Traditionally, video game consoles tend to become more affordable as they mature in the market. However, the current generation has defied this pattern, influenced by various economic pressures. In Europe, potential buyers of the PS5 Digital Edition might soon find themselves with a console offering slightly less storage. Reports indicate that Sony is considering reducing the internal SSD capacity to avoid implementing yet another price hike for the hardware.
According to information from the reputable leaker Billbil-kun, the SSD in the PS5 Digital Edition is slated to decrease from 1TB to 825GB. This change is expected to coincide with the introduction of the new chassis-E revision of the console, which is anticipated to be available for purchase starting September 13. Billbil-kun noted the significant price increases the console has already undergone; the PS5 Digital Edition, initially launched at €399 in 2020, eventually saw its price rise to €449 and then €499. Meanwhile, the standard PS5 console, which includes a disc drive, is projected to retain its 1TB SSD capacity.
For consumers, this year has been particularly expensive for acquiring a PS5 console. In April, Sony announced price increases for both the Digital and Standard Edition PS5 consoles across several regions including Europe, the UK, Australia, and New Zealand. Subsequently, in August, the price of every PS5 console system in the US increased by $50. At the time, Sony explained these adjustments were necessary as it continued to “navigate a challenging economic environment,” passing the increased costs onto consumers.
Analyst Daniel Ahmad provided further context, suggesting that higher tariff rates imposed on countries involved in the PS5`s production contributed significantly to these price hikes. These tariffs include 30% for China, 15% for Japan, 20% for Vietnam, and 19% for Malaysia. Ahmad indicated that these increased costs followed the announcement of new tariffs by former US President Donald Trump earlier in the year.
This trend of rising console prices is not an isolated incident. Microsoft also announced price increases for its Xbox consoles in May. Similarly, Nintendo has not ruled out the possibility of raising the price for its future Switch 2 console, having already increased the prices of Switch 2 accessories.