Four years into a console’s life cycle is typically around the time its producer will permanently decrease the console’s price. Yesterday, Sony announced it was doing the exact opposite, raising the price of the PlayStation 5 in Europe, Australia, New Zealand, the Middle East, and Africa.
The announcement on the PS Blog does not give a single concrete reason for the price hike, instead citing “a challenging economic environment, including high inflation and fluctuating exchange rates.” While similar announcements might precede the price change by days or weeks, this increase was put in place nearly immediately and was set in stone today, April 14. While some regions will only see increased prices on the Digital Edition, others, like Australia, have price increases across the board. However, the price of the PS5 Pro will remain unchanged.
The blog listed some of the price updates in different parts of the world but left out specifics for the Middle East and Africa, instead pointing people to consult local retailers. Prices for other regions are listed below.
The PlayStation 5 Slim Digital Edition
Europe: PS5 Digital Edition – €499.99 (increased from €449.99)
UK: PS5 Digital Edition – £429.99 (increased from £389.99)
Australia: Standard PS5 with Ultra HD Blu-ray disc drive – AUD $829.95 (increased from $799.95)
PS5 Digital Edition – AUD $749.95 (increased from $649.95)
New Zealand: Standard PS5 with Ultra HD Blu-ray disc drive – NZD $949.95 (increased from $899.95)
PS5 Digital Edition – NZD $859.95 (increased from $769.95)
Meanwhile, the disc drive attachment, which can be installed on a Digital Edition of a PlayStation 5, is decreasing in price in each of these regions.
The PlayStation 5 Disc Drive
Europe: €79.99
UK: £69.99
Australia: AUD $124.95
New Zealand: NZD $139.95
Video game and console prices have been a major focus of the gaming industry these past several weeks, ever since Nintendo revealed the steep prices of the Switch 2 and Mario Kart World. President Donald Trump’s tariff plan threw those high price tags into an even further state of confusion, delaying pre-orders in America and Canada.
