Singapore,August 21(HS):

Sony has announced a $50 price increase across all PlayStation 5 models in the US, effective from August 21, 2025, as the company contends with rising costs in a challenging economic environment. The base PS5 with a disc drive now retails at $549.99, the Digital Edition at $499.99, and the premium PS5 Pro at $749.99.

This move follows a similar trend seen globally, with price hikes already implemented earlier this year in the UK, Europe, Australia, and New Zealand. The US price rise is largely attributed to tariffs imposed by the Trump administration on imports from countries including Japan—Sony's manufacturing hub—leading to increased costs and supply chain pressures.

Sony's vice president of global marketing, Isabelle Tomatis, described the decision as difficult but necessary. Despite the console price hikes, PlayStation 5 accessory prices remain unchanged. The tariff-induced cost increases have also triggered similar price adjustments from competitors like Nintendo and Microsoft.

This price adjustment marks an unusual scenario where the PlayStation 5, launched in 2020, is now more expensive than at debut, a reflection of persistent inflation and ongoing trade tensions impacting the broader consumer electronics market.

Sony is navigating this pricing strategy carefully to balance cost pressures with market competitiveness against rivals while facing a slow video game market and global economic headwinds.

The new pricing structure places the PS5 series in a higher price bracket than before but continues to keep it marginally less expensive than Microsoft's Xbox consoles raised in price earlier this year, reflecting strategic positioning in a tough market landscape.

This development underscores the significant impact of US trade policies on consumer technology pricing and signals potential further pricing pressures if tariffs persist or escalate.

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Hindusthan Samachar / Jun Sarkar