PlayStation 5 Price Hike Hits the U.S.

Sony has announced a $50 price increase for the PlayStation 5, PlayStation 5 Digital Edition, and PlayStation 5 Pro models, effective tomorrow, August 21, in the United States.

The standard PS5 with a disc drive will now cost $549.99, a $50 increase, while the Digital Edition will also rise by $50 to $499.99. The PS5 Pro will see a similar $50 increase, bringing its price to $749.99.

"Like many companies worldwide, we are operating in a complex economic climate," said Isabelle Tomatis, Vice President of Global Marketing at Sony Interactive Entertainment, in a brief statement. "This has led us to the difficult choice of adjusting the recommended retail price for PlayStation 5 consoles in the U.S., effective August 21."

The price adjustment arrives during a period of global market instability, influenced by U.S. tariffs and similar moves from other gaming companies, including Nintendo's recent price hike for the original Nintendo Switch.

Earlier this year, Sony had already increased PS5 prices in the UK, Europe, Australia, and New Zealand, following a previous price adjustment in 2022.

In related industry news, Microsoft attracted attention today by not disclosing a price for the ROG Xbox Ally X alongside its release date. Asus, the device's manufacturer, told IGN that it requires more time to assess current "macro-economic" conditions before setting a final price for the gaming handheld.

Sony confirmed that no other changes are being made to PlayStation 5 accessories or console pricing in other regions at this time.