Sony (SONY) announced Wednesday that it will raise the price of its PlayStation 5 consoles in the United States by roughly $50 starting Thursday, as the company grapples with trade tensions, rising costs, and a videogame market still finding its footing.
The increase will affect all three versions of the PlayStation 5, including the high-end PS5 Pro, which will now retail for $749.99, according to a blog post from the company. Accessories such as controllers and headsets will not see price changes, and Sony said no adjustments are planned for other international markets at this time.
The move comes against the backdrop of escalating U.S. tariffs on imports from key manufacturing centers, including China and Japan. President Trump announced sweeping tariff measures earlier this summer, heightening concerns about supply chain disruptions and higher material and production costs for global technology firms. For Sony, which relies heavily on Asia-based manufacturing, the policy shift adds another layer of complexity to its operations.
This is not the first time Sony has raised prices on its flagship consoles. Earlier this year, the company lifted PlayStation 5 prices across several European markets. In response, Microsoft’s Xbox division followed suit with increases in the U.S., Europe, Australia, and the U.K., citing similar inflationary and supply chain pressures.
The timing of the U.S. price increase could be significant. Consoles were widely expected to fuel industry growth in 2025, helped by the anticipated release of blockbuster games such as Take-Two Interactive’s much-hyped Grand Theft Auto VI and Nintendo’s upcoming Switch 2. However, delays to GTA VI’s launch, now pushed into next year, coupled with higher console prices, have raised questions about whether the sector can deliver the robust rebound that analysts had predicted.
For Sony, the decision reflects both immediate pressures and long-term strategy. While raising prices could risk slowing adoption of the PlayStation 5, especially among cost-sensitive consumers, it also underscores the company’s need to maintain profitability in the face of higher input costs and global trade uncertainty.
Despite the challenges, Sony remains positioned as one of the dominant players in the gaming industry, with the PlayStation brand continuing to boast strong demand, a loyal fan base, and an extensive pipeline of games. How consumers respond to the higher price tag in the U.S. market may offer an early indication of the industry’s resilience at a time when tariffs, delays, and economic headwinds are reshaping the competitive landscape.
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