PlayStation 5 Shipments Reach 97.9 million Units
Sony delivered 2.6 million PlayStation 5 consoles during the second fiscal quarter, bringing the total number of shipped units to 97.9 million. This figure represents a decline of 0.9 million consoles compared to the same period last year. The company’s console sales for the quarter—the period ending in September—reached 2.6 million units, down from the 4 million units shipped during the same timeframe in the previous year.
Despite the cooling hardware sales, Sony reported a 45% increase in operating profit, reaching 622.3 billion yen. This performance exceeded analyst expectations, which had projected a profit of 505 billion yen. Consequently, Sony’s stock value on the Tokyo Stock Exchange rose by more than 7%.
Digital sales surge amid console slowdown
While console shipments slowed, software engagement remains high. PlayStation Network recorded 127 million active monthly users as of September 30, 2026, an increase of eight million compared to the previous fiscal year. Players purchased 88.2 million copies of games for PlayStation 4 and PlayStation 5, marking a year-over-year increase of 7.9 million units.
Digital distribution now dominates the market, accounting for 78% of all game sales during the last quarter. Specific titles also saw significant activity; 2.4 million copies of Marvel’s Wolverine were sold by November 4, 2026. In comparison, Marvel’s Spider-Man 2 previously reached 2.5 million copies sold within its first 24 hours.
Investments shift toward next-gen hardware
Sony confirmed it has secured a sufficient supply of memory chips for the upcoming fiscal year, amid rising component costs driven by the artificial intelligence sector. The company is now pivoting its focus toward the next generation of hardware.
“From the next fiscal year, we will begin investing in a new platform,” the company stated in its results report. “For future growth, we must attach great importance to it and make the necessary investments.”
The company expects a boost in its gaming division during the next quarter, largely driven by the release of Grand Theft Auto VI, scheduled for November 19. While the current console is in the later stages of its lifecycle, Sony stated that the platform continues to expand and grow steadily.
Sony explains natural lifecycle shifts
Why did Sony’s console sales decline compared to last year?
Sony noted that the decline is expected as the PlayStation 5 moves through its natural product lifecycle. During the second fiscal quarter, shipments dropped to 2.6 million units from 4 million in the same period of the previous year.
How is Sony addressing the rising cost of memory chips?
The company stated in July that it secured enough memory chip inventory to cover its projected sales volume for the current year, amid price volatility caused by the AI industry.
What is the next major milestone for Sony’s gaming division?
The company anticipates a strengthening of profits in the upcoming quarter, primarily supported by the launch of Grand Theft Auto VI, which is set for release on November 19.