Big PlayStation 5 price increase primed for South Africa

Sony Interactive Entertainment (SIE) revealed over the weekend that the price of the PS5 console would be rising in select regions, sparking widespread discussion and concern among consumers internationally. The news was communicated directly by SIE via a PlayStation blog post on Sunday, April 13, 2025.

These price hikes, effective immediately in the impacted regions, see the cost of the PS5 Digital Edition increasing by as much as 25% in some areas.

The new recommended retail prices (RRP) are now €500 in Europe and £430 in the UK. In Australia, both PS5 models have seen a price jump, with the Digital Edition now priced at A$750 and the standard version with a Blu-ray drive at A$830. New Zealand has also experienced an increase, with the Digital Edition reaching NZ$860.

Notably, Sony stated that “Select markets in Emea not listed above may also receive RRP increases. Please check with your local retailer and direct.playstation.com where available.” Emea encompasses Europe, the Middle East, and Africa.

The news has been met with dismay by consumers, with online platforms like Reddit filled with expressions of disappointment and frustration regarding Sony’s decision.

Many gamers have pointed out the unusual nature of a console price increase mid-cycle, raising concerns about the growing expense of gaming as a hobby.

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One speculative suggestion online proposed that Sony might be strategically raising prices in anticipation of the highly anticipated launch of Grand Theft Auto VI, a title historically known to drive console sales.

Analysts generally agree that this mid-life price adjustment is an atypical move in the console market, likely driven by a combination of factors including inflation, fluctuating exchange rates, and the potential impact of US President Donald Trump’s ongoing tariff disputes.

The price increases globally have also ignited concerns within the gaming community regarding the potential pricing of the future PlayStation 6 console.

While a direct comment from a spokesperson for Sony’s South African PlayStation distributor was not immediately available, the distributor, Koodoo, has indicated that price increases in South Africa are a possibility. Speaking to local consumer tech website stuff, Koodoo reportedly stated, “SIE is increasing the retail price due to the challenging economic environment, including high inflation and fluctuating exchange rates. Local dynamics are duly considered, and we are currently working with SIE to define local pricing.” This suggests South African gamers should prepare for a potential price hike in the near future.