June 14, 2025 – In a significant milestone marking the generational transition, Sony Interactive Entertainment (SIE) has confirmed that the PlayStation 5 has finally eclipsed its immensely popular predecessor, the PlayStation 4, in monthly active users (MAU). This marks the first time the PS5 has achieved this feat since its launch in November 2020, signaling a definitive passing of the torch within the PlayStation ecosystem.
The confirmation came quietly but decisively within Sony's latest financial and strategic documentation. Buried on page 22 of the recent "Game & Network Services Segment Business Segment Meeting" presentation , a chart tracking monthly active consoles clearly shows the PS5 line crossing above the PS4 line for the period ending May 31, 2025. While specific numbers weren't disclosed, the visual representation leaves no doubt about the shift.
"This is the moment PlayStation executives have been patiently waiting for," remarked industry analyst Kaito Tanaka of Tokyo Tech Insights. "The PS4 was a phenomenal success with unprecedented longevity. Overcoming its massive, deeply entrenched user base was always going to be a marathon, not a sprint for the PS5. Supply chain issues early on didn't help, but consistent hardware availability, a stellar lineup of exclusives over the last 18 months, and the natural progression of players upgrading have finally tipped the scales."
The PlayStation 4, launched in 2013, became one of the best-selling consoles of all time, amassing a colossal player base that remained highly active for years after the PS5's arrival. Its affordability, vast library, and strong online community ensured its relevance. The PS5, while technologically superior, faced significant hurdles initially due to global chip shortages and production constraints, slowing its uptake despite high demand.
However, Sony's persistent efforts paid off. Aggressive marketing campaigns, enticing hardware bundles (especially the popular "Slim" and digital editions), critically acclaimed exclusives like *Spider-Man 2*, Final Fantasy VII Rebirth, Helldivers 2, and the recent Horizon Forbidden West: Burning Shores expansion, coupled with a steady stream of major third-party releases optimized for the new hardware, steadily drove PS5 adoption. The allure of faster load times, immersive DualSense controller features, and 4K/120fps gameplay also became increasingly compelling as more players experienced it firsthand.
The news has sparked celebrations within the PlayStation community and among developers. "Seeing the PS5 hit this milestone is incredibly validating," said veteran game director Sarah Chen. "It means the majority of our audience now has access to the power and features we've been designing for. It unlocks new creative possibilities."
Sony's presentation also highlighted strong engagement metrics across the PlayStation Network, with record hours played and digital sales growth, suggesting that not only are more people on PS5, but they are also playing more. The company emphasized its continued commitment to the PS5 platform, teasing upcoming exclusive titles and further enhancements to the PlayStation Plus subscription service.
While the PS4 remains a viable platform with millions of dedicated users and will continue to receive support for the foreseeable future, crossing the MAU threshold is a psychological and strategic victory for Sony. It solidifies the PS5 as the undisputed present and future of PlayStation gaming. The focus now shifts entirely to maximizing the potential of the current generation, with executives undoubtedly breathing a sigh of relief – and perhaps quietly high-fiving – as the PS5 era fully takes hold.
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