The gaming industry is experiencing a surprising shift as prices for popular consoles continue to rise rather than decrease. Traditionally, as a console generation progresses, prices would lower, making these devices more accessible to players. However, the current landscape presents a different scenario, with both major players, Sony and Microsoft, increasing their console prices midway through the lifecycle of their products.
In a recent announcement, Sony revealed that they will be implementing a price increase for the PlayStation 5 and its related accessories in Japan. This marks a significant departure from the trend of declining prices typically seen over time with gaming consoles. The cost of the console will rise by ¥13,000, which translates to approximately €81 or £68. This adjustment indicates a substantial leap in price at this stage of the console's life cycle.
At this moment, there is no information available regarding potential price increases in European markets. The rationale behind this decision has been attributed to the challenging global economic environment and its repercussions for the business side of things. As the industry navigates these hurdles, consumers are left to wonder how this might affect their gaming experience moving forward.