Under the previous leadership, Sony accepted its position in the domestic market and did not actively try to compete with Nintendo. Nishino changed the approach and launched a new model on November 21.
The price of the digital version of the PS5 was reduced from ¥72,980 (about $473) to ¥55,000 (~$350), returning the cost to the level before the sharp rise in price in 2024.
The effect was minimal, especially against the background of the growth of Switch 2. According to Famitsu, in the first two weeks after the launch, the model sold 36,983 and 35,786 copies — more than in previous months. In the latest report, the magazine estimated weekly PS5 sales at 18,912 consoles, lower than the figure for the same period last year (21,574).
PS5 sales in Japan have hardly changed, despite the price reduction. Perhaps without the language version, the figures would be even worse, but overall Sony is still inferior.
The situation is aggravated by the fact that major Japanese games — Resident Evil Requiem, Final Fantasy VII Remake Intergrade, and Yakuza Kiwami 3 & Dark Ties — are now also released on Switch 2. The stationary format of the PS5 and the lack of franchises with cultural significance at the level of Mario or Pokémon also play a role.
Nishino will continue to try to change the situation, but one thing is clear: price is not the only problem for PlayStation in Japan.