- The PS5 has crossed the lifetime installed user base of the PS4 in the US on a launch-aligned basis.
- The console has sold 2% more units than its predecessor when comparing the two 66 months into their cycle.
- However, due to the cost hike, this lead might not last for a long time.
The PS5 has had to face a myriad of issues since its release in 2020. From the COVID pandemic curtailing supply to the RAM crisis leading to an exorbitant increase in cost, the console hasn’t been provided with the best external conditions.
However, despite facing so many issues, PS5 has managed to keep up with the PS4’s launch-aligned sales. Now, after trailing for the longest period, the Sony console is finally outperforming last-generation hardware in unit sales.
Why it matters: The PS5 has been a few million units behind the last-gen console for the longest time, so seeing it pull ahead is a positive sign for Sony.
As reported by Mat Piscatella on Bluesky, the PlayStation 5 is now tracking ahead of the PlayStation 4 in lifetime users on a launch-aligned basis. The hardware’s installed user base is currently 2% more than that of the PS4 in the US, when comparing both consoles, 66 months into their cycle
According to an update last November, PS5 was trailing the PS4 by 2 million units worldwide. But, following a strong holiday period, it has finally crossed its predecessor, at least in the United States.
Compared to last April, however, the PlayStation 5 sold 30% less in the region, thanks to the recent $100 price hike. But, the console is still the second-best-selling hardware so far in 2026, only being behind Nintendo Switch 2.
The process of migration to the PS5 has been really slow, as the console only leapfrogged the PS4 in active users in 2025, five years into its cycle. With the new PS5 prices also coming into effect, Sony expects sales of the hardware to see a sharp decline in the current fiscal year. Hence, Sony’s current-gen flagship might not be celebrating this lead for a long period of time.
Do you think the PS5 has performed well commercially despite facing a hurdle of issues? Will it sell more lifetime units than PS4? Tell us in the comments below or head to the Tech4Gamers forum for discussion.
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Shameer Sarfaraz has previously worked for eXputer as a Senior News Writer for several years. Now with Tech4Gamers, he loves to devotedly keep up with the latest gaming and entertainment industries. He has a Bachelor’s Degree in Computer Science and years of experience reporting on games. Besides his passion for breaking news stories, Shahmeer loves spending his leisure time farming away in Stardew Valley. VGC, IGN, GameSpot, Game Rant, TheGamer, GamingBolt, The Verge, NME, Metro, Dot Esports, GameByte, Kotaku Australia, PC Gamer, and more have cited his articles.
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