PlayStation 5 exclusive Saros has sold roughly 300,000 copies in its first two weeks, generating over $22 million in revenue, according to data from analytics firm Alinea Analytics. The firm described the debut as "slow but interesting," labeling it a "niche game" currently exclusive to Sony's console. It's selling "a little slower" than Housemarque's previous title, Returnal, Alinea added.
Analyst Rhys Elliott attributed Returnal's stronger 2021 launch to a smaller pool of first-party exclusives at the time, appealing to PS5 early adopters who were "dying for something to play" and willing to buy new games at full price. Saros, however, launches alongside Crimson Desert, Pragmata, and Resident Evil Requiem, creating more competition.
"It really is a shame, as Saros is a fantastic game and frankly deserves better numbers than this," Elliott said. "But 3D bullet-hell-type games, especially those with a $70+ price tag, are a tough sell in today’s market, particularly without a big IP or a studio recognized outside the PlayStation hardcore."
Despite slow sales, engagement is strong. Daily active users (DAU) peaked at nearly 142,000 on May 2, with DAUs settling into a 115,000–140,000 range over the first 10 days. Saros also addresses Returnal's criticism by including auto-saves and multiple save slots. Creative director Gregory Louden told IGN, "The lesson we learned from Returnal was that people loved what we created, but they wanted to get further. So we don't dilute the challenge, but we provide the ability to modify it."
Elliott noted Saros may struggle to break even, but as a PS5 exclusive, its role is to sell consoles. "Plenty of core PlayStation players have picked up Saros, which is the underlying job an exclusive is meant to do," he said.
Whether Saros will come to PC remains uncertain. Sony is reportedly refocusing on PS5 exclusives, but former PlayStation exec Shuhei Yoshida argued that PC ports help recoup big budgets. IGN's review scored Saros 7/10, praising its fluid action but noting its ambitious story isn't always effectively told.
