Sony raises PlayStation 5 prices by up to $150, second increase in a year

Sony is raising the prices of its PlayStation 5 consoles globally starting April 2, with increases of up to $150, according to multiple sources including Fox Business and Ars Technica. The base PS5 model in the U.S. will rise from $549.99 to $649.99, while the Digital Edition will increase from $499.99 to $599.99, and the PS5 Pro from $750 to $900. This marks the second price hike in less than a year driven largely by soaring memory chip costs.

The company attributes the price adjustments to persistent economic and supply chain challenges. Fortune reports that factors such as the ongoing fallout from geopolitical tensions, including the war in Iran impacting helium supplies critical for semiconductor manufacturing, have escalated production costs. Additionally, rising demand for AI chips has contributed to shortages and price surges in key components.

This latest round of price increases places the PlayStation 5 around 30% more expensive compared to last year, The Independent notes. Industry analysts and Sony itself suggest that these supply constraints may delay the release of the next generation of consoles until 2028 or 2029, according to Expansion MX.

Sony’s announcement comes amid similar moves by other console makers like Microsoft and Nintendo, who have also raised prices due to tariffs and supply disruptions, as Ars Technica outlines. The cost hikes reflect broader inflationary pressures pushing up prices for consumer electronics worldwide.

Looking ahead, Sony’s pricing decisions will be closely watched to gauge consumer response and sales impact. The sustained supply chain pressures and component shortages suggest that further price adjustments or product delays could occur through 2026 and beyond.