Gamers are no strangers to rising costs, and with global economic pressures mounting, price hikes on consoles, titles, and services are becoming increasingly common. Sony is the latest major player to adjust to these market conditions, announcing that the PlayStation 5 will soon cost more in several regions.
PS5 Digital Edition Gets a Price Bump
Starting this Monday, the PS5 will see a price increase in Europe, Australia, and New Zealand, with adjustments affecting certain models more than others.
In Europe, only the PS5 Slim Digital Edition will go up in price, jumping to €499.99 EUR. The version that includes a disc drive will not see a change.
The same goes for the UK, where the digital PS5 will now sell for £429.99 GBP, while the standard model remains at its current price point.
Things look a bit rougher for Australia and New Zealand, where both PS5 models will become more expensive.
To offset the blow somewhat, Sony also announced a price drop for the standalone Blu-ray disc drive sold separately in those regions.
Could a Global Price Hike Be Next?
Sony attributes the decision to ongoing global economic challenges. In a statement, the Japanese company explained:
“With a backdrop of a challenging economic environment, including high inflation and fluctuating exchange rates, Sony has made the tough decision to raise the recommended retail price of the PlayStation 5 console in select markets.”
Although no changes have been announced for the United States, Mexico, or Latin America, recent adjustments to PS Plus pricing in those areas suggest that broader shifts may still be under consideration.
Renowned Niko Partners analyst Daniel Ahmad assured that the move isn’t solely driven by tariffs.
“Everyone is about to find out that the PS5 price won’t just increase because of tariffs,” he wrote. “The knock-on effect in terms of inflation, exchange rates, and macro trends also impacts global pricing. Even if one region is impacted, Sony may raise prices everywhere to offset losses.”