Sony Interactive Entertainment (SIE) has suddenly announced an increase in the suggested retail price for the PlayStation 5 Digital Edition in many major markets, including Europe, the UK, Australia and New Zealand, citing the 'challenging economic environment'.
Sony announces price increase for PlayStation 5
Specifically, according to a rather surprising announcement made early on April 14, the new selling price of the PS5 Digital Edition in these markets is as follows:
- Europe: 499.99 euros
- UK: £429.99
- Australia: AUD$829.95
- New Zealand: NZ$949.95
The new prices are effective immediately upon announcement. It is worth noting that the prices of the standard PS5 (with a physical drive) and the PS5 Pro are not affected by this adjustment.
Sony Announces PlayStation 5 Retail Price Increase
PHOTO: WCCF TECH SCREENSHOT
Explaining the decision, Isabelle Tomatis, vice president of global marketing at SIE, said the price increase was due to macroeconomic factors such as high inflation and volatile exchange rates. However, some analysts said that the timing of the announcement, coinciding with tariff tensions between the US and China, could also be a factor in Sony's price adjustment.
In a somewhat paradoxical move, Sony has also reduced the price of the PS5 Digital Edition's external Blu-ray drive accessory in these same markets. The new prices for the external drive are €79.99 (Europe), £69.99 (UK), AU$124.95 (Australia) and NZ$139.95 (New Zealand), also effective from April 14.
This is not the first time Sony has increased the price of the PS5. Previously, in 2022, the company increased the price of the device in many regions, including the markets that were affected this time. In August 2024, the price of the PS5 in Japan also increased by about $90.
The price increase of PS5 Digital Edition in major markets has raised concerns among gamers in other regions, including Vietnam, about the possibility of a 'price storm' spreading in the future, especially when the global economic context is forecast to continue to be difficult. Currently, gamers in Vietnam and other unaffected markets can only closely monitor Sony's next moves.
Source: https://thanhnien.vn/sony-tang-gia-ban-playstation-5-185250414181852953.htm
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