Sony Interactive Entertainment (SIE) has officially announced a price increase for the PlayStation 5 (PS5) Digital Edition in several regions, including the UK, Europe, Australia, and New Zealand. The company attributes this hike to rising global inflation and fluctuating exchange rates.
In a statement, Isabelle Tomatis, Vice President of Global Marketing at SIE, said, “With a backdrop of a challenging economic environment, including high inflation and fluctuating exchange rates, SIE has made the tough decision to raise the recommended retail price (RRP) of the PlayStation 5 console in select markets in Europe, Middle East and Africa (EMEA), Australia and New Zealand.”
Updated PS5 Digital Edition Prices
Effective April 14, the revised prices for the PS5 Digital Edition are as follows:
- Europe: €499.99 (up by approx. €50)
- United Kingdom: £429.99 (up by £40)
- Australia: AUD 749.95
- New Zealand: NZD 859.95
It’s important to note that the standard PS5 model with the Ultra HD Blu-ray disc drive will not see a price increase in the UK or Europe. However, this model will also see higher prices in Australia and New Zealand:
- Australia (Standard PS5): AUD 829.95
- New Zealand (Standard PS5): NZD 949.95
Sony also confirmed that the price of the upcoming PS5 Pro remains unchanged across all impacted regions.
Disc Drive Price Cut to Soften the Blow
To offset some of the impact, Sony has reduced the price of its detachable Disc Drive accessory, which is essential for digital edition owners who want to play physical game discs. Starting April 14, the updated prices for the peripheral are:
- Europe: €79.99
- UK: £69.99 (down from £99.99)
- Australia: AUD 124.95
- New Zealand: NZD 139.95
SIE also noted that other countries within the EMEA region not explicitly mentioned may experience similar pricing changes, and advised consumers to check with local retailers or visit PlayStation Direct for the latest information.
Industry Reaction and Broader Impact
While Sony has not directly linked the price hike to international tariffs, industry analysts suggest that rising trade tensions—particularly between the US and China—may be having a knock-on effect. Gaming journalist Christopher Dring commented, “Rather than simply increase prices in the US, it’s possible the likes of PlayStation could increase pricing globally in an effort to protect, as best they can, the US market.”
The PS5 Digital Edition has now seen two significant price hikes since launch. Initially priced at £360 in the UK, it rose by £30 in 2022 and has now jumped another £40, marking a total increase of around £70 over its original retail price.
This move arrives as the gaming hardware market faces widespread cost pressures. Nintendo, for instance, recently delayed US pre-orders for its upcoming Switch 2 due to uncertainty around tariffs and global market conditions.
Final Thoughts
The increase in PS5 Digital Edition pricing is a clear reflection of the broader economic turbulence affecting the tech industry. While some relief comes in the form of lowered accessory prices, the rising cost of entry into next-gen gaming could make it harder for new players to jump in—especially at a time when competitors are preparing major hardware launches of their own.
