If you’ve been holding off on buying a PlayStation 5, and you live in Europe, Australia, or New Zealand, this might sting a little. Sony has quietly raised the price of the PS5 in several regions, citing economic pressures as the reason behind the move.
This isn’t a small bump, either—it’s a noticeable increase that comes with no new hardware, no bundled extras, and no announcement of a limited edition. Just the same console, now with a steeper price tag.
So, What’s the Damage?
Let’s break it down.
In Europe, the PS5 Digital Edition now retails for €499.99. Over in the UK, it’s £429.99.
Meanwhile, in Australia, the Digital model is AUD $749.95, and the Disc Edition jumps to AUD $829.95.
New Zealand? The Digital unit will cost NZD $859.95, while the standard version hits NZD $949.95.
It’s worth noting that the U.S. is untouched by this change. Prices there remain exactly the same as they’ve been since the launch. That hasn’t gone unnoticed by gamers abroad—many of whom are wondering why they’re the ones footing the bill.
A Small Bright Spot
Interestingly, while the console’s base price has gone up, Sony has quietly dropped the cost of one of its key accessories: the detachable disc drive. This is mainly for folks who own the Digital Edition and want to play physical games later down the road.
Here’s what that looks like:
- Europe: €79.99
- UK: £69.99
- Australia: AUD $124.95
- New Zealand: NZD $139.95
It’s not a massive win, but it’s something.
What’s Behind the Price Hike?
Sony hasn’t released a big press statement, but they have acknowledged that a mix of factors led to the decision. Think inflation, shifting currency rates, tariffs, and rising manufacturing costs.
If you’re thinking, “Didn’t they already raise prices before?”—you’re not wrong. This is the second time Sony has increased PS5 pricing in some regions since launch. And each time, the reasoning has circled back to financial pressures.
Fair or not, it’s clear Sony doesn’t want to absorb those costs on its own.
Fans Aren’t Happy—and They’re Speaking Out
The response online has been swift and heated. Reddit threads are filled with frustrated buyers venting about regional pricing. Many feel it’s unfair that the U.S. escapes the hike, while other countries are expected to pay more for the exact same product.
One commenter summed it up:
“We’ve waited years for stock to stabilize, and now we’re being punished with a higher price for no reason? Makes no sense.”
Twitter and Discord groups echoed similar sentiments, with some users even saying they’ll consider switching to Xbox or buying second-hand units to avoid paying full retail.
Could This Backfire?
Maybe. Sony still dominates the global console market, but moves like this create openings for competitors. Microsoft, for example, has been heavily promoting its Game Pass ecosystem—offering solid value without raising prices.
In regions like Australia or parts of Europe, where the cost of living has already spiked, this change might push some potential buyers away from the PS5 ecosystem entirely.
It’s a risky move—but clearly one Sony is confident enough to make.
The Bigger Picture
Some analysts believe this price adjustment is tied to Sony’s broader strategy. With the PS5 Pro entering the market and rumors of next-gen updates surfacing, the company may be subtly repositioning the pricing tiers of its hardware lineup.
Still, many are left wondering why this couldn’t wait until a new model arrived—or why the increase wasn’t more gradual.
At the end of the day, it’s not just about hardware. It’s about perception. And right now, that perception is a little bruised in parts of the world where people are already stretched thin.
Thinking About Buying One?
If you’re in a region where the price hike hasn’t kicked in yet—or if you find a retailer still selling at the old rate—now might be your best chance to grab a PS5 before prices jump across the board.
Otherwise, it may be worth holding out to see if bundles, discounts, or refurbished units start to appear later in the year.
Don’t forget to checkout our post Marvel Rivals Leak Reveals Summer Beach Skins, and Yes—“The Thong” is Real, Titanfall 3 Leak Claims the Game’s Nearly Done – But Should We Believe It? for more fun gaming.
