Is the Shocking PlayStation 5 Price Hike a Terrible Deal for Gamers in the US?

With the Frustrating PS5 Price Increase in the U.S., Is It Still a Fantastic Buy in 2025?

Sony has made its popular PlayStation 5 (PS5) gaming console more expensive in the United States. This change happened on August 21, 2025. If you are thinking about buying a PS5, this news is important for you. This price increase is not a surprise to everyone, as Sony had already raised prices in other parts of the world, like Europe and Australia, earlier in April 2025.

This is part of a bigger trend. Other big gaming companies have also made their consoles more expensive. Microsoft raised the price for its Xbox consoles, and Nintendo even increased the price of its original Switch console. Now, the price change has come to the U.S.

How Much More Does the PS5 Cost?

Every model of the PlayStation 5 is now $50 more expensive. This change affects the standard version, the digital-only version, and the high-performance Pro model. Understanding the new cost helps you decide which console, if any, is right for your budget.

Here is a simple breakdown of the old and new prices :

PlayStation 5 Standard Edition (with disc drive)

• Old Price: $499.99
• New Price: $549.99

PlayStation 5 Digital Edition (no disc drive)

• Old Price: $449.99
• New Price: $499.99

PlayStation 5 Pro

• Old Price: $699.99
• New Price: $749.99

It is good to know that the prices for PS5 accessories have not changed. Things like controllers and headsets will still cost the same as before. The price increase only applies to the consoles themselves.

Why Did Sony Make the PS5 More Expensive?

Sony said it had to make this “difficult decision” because of a “challenging economic environment”. This is a broad term, but many reports point to a specific reason: U.S. tariffs. Tariffs are taxes placed on goods imported from other countries. The U.S. has tariffs on products from Japan, where Sony is based, and from China, a major manufacturing hub.

These taxes increase the cost for Sony to bring its consoles into the country. To manage these extra costs, Sony has raised the price for customers. The company had already mentioned it was thinking about this move to cover the cost of tariffs. This economic pressure is affecting many global businesses, not just Sony.

What Does This Mean for You as a Gamer?

Seeing a price increase on a console that has been out for five years is unusual. Normally, electronics get cheaper over time. This change means you have to think carefully about when and what to buy.

Is it still a good time to buy a PS5?

The PS5 is a powerful console with a large library of great games. The new PS5 Pro model offers even better graphics with features like advanced ray tracing and AI-powered upscaling for sharper images. If you want the best performance and access to the latest games, the PS5 is still a top choice. However, the higher price makes it a bigger investment.

What are your options?

Buy Now

The prices have already changed, so waiting may not lead to a better deal in the near future. If you want a PS5, buying one now at the new price is the most direct option.

Look for Bundles

Sometimes, retailers offer bundles that include a game or an accessory with the console. While the console price is higher, a bundle might offer better overall value than buying everything separately.

Consider Alternatives

If the new price is too high, you could look at other options. The Xbox is a strong competitor, though its prices have also increased. PC gaming is another route, though building a powerful gaming computer can also be expensive.

Wait for Sales

While a permanent price drop is unlikely soon, there might be sales during holiday seasons like Black Friday. Retailers might offer temporary discounts, but this is not guaranteed.

Ultimately, the decision to buy a PS5 depends on your budget and how much you value the gaming experiences it offers. The console itself remains a high-quality product, but it now comes at a higher cost.