If you’re considering buying a PlayStation 5, you might want to do it soon—or prepare to pay more. Sony has just raised the price of the PS5 in several countries, including the UK, Europe, Australia, and New Zealand. The increases, which range from 10% to 15%, are blamed on a “challenging economic environment” that includes high inflation, shifting currency rates, and growing costs of imports, especially from China.
Sony says these price hikes result from inflation and currency changes, though experts believe rising import tariffs—especially those affecting the US—also play a big role. While American customers won’t see price rises just yet, many think it’s only a matter of time before they do.
Digital Edition was hit hardest by the price changes
The biggest price jump is seen in the PS5 Digital Edition, which has increased in all the affected regions. For example, the Digital Edition now costs £429.99 in the UK, up from £389.99. The same trend is seen in Europe, where the price has increased to €499.99 from €449.99.
In Australia and New Zealand, both the Digital Edition and the version with the Ultra HD Blu-ray disc drive have become more expensive. Australia now sees the disc version priced at AUD $829.95 (previously AUD $799.95) and the Digital Edition at AUD $749.95 (up from AUD $649.95). Over in New Zealand, the disc version is now NZD $949.95, up from NZD $899.95, and the Digital Edition has increased to NZD $859.95 from NZD $769.96.
The only model that has kept its price steady in all regions is the PlayStation 5 Pro.
Sony lowers add-on disc drive prices
In an interesting twist, Sony is also reducing the cost of its add-on disc drive, which can be used with the Digital Edition. This move might offer some balance for buyers who prefer the disc-free version but still want physical game compatibility.
The new prices for the add-on disc drive are:
- Europe – €79.99 (was €119.99)
- UK – £69.99 (was £99.99)
- Australia – AUD $124.95 (was AUD $159.95)
- New Zealand – NZD $139.95 (was NZD $169.95)
While the lower accessory price is welcome, it’s a small silver lining in what is otherwise a clear price hike for the main console.
More increases could be coming to the US
Although Sony hasn’t raised PS5 prices in the US yet, experts believe it’s only a matter of time. Analyst Serkan Toto told CNBC that he “would be very surprised if Sony was able to keep the PlayStation prices in the US stable.” With 145% tariffs now applying to many products imported from China and no exceptions granted for game consoles, it seems likely that US buyers will soon feel the impact, too.
This is not the first time Sony has raised PS5 prices outside the US. In August 2022, prices increased for similar reasons—global inflation and currency problems. Back then, Sony was clear that the US market would be spared. This time, there’s no such reassurance.
Meanwhile, Nintendo has yet to open preorders in North America for its new Switch 2 console, possibly because it is waiting to see how pricing and tariffs play out. A similar price increase could also be achieved there.
As global economic pressure continues to affect tech products, you might want to plan your purchases carefully—especially if you’re in the market for a new game console.
