Sony’s PlayStation 5 has crossed 100 million global shipments, marking a major milestone for the gaming console just days before the highly anticipated release of Grand Theft Auto VI.
The achievement comes at a crucial time for Sony, with Rockstar Games’ GTA 6 scheduled to launch on November 19, 2026, for PlayStation 5 and Xbox Series X/S. The upcoming release has generated enormous interest among gamers, with the PS5 emerging as a key platform for those planning to play the title at launch.
With the holiday shopping season approaching, the combination of GTA 6 anticipation and continued console demand could give Sony another opportunity to strengthen its position in the gaming market.
PS5 Crosses the 100 Million Shipment Mark
Sony’s latest business figures show that PS5 shipments crossed 100 million units globally on November 10, 2026.
The console had recorded 97.9 million shipments as of September 30, meaning Sony moved more than 2.1 million additional units into retail channels in approximately 40 days.
However, the 100 million figure represents sell-in numbers, which count consoles shipped to retailers rather than units actually purchased by consumers.
The PS5 is now the fourth PlayStation console to cross the 100 million milestone. It joins the original PlayStation, PlayStation 2 and PlayStation 4.
Its predecessor, the PS4, reached the same milestone in approximately five years and seven months, making it faster than the PS5’s journey to the achievement.
GTA 6 Pre-Orders Add to PlayStation’s Momentum
The timing of the milestone is particularly notable because GTA 6 is approaching its November 19 release.
The game will be available on PS5 and Xbox Series X/S at launch. With no confirmed PC release date and the PS4 excluded from the supported platforms, players wanting to experience the game on a PlayStation console will need a PS5.
GTA 6 has already achieved a major pre-release milestone, becoming the most pre-ordered game in PlayStation Store history.
Third-party estimates have also placed its pre-order revenue close to $1 billion, with approximately 75% of pre-orders reportedly coming from PS5.
These figures underline the importance of Sony’s platform to the game’s launch. The upcoming release could also encourage more players to purchase a PS5, particularly during the holiday shopping season.
PlayStation Has 127 Million Monthly Active Users
Sony’s growth extends beyond console shipments. Its latest business figures show that PlayStation had 127 million monthly active users as of September 30, 2026.
This figure covers the wider PlayStation ecosystem rather than PS5 owners alone. It reflects the platform’s reach across gaming hardware and digital services.
Sony also reported more than 1.795 billion cumulative software units shipped for PS4 and PS5 combined as of September 30, 2026.
For Sony, the 100 million shipment milestone is therefore more than a hardware achievement. Its established player base, software sales and digital services remain important parts of its gaming business.
Also Read: GTA 6 Crosses $1 Billion in Pre-Orders Before November 19 Launch, PS5 Leads Sales
