Sony to Hike PlayStation 5 Prices in U.S. Amid Tariff Concerns
Sony has announced that the cost of its PlayStation 5 consoles in the United States will rise by about $50 starting Thursday, citing mounting economic pressures and uncertainty over U.S. trade tariffs.
The move affects all three versions of the console, with the top-tier PlayStation 5 Pro now set at $749.99. The base edition will retail at $499.99, according to Isabelle Tomatis, Sony Interactive Entertainment’s vice president of global marketing, who shared the update in a company blog post.
Tomatis described the decision as “difficult” but necessary in a “challenging economic environment,” noting that accessory prices will remain unchanged and no other international adjustments have been announced.
The increase comes as U.S. tariffs on imports from Japan and other major trading partners continue to spark concerns across industries. Importers of Japanese products currently face a 15% levy, adding pressure on companies reliant on overseas manufacturing.
Sony has already raised console prices in the UK and Europe this year, attributing those hikes to inflation and exchange rate swings. U.S. gamers, meanwhile, are facing higher costs across the board, with Nintendo and Microsoft both raising prices on consoles and accessories in recent months.
The gaming industry is not alone in feeling the strain. Retailers and manufacturers from Home Depot to Adidas and Nike have warned in recent weeks that tariffs and rising costs are forcing them to adjust prices upward.
For players, the increases mean a more expensive entry point into gaming at a time when titles themselves are already testing wallets. Nintendo, for instance, recently pushed the price of Mario Kart World to £75, drawing backlash from fans over affordability.
