Sony to Raise PlayStation 5 Prices in the U.S. Amid Tariff Pressures and Gaming Market Slowdown
Sony has announced that it will increase the price of its PlayStation 5 consoles in the United States by about $50 starting Thursday, as the company deals with rising costs and uncertainty in the global gaming industry.
The adjustment will affect all three PS5 models, including the high-end PlayStation 5 Pro, which will now retail for $749.99, according to a blog post published by Sony on Wednesday.
This decision comes on the heels of new U.S. tariffs on imports from major manufacturing hubs like China and Japan, announced by President Donald Trump. The tariffs have fueled concerns about supply chain disruptions and surging production costs, forcing tech and gaming giants to reassess their pricing strategies.
Earlier this year, Sony raised PlayStation 5 prices across several European markets, while its main competitor, Microsoft Xbox, also increased prices for its consoles and accessories in the U.S., Europe, Australia, and the UK.
The gaming industry had been banking on a strong year, with blockbuster releases like Grand Theft Auto VI from Take-Two Interactive and Nintendo’s upcoming Switch 2 expected to drive growth. However, the delayed release of GTA VI until next year, coupled with console price hikes, has sparked concerns about slower-than-expected market momentum.
For now, Sony confirmed that PS5 prices outside the U.S. will remain unchanged, and the cost of PlayStation 5 accessories will not be affected.
Price Hike Begins Thursday
Sony has confirmed it will increase PlayStation 5 prices in the United States by around $50 starting Thursday. The change applies to all three PS5 models, including the high-end PlayStation 5 Pro, which will now retail for $749.99, according to Sony’s blog post on Wednesday.
Tariffs Driving Higher Costs
The move comes shortly after President Donald Trump announced sweeping tariffs on imports from China and Japan, two major hubs for tech and gaming hardware production. These tariffs have raised concerns about rising material costs and potential supply chain disruptions, forcing Sony to adjust pricing in key markets.
Sony and Microsoft are Both Raising Prices
This is not the first time Sony has raised console prices. Earlier this year, the company increased PS5 prices across Europe, while rival Microsoft Xbox also raised prices on consoles and accessories in the U.S., Europe, Australia, and the UK.
Industry Hopes Dented by GTA VI Delay
The global gaming market was expected to see strong momentum in 2025, fueled by blockbuster titles like Take-Two Interactive’s Grand Theft Auto VI and Nintendo’s highly anticipated Switch 2. However, the delay of GTA VI to next year combined with console price hikes has sparked concerns about slower-than-expected industry growth.
No Changes Outside the U.S.
For now, Sony clarified that PlayStation 5 prices outside the U.S. will remain unchanged, and the cost of PS5 accessories will stay the same.