Monthly Active Players on PlayStation 5 Surpass PS4 for the First Time, Sony Reports

PS5 Surpasses PS4 in Monthly Active Users: A New Milestone for Sony

Sony Interactive Entertainment has officially announced a major turning point in its PlayStation ecosystem: for the first time, PlayStation 5 has overtaken PlayStation 4 in monthly active players. The announcement, made during the company’s May 2024 business briefing, highlights the PS5’s growing momentum and reinforced Sony’s leadership in the home gaming console market.

Record-Breaking Numbers Illustrate PS5’s Steady Growth

Recent company data reveals that the number of monthly active users across PlayStation 4 and PlayStation 5 consoles has soared to 124 million, a substantial leap from last year’s 97 million figure. While previous reports indicated similar user engagement for both PS4 and PS5—around 49 million monthly active players on each platform—the latest statistics now show PlayStation 5 holds a greater share of the gaming community thanks to surging adoption rates worldwide.

Product Features and Advantages Drive User Engagement

According to Hideaki Nishino, President and CEO of Sony Interactive Entertainment, PlayStation 5 offers the most immersive and advanced way to experience Sony’s content library. Nishino emphasized that not only has the user base expanded, but engagement levels and spending on content and services are notably higher than in previous generations. Key features like lightning-fast SSD storage, adaptive triggers on the DualSense controller, and a robust offering of exclusive AAA titles contribute to the console’s broad appeal among both hardcore and casual gamers.

PlayStation 4 Remains Relevant Amid Transition

Despite the meteoric rise of the PS5, Sony remains committed to supporting the PlayStation 4 community. PS4 continues to serve as a vital access point for millions of gamers, reflecting Sony’s strategy to maintain a diverse, multiplatform ecosystem. Nishino noted that a significant portion of Sony’s active users still play on PS4, underscoring seamless cross-generation support as a key strength for the PlayStation brand.

Looking Ahead: PlayStation 6 and the Future of the Console Market

With speculation building around the next-generation PlayStation 6, Sony’s leadership stressed the company’s ongoing commitment to innovation and player engagement. While details about the PS6 remain under wraps, Nishino hinted at Sony’s focus on creating a more connected, interactive, and multifaceted gaming platform—paving the way for next-gen experiences that build on PS5 and PS4’s massive user base.

Market Relevance and Pricing Updates

In tandem with the surge in demand, Sony recently adjusted the price of the PS5 Digital Edition in Europe, raising it from €449.99 to €499.99, while the UK price increased from £389.99 to £429.99. These moves reflect the PS5’s robust position in the market as the leading next-generation gaming console, even as competition intensifies and economic factors evolve globally.

Conclusion: A Thriving PlayStation Ecosystem

This landmark shift—PS5 surpassing PS4 in active monthly users—demonstrates the powerful draw of Sony’s latest hardware and content strategy. With a vast gaming ecosystem connecting millions across generations, PlayStation continues to shape the future of digital entertainment and interactive technology.