Key Takeaways
Created with AI - we're still experimenting, so apologies if it misses the mark
- PlayStation 5 prices are increasing in the US due to rising import tariffs on Japanese products, specifically from President Trumps administration.
- The price increase for the PS5 is approximately $50 and will affect all models available in the US market.
- Other console manufacturers such as Nintendo have also announced price increases for their consoles due to these same tariff increases.
- The increased prices may not directly affect countries like Brazil, but it could indirectly impact stores that import units from the US.
PlayStation 5 Price Increase in US due to Rising Import Tariffs on Japanese Products
Sony has officially announced a price increase for all PlayStation 5 (PS5) models in the United States, effective starting today. Consumers will now pay approximately $50 more for the console. While Sony cited a challenging economic situation as the reason, these changes are widely attributed to President Trump’s tariff increases, which have raised import taxes on products globally. The PS5 is manufactured at Sony’s plant in Chiba, Japan. On July 31 of this year, the US administration under President Trump hiked tariffs on products imported from Japan by 15%. This increase was lower than the initially announced 25%, though ongoing negotiations continue to spark controversy over taxation. The Japan Times reports that these negotiations resulted in most products being taxed at 15%. However, the published text of the agreement does not clearly state this, leading some to believe these new taxes are in addition to existing ones. Sony asserts that this specific price increase for the PS5 applies only to the US market and will not affect other countries. Despite this, the company previously raised the console’s price in Europe, Australia, and New Zealand back in April, also citing economic pressures.
Increased PlayStation 5 Prices amid US Tariffs on Japanese Products & Console Manufacturers
These tariffs are also impacting other console manufacturers; Nintendo, for instance, recently announced a price increase for its Switch console and some related accessories. For now, Brazil will not see this official price hike on consoles sold directly by Sony, though it could impact stores that import units from the US. Check out PlayersForLife Channels on YouTube, Facebook, Twitch, TikTok, and Instagram for some great gaming content.
In Case You Missed It
For those interested in the latest updates on gaming hardware costs, Sophie Laurent’s recent post “PlayStation 5 More Expensive in the US” (published on August 20, 2025) is a must-read. She delves into how economic pressures are leading to price hikes for PS5 and PS5 Pro models exclusively in the United States, affecting both standard and digital editions. Be sure to check it out here PlayStation 5 More Expensive in the US for all the details! For all you Xbox enthusiasts out there, Bruno Pferd has some exciting news in his latest post from August 21st, titled “Hyperkin’s Dualsense for Xbox Arrives in October.” Discover the launch of Hyperkin’s The Competitor—a PlayStation 5 DualSense inspired controller designed for Xbox Series X|S, One, and PC. With its unique black and white design and Hall Effect analog sticks and triggers, this controller promises a premium gaming experience at an affordable price point of $49 USD. Don’t miss out on all the details; head over to Hyperkin’s Dualsense for Xbox Arrives in October for a closer look! And for all you horror game enthusiasts out there, we’ve got some exciting news from the world of Resident Evil. Carlos Mendoza’s latest piece over at Players for Life delves into a thrilling leak about Resident Evil 9: Requiem, revealing an innovative hybrid view mode that’s sure to get your heart racing (check it out here: Resident Evil 9: Leak Confirms a Feature You’ll Love). Published on August 21, 2025, the article breaks down how this new feature offers players the flexibility to switch between first-person and third-person perspectives for a truly customizable gaming experience. Don’t miss out on all the buzz around this groundbreaking development!