Sony has increased the price of certain PlayStation 5 (PS5) models across multiple regions, citing global economic instability as the driving force behind the move. This price adjustment excludes the United States, which remains unaffected for now.
The tech giant announced that the PS5 Digital Edition, which lacks a disc drive, will now cost €499.99 in Europe and £429.99 in the UK marking a 10%+ hike. Australia and New Zealand will also see a price surge on both the digital edition and the standard PS5 with a Blu-ray drive. In Australia, for instance, the digital version now retails for A$749.95, while New Zealand customers will pay NZ$859.95.
| Region | PS5 Digital Edition (New Price) | PS5 Standard Edition (New Price) |
|---|---|---|
| Europe | €499.99 | Not mentioned |
| UK | £429.99 | Not mentioned |
| Australia | A$749.95 | A$829.95 |
| New Zealand | NZ$859.95 | NZ$949.95 |
| Middle East & Africa | Not specified | Not specified |
| USA | No change | No change |
According to Sony’s official blog, this “tough decision” comes in response to a “challenging economic environment,” pointing specifically to high inflation and volatile currency exchange rates.
The adjustments are also being rolled out in unspecified Middle East and African markets, though Sony has not shared regional specifics. Notably, the price for the standalone disc drive is being lowered, and the high-end PS5 Pro, launched in November 2024, remains unaffected by the changes.
Sony’s announcement follows broader industry concerns over the impact of international tariffs, especially in light of former U.S. President Donald Trump’s trade policies, which have disrupted supply chains and contributed to inflationary pressures globally.
