Big news for gamers: the PS5 has officially started to outpace the PS4 in monthly active users, marking a significant moment in the console landscape. During Sony Interactive Entertainment’s recent business segment meeting in May 2024, the company revealed that while both consoles previously had around 49 million active users each, the scales have now tilted in favor of the latest generation.
The updated presentation showed a clear trend: the PS5 is capturing a larger share of active players. Additionally, the total number of combined monthly active users reached an impressive 124 million, up from 97 million just a year ago. This shows not just growth for the PS5, but an overall expansion of the PlayStation ecosystem.
Hideaki Nishino, SIE president and CEO, emphasized the shift, stating, “The PlayStation 5 offers the best way for players to experience our content, and as such, its player base has continued to grow.†The enthusiasm for the PS5 is palpable, with players reportedly more engaged than in previous generations and spending more on content and services. Yet, Sony remains committed to the PS4, recognizing its importance in their ongoing strategy.
What’s Next for PlayStation?
During the same meeting, Nishino provided insight into the forthcoming PlayStation 6 and how the console landscape is evolving. He pointed out that Sony’s console business has transformed into a “multi-faceted platform,†acknowledging that many active users still enjoy gaming on the PS4.
Nishino reassured fans that, “We now have a large ecosystem of highly engaged players across both the PlayStation 5 and the PlayStation 4 generations.†The interest in the next-gen strategy is evident, as many gamers are eager to see what innovations the PlayStation brand will introduce to keep players engaged.
Last year, Nishino had hinted at expectations for the PS5 to surpass its predecessor shortly. Now, that forecast is becoming a reality, as he noted, “the PlayStation 5 userbase has continued to grow significantly.†While the PS4 has been a critical part of their success, the fervor surrounding the PS5 is notably higher, leading to greater expectations for the future.