Sony Raises PlayStation 5 Prices in the US by $50 Amid Tariff Pressure and Economic Strain
The PS5 lineup just got pricier in the US — with Sony citing trade tariffs and global market challenges. Accessories remain untouched, but fans aren’t thrilled.
Sony has officially increased the price of all PlayStation 5 models in the United States, marking the first domestic price hike since the console’s launch in 2020. The change, effective August 21, adds $50 to the retail price of each PS5 variant — including the newly released PS5 Pro.
An update on PS5 pricing in the U.S. https://t.co/4fJeezGEMI pic.twitter.com/uniUWSw2Qm
— PlayStation (@PlayStation) August 20, 2025
The updated prices are as follows:
- PS5 Standard Edition: $549.99 (up from $499.99)
- PS5 Digital Edition: $499.99 (up from $449.99)
- PS5 Pro: $749.99 (up from $699.99)
Sony attributed the decision to a “challenging economic environment,” referencing new tariffs on Japanese imports imposed by the Trump administration earlier this year. The company emphasized that accessory prices remain unchanged, and there are no immediate plans to adjust pricing in other regions — including India, where speculation continues amid supply chain concerns.
This move follows similar pricing adjustments by Microsoft, which raised Xbox Series X/S prices in May, and Nintendo, which increased Switch accessory costs while keeping the Switch 2 price stable.
Despite rising costs, Sony shipped 18.5 million PS5 units globally in FY 2024, ending March 2025 — a strong performance that underscores the console’s continued demand. However, analysts warn that delays in blockbuster titles like GTA 6 could slow momentum heading into 2026.
Social media reactions have been mixed. While some users blame tariffs for the hike, others argue that Sony is simply boosting profits. Memes and commentary flooded platforms like X and Reddit, with one user noting, “This is the first console generation where prices go up instead of down”.
Sony previously raised PS5 prices in Europe, Australia, and New Zealand in early 2025, citing similar economic pressures. The company has not commented on whether further increases are planned for Asia or Latin America.
For now, US gamers will need to shell out more for next-gen hardware — and hope that the upcoming holiday bundles soften the blow.
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