Sony hikes PS5 prices globally to $649 amid chip crunch and falling sales. (Photo: Flipkart)
Sony Group Corporation has announced a fresh global price hike for the PlayStation 5, with new rates coming into effect from April 2. In the United States, the standard PS5 will now cost $649.99, up from $549.99, marking the second increase in less than a year.
The Digital Edition will be priced at $599.99, while the upcoming PS5 Pro is expected to retail at $899.99. The PlayStation Portal remote player will also see a bump to $249.99.
The primary reason behind the increase is the rising cost of memory chips. Global semiconductor manufacturers are increasingly prioritising high-margin chips for artificial intelligence (AI) data centres over consumer electronics.
This shift has created a supply crunch for everyday devices like gaming consoles. Companies such as Micron Technology, Samsung Electronics, and SK Hynix are focusing heavily on AI-driven demand, pushing up component costs.
Sony’s pricing move also comes amid slowing demand. The PS5 recorded a 16% year-on-year drop in sales, with around 8 million units sold during the last holiday quarter.
Industry experts believe higher console costs could further impact demand and slow overall gaming market growth. Even gaming giant Epic Games recently flagged weak console sales as a concern.
The rapid expansion of AI infrastructure is reshaping the semiconductor market. Companies like Alphabet Inc. are innovating aggressively, with new technologies aimed at optimising memory usage.
At the same time, equipment maker ASML Holding expects a surge in demand for advanced chip-making machines, signalling long-term investment in AI-focused memory production.
In India, the PlayStation 5 is currently priced at around:
₹53,990 for the standard (disc) version
₹49,990 for the Digital Edition (Slim)
Prices may vary across platforms like Amazon and Flipkart, as well as offline retailers such as Croma and Reliance Digital.
Seasonal sales often bring discounts of ₹5,000 to ₹10,000, making it more accessible for buyers.
While Sony has not officially announced a price revision for India, global trends suggest that a hike could be on the horizon. Europe and Japan are already seeing similar increases, indicating a broader pricing strategy shift.
Given rising component costs and currency fluctuations, India may eventually follow suit though timing remains uncertain.
For Indian gamers, the current window may be the best time to purchase the PS5 before any potential increase. With the console already six years into its lifecycle and a PS5 Pro expected soon, pricing dynamics could change further in the coming months.
Sony’s global PS5 price hike reflects deeper shifts in the tech industry, where AI demand is reshaping supply chains and driving up costs. While India remains unaffected for now, the question remains: how long before the impact reaches Indian buyers?
Sofia Babu Chacko is a journalist with over five years of experience reporting on Indian politics, crime, human rights, gender issues, and stories about marginalized communities. She believes journalism plays a crucial role in amplifying unheard voices and bringing attention to issues that truly matter. Sofia has contributed articles to The New Indian Express, Youth Ki Awaaz, and Maktoob Media. She is also a recipient of the 2025 Laadli Media Awards for gender sensitivity. Beyond the newsroom, she is a music enthusiast who enjoys singing. Connect with Sofia on X: https://x.com/SBCism
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