Sony Raises PS5 Price in US, Lowers in China
Sony, which still maintains a strong position in the console market, has made an unconventional pricing move for the PlayStation 5. While raising prices in the US, the company has also launched a significant discount campaign in China, pursuing a contrasting strategy in other markets. This development has sparked debate about the PS5’s global sales policies.
A Conflicting Pricing Strategy for the PS5
Sony has officially announced that it has increased PS5 prices in the US. The company attributed this increase to “difficult economic conditions” and new tariffs. Sony, which managed to control price fluctuations for a time by increasing console supply in the post-pandemic period, now acknowledges that this strategy has become unsustainable. With the new prices, the PS5 has entered its most expensive period in the US.
In contrast, the Chinese market follows a completely different policy. Sony launched a promotion coinciding with the release of the locally developed game Lost Soul Aside. As part of the campaign, the PS5 Digital Edition was offered for approximately $390, while the model with a Blu-ray drive was offered for $474. These prices, in sharp contrast to the price increases in the US, make the console much more attractive.
Discounts were offered not only on consoles but also on accessories and some games. This demonstrates that Sony is placing particular emphasis on the Chinese market and is pursuing aggressive pricing policies to boost sales there. Such campaigns are aimed at strengthening the brand’s position, particularly in the increasingly competitive Asian market.
However, when viewed globally, the PS5 still stands out as an expensive console. Nearing its fifth anniversary, the device has struggled with numerous factors, from supply shortages during the pandemic to tariffs and economic fluctuations. It remains to be seen how Sony’s contradictory pricing policies will impact global sales in the coming period.
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