Sony Interactive Entertainment has announced significant price increase for PlayStation 5 (PS5) consoles across multiple regions effective April 14, citing economic challenges including high inflation and unstable exchange rates.

The PlayStation 5 Digital Edition will see price hikes in Europe and the UK, rising to €499.99 and £429.99 respectively, while the standard PS5 with Ultra HD Blu-ray disc drive will remain unchanged in these markets. In Australia, both PS5 models will increase, with the standard version reaching AUD $829.95 and the Digital Edition rising to AUD $749.95. New Zealand customers will also face higher prices, with the standard PS5 jumping to NZD $949.95 and the Digital Edition to NZD $859.95.

The announcement comes amid broader economic pressures facing the gaming industry, including potential impacts from recent international tariffs. Japan was recently hit with a 24% tariff on exports to the US, though these have been temporarily paused for 90 days pending negotiations between the countries.

In a move that may partially offset these increases for some consumers, Sony has simultaneously announced price reductions for the PS5 Disc Drive accessory across the affected regions. The Disc Drive will now cost €79.99 in Europe, £69.99 in the UK, AUD $124.95 in Australia, and NZD $139.95 in New Zealand.

Sony confirmed that PlayStation 5 Pro prices will remain unchanged across all markets. Industry analysts note that Sony’s decision follows similar concerns from other gaming companies, with Nintendo recently postponing US preorders for its Switch 2 console to assess potential tariff impacts.