Sony has announced a price increase for PlayStation 5 consoles in Europe, Australia, and New Zealand, citing global economic instability as the driving factor.
Starting Monday, the price of the PS5 Digital Edition will rise by at least 10%, with a significant hike of 25% in some regions.
In Europe, the PS5 Digital Edition will now retail for €499, up from €449 following a previous price adjustment in 2022. In the UK, the price will increase to £430 (€498.3), from £389 (€450.7). In Australia, the PS5 Digital Edition will now cost AUD 749 (€415.7), up from AUD 649 (€360.2), while in New Zealand, the price will jump to NZD 859 (€442.9).
Sony explained that the decision was a “tough” one, driven by “the backdrop of a challenging economic environment, including high inflation and fluctuating exchange rates.” Interestingly, prices for the standard PS5, which includes a Blu-ray Disc drive, as well as the PS5 Pro model, will remain the same in these regions.
The price hikes in Europe and Australia could be an attempt by Sony to shield its key US market from similar increases. Meanwhile, global economic turmoil has been compounded by US President Donald Trump’s recent tariffs on imports, including electronics like smartphones and laptops. A temporary delay in the implementation of tariffs on these products has added further uncertainty to the market.
