That’s thanks to a record 9.5 million PS5s sold in the 2024 holiday season.
Sony has just announced its most successful holiday season ever in terms of PlayStation 5 (PS5) console sales, selling a staggering 9.5 million units in Q3 2024 1. This figure surpasses last year’s record by 1.3 million consoles and brings total PS5 sales to an impressive 74.9 million units. The launch of the PlayStation 5 Pro in the fall is likely one of the contributing factors to this success, though specific sales figures for the Pro model were not disclosed.
Record-Breaking Performance Across the Board
Console Sales Milestones
The remarkable performance places the PS5 just 1.5 million units behind where the PlayStation 4 (PS4) stood at the same point in its lifecycle. This achievement underscores the continued demand for Sony’s gaming hardware and highlights the appeal of its latest iteration, which includes enhanced features like improved graphics and faster loading times.
Financial Gains
This record-breaking quarter translated into significant financial gains for Sony. The company reported a profit of 469.3 billion yen ($3.05 billion), exceeding expectations across all divisions 1. With these results, it’s clear that the gaming division remains a cornerstone of Sony’s overall strategy.
Boost in Game Sales and Software Revenue
In addition to console sales, Sony experienced a surge in game sales during Q3 2024. A total of 95.9 million units were sold, up from 89.7 million in the previous quarter. While first-party sales saw a decline, the overall increase in game software revenue reached 784 billion yen ($5.1 billion), compared to 733 billion yen in Q3 2023 1.
Key Titles Driving Success
During its earnings webcast, Sony highlighted the success of Astro Bot and Helldivers 2 , showcasing its commitment to expanding its lineup of family-friendly and live-service games. Although some live-service titles have been discontinued, the company remains focused on delivering engaging experiences through new releases.
Growing Community Engagement
Another positive trend was the rise in PlayStation Network (PSN) monthly active users, climbing from 123 million to 129 million. This growth reflects increased engagement among players and bodes well for future initiatives centered around online multiplayer and subscription services.
Looking Ahead: Exciting Releases on the Horizon
Sony expressed “high expectations” for game sales in 2025, fueled by upcoming first-party titles such as Death Stranding 2 and Ghost of Yotei . Fans eagerly anticipate these highly anticipated sequels, which promise to deliver immersive storytelling and cutting-edge gameplay.
Additionally, third-party developers are set to make waves with major releases like Grand Theft Auto VI , scheduled for release in fall 2025. These blockbuster games are expected to further drive console adoption and boost software sales throughout the year.
Why This Matters for Gamers and Investors
For gamers, the news signals a thriving ecosystem of hardware and software innovations from Sony. Whether you’re upgrading to the PS5 Pro or diving into new games, there’s plenty to look forward to in the coming months. For investors, the strong financial performance and robust pipeline of upcoming titles demonstrate Sony’s resilience and leadership in the gaming industry.
Stay tuned for more updates on Sony’s gaming strategy and keep an eye out for those must-play titles hitting shelves soon!
