Sony to Increase PlayStation 5 Prices in Select Markets Amid Economic Strain
Sony has announced it will raise prices on some models of the PlayStation 5 console in several countries starting Monday, pointing to ongoing global economic challenges as the driving force behind the decision.
In a statement shared through the official PlayStation blog on Sunday, the company described the move as “a tough decision” made in response to mounting inflation and unstable currency markets.
The price adjustments will apply to the PS5 Digital Edition in Europe, Australia, and New Zealand, with increases averaging at least 10%.
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Markets Affected and Pricing Details
In the Eurozone, the PS5 Digital Edition will now carry a suggested retail price of 499 euros ($570), up from its previous rate of 449 euros established in 2022.
In the United Kingdom, the same model will be priced at 430 pounds ($565), compared to its earlier cost of 389 pounds.
Australia will see a jump from 649 to 749 Australian dollars ($474), and New Zealand customers will now pay 859 New Zealand dollars ($504) instead of the previous price point.
The PS5 Digital Edition is a version of Sony’s flagship console that omits a physical disc drive, relying entirely on downloaded games and digital content.
Despite the increases for the Digital Edition, Sony confirmed that pricing will remain the same for other variants.
The standard PlayStation 5 model, which includes a Blu-ray Disc drive and was first released in 2020, will retain its current pricing in both the UK and European markets. Similarly, the newer PS5 Pro edition, which launched last year, will not be affected by the price changes.
The broader economic uncertainty affecting pricing decisions is also tied to recent developments in international trade. Earlier this month, U.S. President Donald Trump announced new tariffs targeting a wide range of countries, disrupting global supply chains.
Meanwhile, temporary delays on electronics tariffs—including those impacting smartphones and laptops—have added further uncertainty for tech exporters as the administration refines its approach to regulating the semiconductor sector.
Sony’s announcement reflects the wider struggles facing tech manufacturers as they navigate inflation, shifting currency values, and trade policy volatility. The company did not indicate whether other regions might see similar pricing changes in the future.
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