Sony Interactive Entertainment has announced a price increase for its PlayStation 5 consoles in the United States, effective August 21, 2025. The price hike affects all PS5 models, with the standard PlayStation 5 now retailing for $549.99, the Digital Edition for $499.99, and the high-end PS5 Pro for $749.99. Each model will see a $50 increase.
The company cited a "challenging economic environment" as the primary reason for the price adjustment, a sentiment echoed by other companies in the gaming industry. According to Sony, these economic pressures have made it necessary to increase the recommended retail price of the consoles in the U.S..
This decision comes after Sony previously raised PS5 prices in the United Kingdom, mainland Europe, Australia, and New Zealand, with some regions experiencing increases as far back as 2022.
The price increase arrives amidst a period of turbulence in global markets, influenced by factors such as U.S. tariffs. These tariffs, particularly those imposed on imports from manufacturing hubs like China and Japan, have led to concerns about supply chain disruptions and elevated material costs. The tariffs negotiated between Japan and the U.S. resulted in a 15% import duty on some goods, including the PS5.
Isabelle Tomatis, Sony Interactive Entertainment's Vice President, Global Marketing, stated that the company continues to navigate a challenging economic environment.
The price increase has sparked mixed reactions from the PlayStation community. Some fans are rushing to find last-minute deals before the new prices take effect, while others are concerned about the potential impact on game pricing, subscription costs, and future console bundles. Despite the price increase on the consoles themselves, Sony has confirmed that the prices for PlayStation 5 accessories will remain unchanged. Moreover, the company stated that there are no other price changes planned for other markets at this time.
Sony's decision is not unique in the gaming industry. Nintendo recently increased the price of its original Nintendo Switch console in the U.S., citing "market conditions". Microsoft also increased the price of its Xbox Series X in May. Additionally, Microsoft has declined to announce a price point for the ROG Xbox Ally X, with Asus, the device's manufacturer, stating they need more time to navigate macroeconomic factors.
The console market was expected to be a major driver for the video game market growth, particularly with the launches of highly anticipated titles like "Grand Theft Auto VI" and Nintendo's Switch 2. However, the delay of "GTA VI" and the rise in console prices have introduced uncertainty regarding the industry's growth trajectory.
