Sony Interactive Entertainment (SIE) raised PlayStation 5 prices in select markets on April 14, 2025, hitting consumers’ wallets in Europe, the UK, Australia, and New Zealand.
The price hikes affect the PS5 Digital Edition in Europe and the UK, while both standard and Digital Editions cost more in Australia and New Zealand. PS5 Pro prices remain unchanged.
The New Pricing Breakdown
Europe:
- PS5 Digital Edition: €499.99 (up €50/11%)
- Standard PS5: Unchanged
UK:
- PS5 Digital Edition: £429.99 (up £40/10%)
- Standard PS5: Unchanged
Australia:
- PS5 Standard Edition: AUD $829.95 (up AUD $30/4%)
- PS5 Digital Edition: AUD $749.95 (up AUD $100/15%)
New Zealand:
- PS5 Standard Edition: NZD $949.95 (up NZD $49.95/6%)
- PS5 Digital Edition: NZD $859.95 (up NZD $59.95/7%)
While console prices rose, Sony cut standalone disc drive prices in these same markets:
- Europe: €79.99 (down 33%)
- UK: £69.99 (down 30%)
- Australia: AUD $124.95 (down 22%)
- New Zealand: NZD $139.95 (down 18%)
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Behind the Price Changes
Sony cited “high inflation and fluctuating exchange rates” as the official reason. Isabelle Tomatis, Vice President of Global Marketing at SIE, called it a “tough decision” amid a “challenging economic environment.”
Industry watchers point to new US tariffs as a likely factor. These tariffs could increase costs for electronics manufactured in China, where PlayStation consoles are primarily assembled, though Sony did not mention tariffs in its official statement.
Notably, US prices remain unchanged, suggesting a strategic decision to protect Sony’s largest market.
Market Impact and Consumer Reaction
Sony previously raised PS5 prices in August 2022 in many of these same regions. The timing comes as the PS5 reached 75 million units sold globally by late 2024.
Serkan Toto, CEO of Kantan Games, doubts US prices will stay stable long-term: “I would be very surprised if Sony could keep PlayStation prices in the US stable.”
Industry analyst Christopher Dring believes Sony is “raising prices elsewhere to keep them the same in the US,” protecting its primary market.