Sony is making headlines again, but not for a new game or gadget. The company recently announced a price hike for all PlayStation 5 consoles in the United States. Gamers will now pay about $50 more for their favorite system. This change is set to kick in on Thursday, August 22.
The electronics giant explained that this move is a response to higher import taxes. Specifically, Sony pointed to policies from President Donald Trump’s administration. These policies targeted goods coming from China and Japan. The PS5 Pro, for example, was already a high-end console, previously costing $749.99. It will now also see this $50 increase.
This isn’t Sony’s first rodeo with price adjustments this year. The company already bumped up console prices in European markets back in April. Not long after, its rival, Xbox, also raised prices in several different regions during May. This shows a broader trend in the industry.
The timing of this console price increase has many in the gaming world worried. The market has been trying to get back on its feet lately. Many hoped a huge title like Grand Theft Auto VI would boost sales this year. However, that game’s release got pushed back to next year. This delay, combined with higher console prices, makes people wonder if the market will grow as much as expected.
Even with these changes, Sony wants to clear up one thing. They confirmed that this price increase only affects customers in the United States. Also, the prices for any PS5 accessories will stay exactly the same.