‘We Don’t Need to Aggressively Sell the Console’: Sony CEO Says Timing of Memory Crisis Is ‘Lucky’ for PS5
Sony CEO Hiroki Totoki has said that the global memory chip shortage, which has driven up component costs across the hardware industry, has arrived at a fortunate moment for the PS5. Speaking to the Wall Street Journal, he explained that because the console is in the latter half of its lifecycle, Sony no longer needs to push hard on new sales and can instead focus on monetising its existing player base, a stance that highlights the company's broader shift from electronics towards entertainment and services revenue.
Totoki noted that PS5 has sold more than 95 million units to date, and claimed PS Plus has over 125 million monthly active users, though Push Square's editor points out this figure almost certainly refers to overall PlayStation Network activity rather than paid PS Plus subscribers, which Sony last disclosed at around 40-50 million. The comments reinforce Sony's ongoing strategy of squeezing more revenue from its current audience rather than chasing new hardware sales, a tactic seen as sound for now but one that leaves the article's author questioning how the same favourable timing could apply to a future PS6, which will eventually need to launch regardless of ongoing component price pressures.
- Sony CEO says memory crisis timing suits the ageing PS5, not a hindrance.
- Focus is shifting to monetising existing PS Plus/PSN user base.
- Cited 125 million MAU figure is likely PSN-wide, not PS Plus subscribers.
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The PlayStation 5 is a games console made by Sony, which also earns money from games, online services and subscriptions. Consoles typically sell most strongly in the first years after launch, then move into the later part of their product cycle as companies begin planning what comes next.
Memory chips are used in consoles and many other electronic devices. When supplies are tight, manufacturers can face higher costs, which may affect how many devices they make or how they price them. Sony’s existing PlayStation audience also matters because players can buy games and use online services after purchasing a console.
Hiroki Totoki is Sony’s chief executive. Sony has reported more than 95 million PS5 sales, while figures for PlayStation Network users and paid PlayStation Plus subscribers are different measures; the company has previously reported a much smaller number of Plus subscribers.
Both sides, in good faith
The strongest fair case each way — we don't pick a winner.
The case for
Sony's approach reflects sound business pragmatism. When component costs rise significantly, focusing revenue efforts on the existing 95+ million unit install base rather than pursuing expensive new hardware sales is the rational economic response. The CEO's observation that the shortage's timing is convenient simply acknowledges that external market conditions align with the company's internal strategic pivot towards services and entertainment. Companies appropriately respond to market realities, and protecting profitability during periods of elevated input costs whilst planning for next-generation development is legitimate business management.
The case against
It is troubling for a major corporation to publicly characterise a global shortage—which is causing genuine harm to consumers and disrupting countless industries—as fortunate for its business. Rather than acknowledging beneficial timing, responsible corporate leadership should focus on solutions and alleviating the crisis. The strategy also appears designed to maximise short-term extraction of revenue from existing players whilst supply chains remain constrained, rather than investing in innovation that expands choice and competition. The company's presentation of misleading financial metrics further suggests a priority on favourable optics over transparency and genuine value creation.