Sony's latest financial report reveals the PlayStation 5 has reached 92.2 million units shipped worldwide, with digital downloads now representing 76% of software sales and monthly active users growing to 132 million.
Sony has shared its latest financial results for the three months ended December 31, 2025, providing a comprehensive look at the PlayStation 5's performance as it approaches a significant milestone in its lifecycle.
Hardware Sales Show Modest Decline
The report indicates that Sony shipped 8 million PlayStation 5 units during the quarter, representing a decrease of 1.5 million units compared to the same period in the previous fiscal year. Despite this slowdown, the console has now reached a cumulative total of 92.2 million units shipped worldwide as of December 31, 2025.
This milestone positions the PS5 as one of the fastest-selling consoles in history, though it still trails behind the PlayStation 4, which reached 100 million units in just over five years. The current sales trajectory suggests the PS5 could potentially match or exceed the PS4's lifetime sales if the current generation extends as long as previous ones.
Software Sales Continue Strong Growth
Software performance remains robust across both current and previous generation platforms. Combined software sales for PlayStation 5 and PlayStation 4 reached 97.2 million units during the three-month period, marking an increase of 1.3 million units year over year.
First-party titles continue to be a significant driver of this growth, with exclusive games accounting for 13.2 million of those sales. This represents a 1.6 million unit increase compared to the same period last year, demonstrating the continued strength of Sony's internal development studios.
Digital Distribution Reaches New Heights
One of the most notable trends in Sony's report is the continued shift toward digital distribution. The company revealed that 76% of all software sales during the quarter were full-game digital downloads, up 2% from the same period in the previous fiscal year.
This acceleration in digital adoption reflects broader industry trends and Sony's strategic focus on its digital ecosystem. The company has invested heavily in improving its PlayStation Store experience and expanding its subscription services, including PlayStation Plus and PlayStation Now.
Network Growth Remains Strong
PlayStation Network continues to expand its user base, with monthly active users reaching 132 million as of December 31, 2025. This represents an increase of three million users compared to the same period last fiscal year.
The growth in network users suggests that Sony's ecosystem is becoming increasingly sticky, with players engaging across multiple services and platforms. This network effect could prove valuable as Sony continues to develop its subscription offerings and digital services.
Looking Ahead
The slight decline in hardware shipments may reflect market saturation in key territories or potential anticipation for new hardware announcements. However, the continued growth in software sales and network users indicates that the installed base remains highly engaged.
With the PS5 now at 92.2 million units, Sony is approaching the point where it will need to consider its next-generation strategy. The console's strong performance in both hardware and software metrics suggests that any transition to new hardware will likely be measured and strategic, building on the foundation of this successful generation.
The combination of strong software sales, growing digital adoption, and expanding network usage paints a picture of a healthy ecosystem that continues to evolve and grow, even as the hardware lifecycle matures.
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