The PlayStation 5 is getting even more expensive in Japan, in an announcement made by Sony on Japanese PlayStation Blog. This price increase comes after the “recent challenging external environment, including the current fluctuations in the global economic situation and the impact this will have on our business.” Given the current state of PlayStation’s finances worldwide, the price increase is not too surprising. However, it is a relatively drastic price increase for PlayStation 5 overall. Regardless of which edition of the console people buy, they will now have to shell out an extra $90 in yen.
For those who still want to get their hands on a PlayStation 5 and live in Japan, now would be the time, as the console’s price increase goes into effect starting September 2. The disc edition of the PlayStation 5 will go from ¥66,980 (~$465) to ¥79,980 (~$550), which is a whopping increase. It’s no better for the digital edition of the PlayStation 5, as that edition’s price will go from ¥59,980 (~$417) to ¥72,980 (~$507).
Compared to other consoles, the PlayStation 5 is unique in that it hasn’t seen any form of price reduction over the years, aside from reductions when the console is on a temporary sale. Even then, sales don’t happen very often, so it’s unlikely that people will actually be able to get the console at a reasonable price. While it’s said that Sony is doing this due to the global economic climate right now, it probably won’t be well-received by increasing the price of the console. It’s now become even more unattainable for people to get, compared to an Xbox Series X|S or Nintendo Switch, which are significantly cheaper.
Since launch, the PlayStation 5 has seen several price increases in Japan specifically, with both the disc and digital editions receiving significant price increases. Since the console’s launch, both editions have seen a total price increase of $210~ and $225 respectively, compared to other countries that haven’t seen such significant price increases. However, when the console received a price increase in Japan, the UK and Europe saw price increases. Whether the same will happen this time around remains to be seen.
However, it doesn’t stop there. Sony has also confirmed that accessories for the PlayStation 5 will also be seeing price increases. For example, the Dualsense wireless controllers and PlayStation VR2 will become more expensive in Japan starting September 2. Whether the accessories will see a price increase globally remains to be seen until the price increases are officially implemented in Japan.