Sony will lift the price of the PlayStation 5 in the United States by around $50 starting Thursday. The Japanese tech giant faces rising production costs and weaker sales in the global gaming market.
Sony executive Isabelle Tomatis explained in a blog post that the company is operating in a “challenging economic environment.” All three versions of the console will see increases. The Pro edition now comes with a retail price of $749.99.
Tariffs push costs higher for consumers
The move follows tariffs imposed by President Donald Trump on several major trade partners, including Japan. These measures have raised concerns about affordability for US gamers. Tomatis stated: “We made the difficult decision to raise the recommended retail price for PlayStation 5 consoles in the US starting August 21.” The standard edition will now cost $499.99.
Sony confirmed that accessory prices will remain unchanged and said no other markets will face increases at this time.
Import duties pressure the gaming industry
US importers of Japanese goods currently pay a 15% tariff. Earlier this year, Sony already raised console prices in Europe and the UK, citing inflation and fluctuating exchange rates.
Other companies made similar adjustments. Nintendo increased the price of its original Switch console, while games like Mario Kart World now sell for as much as £75, drawing criticism from players. Microsoft also raised the cost of Xbox consoles and accessories in several countries.
Global companies signal tariff concerns
Many large firms have expressed concern about tariffs in recent months. US retailer Home Depot said this week that new import taxes could make certain items more expensive. Chief financial officer Richard McPhail told the Wall Street Journal: “Tariff rates are significantly higher now than last quarter. That will lead to modest increases in some categories, though not across the board.”
In July, Adidas warned that tariffs would add €200 million to its costs, leading to higher prices for American customers. Nike raised the price of selected shoes and clothing in May and later estimated tariffs could increase expenses by about $1 billion.
