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PlayStation 5 hardware sales are slipping away

Sony saw a downturn in PS5 hardware sales during Q1, but income from software provided a buffer.

Chris Kerr, News Editor

August 7, 2024

1 Min Read
The PS5 on a stylised blue background
Image via Sony

PlayStation 5 hardware sales totalled 2.4 million units during Q1 FY24, down from 3.3 million units in Q1 FY23. According to Sony's latest fiscal report, that downturn in hardware sales was offset by an increase in sales of first-party software.

Net sales in the company's Game & Network Services (G&NS) division increased by 12 percent year over year to 864.9 billion yen ($5.8 billion). That upswing was attributed to income from network services including PlayStation Plus and first-party software. Operating income rose by 33 percent year-over-year to 65.2 billon yen ($442.5 million).

Ups and downs for Sony software sales

Although income from first-party software rose, unit sales were actually down. First party titles sold 6 million units in Q1 FY24 compared with 6.6 million units in Q1 FY23.

Full game software sales across PlayStation 4 and PlayStation 4 also fell to 53.6 million units from 56.5 million units over the same period. Sony noted that 80 percent of those sales were digital downloads.

The number of monthly active users on PlayStation Network increased year-over-year, rising to 116 million MAU from 108 million MAU. That figure is, however, slightly down on last quarter's total of 118 million MAU.

Based on those results, Sony has upwardly revised its G&NS forecast for the current fiscal year by 3 percent. It now expects the segment to deliver sales of 120 billion yen and operating income of 10 billion yen by March 31, 2025.

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About the Author

Chris Kerr

News Editor, GameDeveloper.com

Game Developer news editor Chris Kerr is an award-winning journalist and reporter with over a decade of experience in the game industry. His byline has appeared in notable print and digital publications including Edge, Stuff, Wireframe, International Business Times, and PocketGamer.biz. Throughout his career, Chris has covered major industry events including GDC, PAX Australia, Gamescom, Paris Games Week, and Develop Brighton. He has featured on the judging panel at The Develop Star Awards on multiple occasions and appeared on BBC Radio 5 Live to discuss breaking news.

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