS3, which suffered a $4 billion loss.

Following recent PS5 price increases, some gamers are skeptical about future console sales. Still, before the latest announcement, the manufacturer was able to keep buyers investing in its hardware.

How PlayStation revenue has evolved

GamesIndustry.biz analyzed a three-month period ending June 30th and compared the results to those of the previous year. Hardware revenue, including PS5 sales, increased by 4.7%, software sales rose by 11%, and income from network services grew by 8.3%. Even revenue from physical games saw gains. Digital software was considerably more popular than in previous PlayStation console generations.

Despite claims of monopolization, the PlayStation Store has become a dominant marketplace. Controversial live-service PS5 games have also proved to be consistent earners.

As adoption of more expensive Xbox consoles grinds to a halt, PlayStation doesn’t face stiff competition outside of the handheld market. Nevertheless, buyers are feeling the pinch, with costly AAA games and accessories adding to the burden of PS5 price increases.