Sony has announced an increase in the recommended retail prices (RRPs) for PlayStation 5 consoles across Europe, Australia, and New Zealand, effective from April 14. The decision comes in response to the "challenging economic environment, including high inflation and fluctuating exchange rates," as stated by the company. This news was confirmed via a post on the PlayStation Blog.
Here are the new RRPs:
- Europe:
- PS5 Digital Edition – €500 (No change for the standard PS5 with disc drive)
- UK:
- PS5 Digital Edition – £430 (No change for the standard PS5 with disc drive)
- Australia:
- Standard PS5 with disc drive – AUD $830
- PS5 Digital Edition – AUD $750
- New Zealand:
- Standard PS5 with disc drive – NZD $950
- PS5 Digital Edition – NZD $860
It's worth noting that the price of the PS5 Pro remains unchanged amidst these adjustments.
This move follows similar RRP hikes implemented in 2022, making the PS5 significantly more expensive in many regions compared to its launch prices. In Europe and the UK, the PS5 Digital Edition has seen a €100/£70 increase from its initial €400/£360. In Australia, the standard PS5 has risen by AUD $80 from AUD $750, while the digital edition has increased by AUD $150 from AUD $600. New Zealand has experienced a NZD $130 increase for the standard PS5 from NZD $820, and a NZD $210 hike for the digital version from NZD $650.
Interestingly, the RRP of the PS5 disc drive is being reduced to €80/£70/AUD $125/NZD $140, offering some relief amidst the broader price increases.