The development of Sony Interactive Entertainment’s upcoming mid-gen console, the PS5 Pro, began prior to the PS5 launch.
During an interview, Hideaki Nishino, Sony Interactive Entertainment’s platform business group CEO, stated that the console maker started development of the PS5 Pro even before the PS5 launched. He added that it was another five-year project for PlayStation, referring to the five years spent working on the PS4 Pro during the previous console generation. As such, he mentioned that there was a conversation around whether the company wanted to do another Pro console.
Nishino discussed the PS4 Pro, and how Sony Interactive Entertainment learned a lot from its development. He revealed that only 20% of PlayStation users actually moved over to or purchased the PS4 Pro. He added that it was a high end, premium tier device. As such, he said that there are potential users acquiring those kind of units. He also pointed out that it was not just about highly engaged users, and that new users also became a part of the PlayStation ecosystem by getting a PS4 Pro.
According to Nishino, innovation and technological advancement happens quicker in the modern world. Phones and PCs are updated every year. While he isn’t in favor of annual updates for PlayStation consoles, he believes there are things the console maker can package together in order to bring the greatest things into the console market segment.
Nishino stated that Sony Interactive Entertainment is pleased to see that most engaged PlayStation users are interested in the PS5 Pro. He’s pretty sure that those new to the PlayStation ecosystem will grab the PS5 Pro as well. Anyone out there looking to get the latest and greatest PlayStation will want the PS5 Pro.
He further mentioned that the engineers at Sony Interactive Entertainment design everything while being one step ahead in their mind. Based on his vision, the company doesn’t just take the next step without knowing about the two steps ahead. He added that the company’s way of working is such that it needs ensure the 10-year console generation cycle continues to be going.
