Sony has had to increase the price of the PS5 in non-American regions twice now, once in 2022 and again last month, so there remains a high likelihood that fans in the United States would need to brace for a price increase relatively soon. Sony CFO Lin Tao mentioned on the company’s latest fiscal forecast conference call that Sony is still considering passing on the cost of a 100 billion yen loss in the United States, a loss generated by US tariffs, to its customers. This potential increase has yet to materialize, but the threat is still there.
Sony Weighs PS5 Price Increase in the US Amid Tariff Challenges, Local Manufacturing Plans Considered
Sony president and CEO Hiroki Totoki has also spoken about the potential for US production of some PS5. He added that manufacturing hardware locally might be a more efficient approach. Right now, the PS5 is produced in a number of places around the world, though shifting at least some of the production to the US could be a proactive move to help alleviate some recession-causing tariff costs. But nothing has been set in stone, and this is something that Sony is actively considering. So far, US customers have avoided PS5 price increases, but they, too, were paying above RRP for other things.
As for the cost of PlayStation games and the PS Plus subscription service itself, prices have already increased in the US, with another increase for PS Plus potentially on the way as a result of new hikes in other territories. Sony might choose to maintain stable PS5 prices in the US to stay competitive with Microsoft’s Xbox, which recently raised its console prices. Still, as industry analyst Mat Piscatella points out, the gaming market is unpredictable, and Sony’s plans may change based on how the tariff situation evolves.
Like lots of video game companies, Sony is ready with a few different strategies depending on how the US tariff situation plays out. Though Microsoft has cast its die, Sony and other manufacturers are still watching and waiting before making a decision. On the sales front, the PS5 has sold 77.8 million units globally but remains 1.2 million units behind the PS4 after five years. This console generation is unique in seeing price increases over time, rather than the typical price drops seen in previous generations.
FAQs
Will PS5 prices rise in the US soon?
Sony is considering it due to tariffs, but hasn’t decided yet.
Is PS5 manufacturing moving to the US?
Sony is exploring local production as a possible strategy.
