In the US, weekly PlayStation 5 sales in units and money reached a maximum in 2026 for the week ending April 4. Buyers flocked to stores to get ahead of the price increase of at least $100. The PlayStation 5 Pro model immediately rose in price by $150 to $900. Spending on gaming equipment nearly doubled during this period compared to the same time last year.
This changes the previous trend, in which consoles became cheaper with age. For comparison, the PS4 at a similar stage cost about $200. Now the situation is reversed: the price of the most affordable digital PS5 has increased by 50% (approximately $200) since its release in 2020. The reasons for this are rising memory prices, duties, and the overall economic situation. The average price of gaming hardware rose from $235 in November 2019 to $439 in November 2025.
Analysts, including Mat Piscatella from Circana, noted that games are becoming a "hobby for the wealthy." The rise in prices is hitting audiences with lower incomes – more and more players are switching to free mobile projects and games like Fortnite, Minecraft and Roblox.
The situation is aggravated by a weak past year – November was the worst in terms of sales of equipment and games for the entire observation period. Sony explains the price increase by the "global economic situation", but for many, entry into the current generation is becoming too expensive.