Bad news for PS5 buyers: Sony is raising the prices of the gaming console
Gamers, brace yourselves—the price of the PlayStation 5 is going up. Sony has announced that all PS5 models will cost $50 more in the United States starting Thursday. If you’ve been saving up for one, it might be time to dig deeper into your wallet (or maybe start selling those old games you never finished).
Here are the new prices
Sony’s latest price hike affects every version of its popular console. Here’s how much you’ll be paying now:
- PlayStation 5 (standard): $549.99
- PlayStation 5 Digital Edition: $499.99
- PlayStation 5 Pro: $749.99
The good news? PS5 accessories will stay at the same price. So your controllers, headsets, and charging docks won’t cost more — at least for now.
What’s behind the price hike?
Sony says the move is because of a “challenging economic environment”. In plain English: things are getting more expensive everywhere, and tariffs aren’t helping.
President Trump’s administration placed tariffs on many imported products, including electronics. These tariffs raise costs for companies like Sony, which then pass those costs on to customers. It’s not the first time Sony has made this move—earlier this year, they raised PS5 prices in the UK, Europe, Australia, and New Zealand. Back in May, the company even hinted that price hikes in the U.S. were coming.
Sony isn’t alone — everyone’s doing it
If you’re thinking this is just a Sony problem, think again. Microsoft has also raised prices on its Xbox hardware and accessories. The Xbox Series X Digital Edition now sits at $549.99.
Nintendo is doing the same. Ahead of its next-gen Switch 2 console launch, Nintendo bumped up the prices of its accessories and even raised the cost of the original Switch from $299 to $339 because of tariff impacts.
In short: if you’re a gamer, your hobby is getting more expensive no matter which console you pick.
Why now, Sony?
Sony says the tariffs and higher production costs are eating into profits, and raising prices helps keep things balanced. While gamers might not love the news, the company insists it’s necessary to keep up with rising expenses.
But why raise prices when the PS5 is already hard to find in some areas? Simple — people still really want it. Despite restock struggles and steep prices, demand for the PS5 hasn’t slowed down since its launch in late 2020.
The bright side (yes, there is one)
While $50 more for a console isn’t great, there’s some silver lining:
- Accessories are safe — no price hikes there (yet).
- Used consoles may look more attractive, which could open up opportunities to snag one at a better price from secondhand sellers.
- The Digital Edition is still cheaper — at $499.99, it’s less expensive than buying discs and paying for the standard model.
If you’re not rushing to upgrade, you might also see deals pop up around the holidays as retailers try to sweeten the pot for buyers.
What gamers are saying
The news has sparked plenty of chatter online. Some gamers are frustrated that a console launched almost five years ago is getting more expensive instead of cheaper. Others shrug it off, pointing out that the PS5 is still one of the most powerful consoles out there — and people are paying more for phones every year without blinking.
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