Sony is raising PlayStation 5 prices in the U.S., with the PS5 now starting at $549.99. The move follows new tariffs and comes after earlier price increases in other global markets.
Sony Pushes PS5 Prices Higher in the U.S. as Tariffs Bite
If you’ve been holding out on buying a PlayStation 5, you might want to sit down for this one. Sony has confirmed that starting Thursday, August 21, U.S. prices for the PS5 family of consoles are going up by around $50, and yes, that includes the brand-new PS5 Pro.
Here’s the breakdown after the increase:
- PlayStation 5 (Disc model): $549.99
- PlayStation 5 Digital Edition: $499.99
- PlayStation 5 Pro: $749.99
The Reason?
Sony points to a “challenging economic environment,” but in this case, that really means tariffs. The White House recently slapped a 15% tariff on Japanese imports, and Sony is passing that cost directly onto gamers.
It’s worth noting:
- No accessory price hikes (at least for now).
- Other regions like Europe, Australia, and New Zealand already saw price bumps earlier this year.
- Back in 2022, Sony raised prices globally, but spared the U.S. market at the time. That grace period is now over.
Sony isn’t the only one making moves. Microsoft has already warned of $80–$100 jumps for some Xbox models and accessories, while Nintendo is quietly inching up the cost of Switch 2 accessories without touching the console price.
So, while your next-gen console of choice might not get cheaper anytime soon, the competition for your wallet definitely isn’t slowing down.
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