Sony Increases PlayStation 5 Prices Across Europe, Australia, and New Zealand

In a significant move that has caught the attention of gamers and industry watchers alike, Sony has announced an increase in the recommended retail prices (RRPs) for its PlayStation 5 consoles across Europe, Australia, and New Zealand. This decision, which takes effect from April 14, 2025, is attributed to a challenging economic landscape characterized by high inflation and fluctuating exchange rates.

According to a post on the PlayStation Blog, the new pricing structure will see the PS5 Digital Edition in Europe priced at €500, while the standard PS5 with a disc drive will remain unchanged. In the UK, the PS5 Digital Edition will now retail for £430, with the standard version maintaining its current price. Down under in Australia, the standard PS5 will be available for AUD $830, while the Digital Edition will cost AUD $750. New Zealanders will see the standard PS5 priced at NZD $950 and the Digital Edition at NZD $860.

These price hikes come on the heels of similar increases made in 2022, making the PS5 significantly more expensive than at its launch. In fact, the PS5 Digital Edition is now €100 or £70 more expensive in Europe and the UK, having risen from its initial launch price of €400 and £360, respectively. In Australia, the standard PS5 has increased by AUD $80 from its original price of AUD $750, and the digital version has surged by AUD $150, jumping from AUD $600. Meanwhile, in New Zealand, the standard PS5 is up NZD $130 from its launch price of NZD $820, and the Digital Edition has seen an increase of NZD $210 from NZD $650.

Interestingly, while the prices of the PS5 consoles have risen, the RRP for the PS5 disc drive is set to drop to €80, £70, AUD $125, and NZD $140, presenting a slight reprieve for consumers looking to purchase the disc version.

Despite these increases, some retailers are still offering competitive pricing. For instance, in the UK, Argos continues to provide the PS5 Astro Bot bundle at £430, which includes a game and the disc drive, essentially matching the new price of the Digital Edition. Additionally, EE is currently marketing the PS5 Digital Edition with Astro Bot for £329, undercutting Sony’s new RRP by £100.

As the gaming community absorbs this news, the implications of these price adjustments may affect consumer behavior and the overall market dynamics for the PlayStation 5. With the console already facing competition from other platforms, how these changes will impact sales remains to be seen. As always, gamers will be watching closely as they navigate their next console purchase in this evolving landscape.