Five years in, the PlayStation 5 is surprisingly more expensive than ever. Recently, Sony launched a version without a disc drive, priced at $500, but it comes with significantly less storage. If you’re aiming to play games like Ghost of Yotei soon, it might be better to seek out an older or used console.
This month, Sony started selling a new slim PS5 model in Europe for 500 euros that has only 825GB of storage compared to the 1TB of its predecessor. When you account for the system’s operating requirements, users are left with just 667GB for downloads. This slimmer console is now available in the U.S. as well, with the same storage as the original PS5 from 2020. In contrast, the standard PS5 with a disc drive still offers 1TB for $550, and the PS5 Pro now costs $750 but boasts 2TB of storage.
Recent insights reveal that managing storage on gaming consoles has become a real challenge. A survey showed that over 60% of gamers struggle with insufficient storage space. If you download multiple games, that limited 667GB will fill up quickly. Many gamers will have to invest even more in SSD upgrades, although adding storage isn’t that difficult.
This trend is unusual because tech hardware typically becomes cheaper and improves over time. In fact, hardware enthusiasts often dissect new consoles each year to see how companies refine their products. For instance, a previous version of the PS5 was lighter due to a redesigned heatsink and cooling system. However, the newest model retains the same power as previous editions, and aside from aesthetic changes, there are no major performance upgrades to speak of.
To put this in perspective, Xbox also increased its prices recently. A new Series X console now costs $650, and the digital-only version is $600 with full 1TB storage. Meanwhile, Xbox has raised its Game Pass Ultimate subscription to $30 per month. Just like many streaming services, it seems like both Sony and Xbox are following a path of higher prices without offering tangible improvements.
The current gaming landscape might be daunting for newcomers. With rising costs and storage challenges, it’s becoming a tricky terrain for anyone looking to jump in. As gamers continue to share their frustrations online, it’s clear that both companies need to reassess their strategies to meet player expectations.
For more details, you can check out a report from Gizmodo.
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