When the PlayStation 5 hit store shelves in 2019, Sony’s recommended retail price (RRP) for the console was $399 for its digital version and $499 for its disc version. This was the base for the prices of the console around the world, but that has now changed.
Sony has announced that the PS5 will receive price hikes in major regions, with the United States not being one of them. That means the PlayStation 5 will continue being sold for the above-mentioned prices in the said country, where it is the fastest-selling console in history.
However, the UK version will now see a £30 increase in value bringing the prices of the digital and disc versions to £389 and £479, respectively. Those paying in Euros will need to shell out €449 or €549 for the gaming machine.
Moreover, those staying in Japan will also need to deal with the price hike of the PS5, albeit from September 15 onwards. It will be sold at ¥49,478 yen (including tax) or ¥60,478 yen (including tax), depending on whether one buys the digital version or the disc version.
Similarly, the prices of the PS5 have increased in China, Australia, Mexico, and Canada as well as select markets across Europe, the Middle East and Africa, Asia-Pacific, and Latin America regions. Sony has cited the “global economic environment” as the main reason behind these price increases in certain regions.
Jim Ryan President and CEO of Sony Interactive Entertainment, has said that “high global inflation rates, as well as adverse currency trends, [are] impacting consumers and creating pressure on many industries.” He has called this decision a “necessity” given the impact SIE’s business has had during the current global economic situation.
This price rise will indeed hit Sony in a negative way as it comes ahead of a busy season that’s supposed to see many big games released for the PS5.