The PlayStation 5’s price surge is attributed to global trade tensions, with Sony citing a challenging economic environment. The console’s retail price has been increased by 25% in various regions.
The PlayStation 5‘s digital edition is set to cost £429.99 in the UK and €499.99 in ‘Europe‘ , starting from Monday.
The PlayStation 5 (PS5) is available in various bundles and editions, affecting its price.
The standard PS5 console costs around $399, while the digital edition, which lacks a disc drive, is priced at $349.
Bundle prices vary depending on the region and retailer, but generally range from $499 to $599 for the premium bundle with additional accessories.
Online retailers often offer discounts and promotions, making it essential to compare prices before purchasing.
Sony has increased the price of its PlayStation 5 by 25% as the video game industry reels from the impact of Donald Trump‘s tariffs. The Japanese game developer cited a ‘challenging economic environment‘ behind its decision to raise the retail price of the PS5 in some markets in Europe, the Middle East, Africa, and Oceania.
Price Hikes by Region
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UK and Europe: The digital edition will cost £429.99, while the standard console remains unchanged at £599.99.
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Australia: The standard PS5 will rise to A $829.95, with the digital edition increasing to A$749.95.
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New Zealand: The standard console will increase to NZ$949.95, and the digital to NZ$859.95.
The PlayStation 5 (PS5) is priced differently across various regions due to factors like taxes, import costs, and market demand.
In the United States, the PS5 starts at $399 for the digital edition and $499 for the standard edition.
In Europe, prices range from €399 to €499 depending on the country and retailer.
In Japan, the PS5 is priced around ¥59,800 (approximately $550 USD) for the digital edition and ¥74,800 (around $680 USD) for the standard edition.
These price variations reflect regional market conditions and may change over time.
Industry Implications
The technology industry has been grappling with the possible impact of President Trump‘s tariffs on its supply chains. Rival Japanese game developer Nintendo postponed preorders of its new handheld console, the ‘Switch 2’ , due to concerns over tariffs.
Japanese shares rose on Monday after the US said it would pause levies on some electronics, including smartphones. However, US officials warned that the pause on smartphones, laptops, and other electronic products from import tariffs on China will be short-lived.
The United States has a long history of shaping its trade policy to promote economic growth and protect national interests.
The first major trade agreement, the Reciprocal Tariff Act of 1934, established a framework for bilateral trade negotiations.
The General Agreement on Tariffs and Trade (GATT) in 1947 further liberalized international trade.
In recent years, the US has pursued free trade agreements with countries like Canada, Mexico, and South Korea.
However, tariffs imposed under the Trump administration's 'America First' policy have sparked trade tensions with China and other nations.
Tariff Impact on Electronics
Companies such as Apple are bracing for higher costs due to Trump‘s trade policy. Analysts at UBS have predicted a 79% price increase for an iPhone 16 Max with 256GB of storage, based on a total tariff of 145%.
- theguardian.com | Sony hikes PlayStation 5 price by 25% as Trump tariffs bite
