Sony to raise PlayStation 5 prices in U.S. amid tariff pressures
TOI World Desk | Aug 26, 2025, 17:34 IST
Highlight of the story: Sony announced a $50 price increase for all PlayStation 5 models in the United States beginning Thursday, citing higher costs tied to new U.S. tariffs on imports. The move, which follows recent price hikes in Europe, comes as the global video game industry faces uncertainty from supply chain pressures and delays of major game releases.
Sony said on Wednesday it will raise prices of its PlayStation 5 consoles in the United States by about $50 starting Thursday, citing cost increases linked to new U.S. trade tariffs.
The adjustment applies to all three versions of the console, including the high-end PS5 Pro, which will now retail for $749.99, the company announced in a blog post. Sony said prices for PlayStation 5 accessories and consoles in other global markets would remain unchanged.
The price increase follows U.S. President Donald Trump’s announcement of broad tariffs on imports from major production centers including China and Japan. Economists and industry analysts warn that the tariffs could disrupt supply chains and raise material costs for electronics manufacturers.
Sony had already raised console prices in several European markets in April, while rival Microsoft followed suit in May, lifting prices for its Xbox consoles and accessories in the U.S., Europe, Australia, and the United Kingdom.
Analysts had expected console sales to underpin video game industry growth in 2025, driven by launches such as Take-Two Interactive’s highly anticipated “Grand Theft Auto VI” and Nintendo’s forthcoming Switch 2 gaming system. However, the delay of “GTA VI” to 2026, combined with surging console prices, has raised doubts about near-term momentum in the sector.
While Sony has not adjusted pricing outside the U.S., industry experts suggest additional markets could see changes if tariff-driven expenses continue to mount.
The adjustment applies to all three versions of the console, including the high-end PS5 Pro, which will now retail for $749.99, the company announced in a blog post. Sony said prices for PlayStation 5 accessories and consoles in other global markets would remain unchanged.
The price increase follows U.S. President Donald Trump’s announcement of broad tariffs on imports from major production centers including China and Japan. Economists and industry analysts warn that the tariffs could disrupt supply chains and raise material costs for electronics manufacturers.
Sony had already raised console prices in several European markets in April, while rival Microsoft followed suit in May, lifting prices for its Xbox consoles and accessories in the U.S., Europe, Australia, and the United Kingdom.
Analysts had expected console sales to underpin video game industry growth in 2025, driven by launches such as Take-Two Interactive’s highly anticipated “Grand Theft Auto VI” and Nintendo’s forthcoming Switch 2 gaming system. However, the delay of “GTA VI” to 2026, combined with surging console prices, has raised doubts about near-term momentum in the sector.
While Sony has not adjusted pricing outside the U.S., industry experts suggest additional markets could see changes if tariff-driven expenses continue to mount.