Players massively flocked to stores to buy the PS5 at the old price before it changed. Thanks to this, March sales significantly exceeded last year's figures.
However, the effect was short-lived. Circana Director Mat Piscatella stated that after a record week, the PS5 immediately experienced its two worst sales weeks in 2026. According to him, the market quickly became saturated – many bought the console in a hurry before the price changes.
Analysts are now monitoring how the price increase will affect the brand's long-term sales. The average cost of a gaming device has risen from approximately $250 in 2019 to over $500 today.
The audience of buyers is also changing. Currently, more than half of new console owners are people with an annual income exceeding $100,000. Analysts believe that gaming is gradually becoming an increasingly expensive hobby. This could become a problem before the release of GTA VI, when the mass audience will face current console prices.