Sony hikes PlayStation 5 prices in US due to tariffs

Sony announced Wednesday that it will raise prices on its PlayStation 5 consoles starting Thursday, August 21.

The company cited “a challenging economic environment,” a phrase widely seen as a reference to President Trump’s tariffs on imported goods. In the U.S., the PlayStation 5 will now cost $549.99, the PlayStation 5 Digital Edition $499.99, and the PlayStation 5 Pro $749.99—about a $50 increase across the board. The move follows the White House’s July 31 announcement of a 15% tariff on Japanese imports.

Sony said it does not plan to adjust prices in other countries or raise the cost of accessories. However, earlier this year—in April—it increased console prices in Europe, Australia, and New Zealand, also citing economic pressures. In 2022, the company implemented similar hikes in select international markets due to inflation, though the U.S. was spared at the time.

Competitors have made similar moves. In May, Microsoft said it would lift console prices by $80 to $100, while also raising prices on certain games, controllers, and accessories. Nintendo, by contrast, opted to raise prices only on accessories for its upcoming Switch 2, leaving the console itself unchanged.