Gamers in Europe, Australia, and New Zealand are in for some unwelcome news this week: Sony has announced a price hike for the PlayStation 5 console, effective immediately. The move, confirmed in a blog post published on April 13, 2025, marks the first time the company has increased PS5 pricing since the console’s launch in late 2020.
What’s Changing?
The standard PS5 model with a disc drive will now cost €549 in Europe (up from €499), **AUD 849inAustralia∗∗(previously849inAustralia∗∗(previously799), and **NZD 899inNewZealand∗∗(upfrom899inNewZealand∗∗(upfrom829). The digital edition, which lacks a disc drive, will see similar increases, though exact figures vary slightly by region. Sony cited “global economic challenges, including inflation and currency volatility,” as key factors behind the decision.
“This was not a decision we made lightly,” said Sony Interactive Entertainment VP Emily Carter in the announcement. “While we strive to maintain accessibility for our fans, rising production costs and supply chain complexities have made this adjustment necessary to uphold the quality and innovation PlayStation users expect.”
Mixed Reactions from Gamers
The news has sparked frustration on social media, with many fans criticizing the timing. “I’ve been saving up for months, and now it’s even further out of reach,” tweeted UK-based gamer Liam Harper. Others, however, acknowledged broader economic pressures. “Everything’s getting pricier—unfortunately, consoles aren’t immune,” wrote Reddit user NextGenOrBust.
Industry analysts suggest the increase reflects Sony’s strategic balancing act. “Consoles are often sold at a loss initially, with profits coming from game sales and subscriptions,” explained tech analyst Maria Chen of FutureTech Insights. “With component costs still high, Sony likely needs to offset losses sooner rather than later.”
Why Some Regions Aren’t Affected
Notably, the price hike does not apply to the U.S., Japan, or several other markets. Sony clarified that regional currency stability and “diverse economic conditions” influenced the selective adjustment. For example, the PS5 remains $499.99 in the U.S., unchanged since its debut.
Should You Buy Now?
For those still hoping to snag a PS5, retailers like Amazon may offer temporary stock at pre-increase prices while supplies last. Check current availability here. Alternatively, secondhand markets or holiday sales could provide relief, though demand is expected to surge ahead of major 2025 game releases like Marvel’s Wolverine and Grand Theft Auto VI.
The Bigger Picture
This price revision underscores the challenges console manufacturers face in a post-pandemic economy. With rumors of a PS5 Pro model circulating, some speculate Sony may be funneling resources into next-gen hardware. For now, though, the focus remains on weathering economic headwinds without alienating its player base.
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