Sony has once again decided to raise the prices of its PlayStation 5 (PS5) consoles. This change affects customers in the UK, Europe, Australia, and New Zealand. The price increase is immediate and includes both the digital and standard editions in Australia and New Zealand and just the digital edition in the UK and Europe.
Here are the new prices:
-
PS5 Digital Edition:
- UK: £429.99 (up by £40)
- Europe: €499.99 (up by €50)
- Australia: AUD $749.95
- New Zealand: NZD $859.95
- PS5 Standard Edition (with Disc Drive):
- Australia: AUD $829.95
- New Zealand: NZD $949.95
Interestingly, the PS5 Pro remains unaffected by these price hikes. In response to the increased console costs, Sony has lowered the price of PS5 disc drives to £69.99 / €79.99 / AUD $124.95 / NZD $139.95.
In an announcement shared on the PlayStation Blog, Sony explained this decision as a response to challenging economic conditions, highlighting factors such as high inflation and unstable exchange rates.
Historically, this price adjustment is not an isolated incident. Since its launch, Sony has raised PS5 prices multiple times. In fact, this latest increase follows another price hike for PS Plus services in various regions, including LatAm, Australia, and select Asian countries.
Consumers are expressing frustration over these changes. A recent survey indicated that many gamers feel the rising costs are becoming a barrier to entry for new players. Social media platforms are buzzing with reactions, with some users sharing memes and posts about their disappointment or humorously predicting that gaming could become a luxury over time.
On the market side, data show that the global gaming industry is projected to grow significantly, expected to reach over $200 billion by 2025. This upward trend highlights the ongoing demand for gaming consoles like the PS5, despite the rising costs associated with them.
As the gaming community continues to evolve, it’s evident that discussions around pricing strategy and consumer access remain at the forefront of Sony’s business approach.
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