Just when you think the console market can't get any more absurd, Sony proves us wrong. While gamers around the world are hoping for price reductions or at least fair offers, Sony is turning the price screw upwards in four major markets - almost five years after the original PS5 launch. Welcome to the year 2025, where "older" doesn't mean "cheaper".
Europe, UK, Australia & New Zealand affected
In a new article on the PlayStation Blog Sony announced that the price of the PS5 will increase in Europe, the United Kingdom, Australia and New Zealand. The reason: "a challenging economic situation" with high inflation and fluctuating exchange rates. This may sound plausible, but in view of a product that is almost five years old and has long since recovered its development costs, it is a difficult move to digest.
The PS5 Pro remains untouched in all regions - a small consolation when you consider that their demand is very limited anyway. Particularly bitter: In Australia and New Zealand, the price increase even affects both PS5 models - Standard and Digital Edition.
These are the new PS5 prices:
Europe:
- PS5 Digital Edition: €499,99
United Kingdom:
- PS5 Digital Edition: £429,99
Australia:
- PS5 Standard Edition: AUD $829.95
- PS5 Digital Edition: AUD $749.95
New Zealand:
- PS5 Standard Edition: NZD $949.95
- PS5 Digital Edition: NZD $859.95
Disc drive gets cheaper - after all
The only ray of hope: The external disc drive for the PS5 will be cheaper. So if you still value physical games, you can at least save a few euros here:
- Europe: €79,99
- UK: £69,99
- Australia: AUD $124.95
- New Zealand: NZD $139.95
But who buys a disc drive separately these days - especially after a price increase? The move seems more like symbolic compensation than genuine consumer friendliness.
Things get serious from today
The new prices apply from April 14 - practically immediately. Whether Sony is also planning similar steps in the USA or Canada remains to be seen. But let's be honest: if this price increase meets with little resistance, it will hardly be the last. What's more, services such as PlayStation Plus are also becoming more expensive. Only in the last few weeks have increased priceswhich can also be expected in Europe in the near future.
At a time when gaming is becoming increasingly expensive - from 80 euro games to paid next-gen upgrades - Sony's decision feels like another kick in the gut for loyal fans. The PS5 is still selling well, but with this pricing strategy Sony is risking the goodwill of a community that is slowly but surely losing patience.
What do you think? Justified or pure greed? Let us know what you think in the comments.
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