Sony will increase the price of the PlayStation 5 in the United States by around $50 starting Thursday. The company faces higher manufacturing costs and weaker demand in the gaming market.
Sony executive Isabelle Tomatis said in a blog post that the company is navigating a “challenging economic environment.” All three console models will cost more. The Pro edition will now retail for $749.99.
Tariffs drive price increases
The rise follows tariffs imposed by President Donald Trump on several trade partners, including Japan. These measures have raised concerns about higher costs for American consumers. Tomatis explained: “We made the difficult decision to raise the recommended retail price for PlayStation 5 consoles in the US starting August 21.” The base model will now cost $499.99.
Sony confirmed that accessory prices will stay the same and no other regions will see increases for now.
Import duties impact the gaming sector
US importers of Japanese goods currently pay a 15% tariff. Earlier this year, Sony raised console prices in Europe and the UK, citing inflation and currency fluctuations.
Other gaming companies also increased costs. Nintendo raised the original Switch price, while popular games such as Mario Kart World now sell for £75, sparking criticism from players. Microsoft also increased prices for Xbox consoles and accessories in multiple countries.
Global brands respond to tariffs
Several major companies have warned about tariff effects in recent months. US retailer Home Depot said import taxes could push prices higher on some products. CFO Richard McPhail told the Wall Street Journal: “Tariff rates are far higher now than last quarter. This will cause modest price increases in some categories, though not across the board.”
In July, Adidas said tariffs would add €200 million to costs, leading to higher prices for US customers. Nike raised prices on select shoes and clothing in May and later warned tariffs could push costs up by roughly $1 billion.
