Analyst Data Shows Saros Revenue 20 Percent Lower Than Returnal After Launch

Both games received comparable critic scores, and the PlayStation 5 audience has grown significantly since the release of Returnal.

Revenue for the science fiction action game Saros sits roughly 20% lower than Returnal generated over a comparable period following its launch. According to estimates from analytics firm Alinea Analytics, the new game brought in about $40.4 million, whereas Returnal reached $50.5 million.

Analysts estimate that Saros sold approximately 522,000 copies. By comparison, Returnal sales reached 649,000 units at a similar milestone.

Returnal launched in April 2021, less than half a year after the PS5 debuted. During that period, owners of the new console lacked major exclusives, so the game became one of the flagship releases for early platform adopters. In addition, Returnal made striking use of the DualSense controller and spatial audio features, which felt novel at the time.

The situation for Saros unfolded differently. The game arrived amid the crowded 2026 gaming calendar, which featured projects like Crimson Desert, Resident Evil Requiem, Hades 2 on PS5, and Pragmata. Other major releases continuing to launch throughout the year also created competition.

Another factor was the accumulated game library built up over the PS5 lifecycle. Although the installed console base now exceeds Returnal launch figures by more than 11 times, that does not translate to a proportional rise in an audience ready to buy a new niche exclusive right away.