Frank McDougall
In a surprising move, Sony has announced that the price of the highly popular PlayStation 5 console and its accompanying accessories will increase starting from September. However, it is important to note that this price hike is exclusive to the Japanese market, leaving fans in other regions unaffected.
The PlayStation 5, which currently retails for 66,980 yen ($460), will see a significant increase of 13,000 yen ($90), bringing its new price to 79,980 yen ($550). This increase may come as a disappointment to Japanese gamers who were hoping for a more affordable gaming experience.
Similarly, the digital edition of the PlayStation 5, which does not include a disc drive, will also witness a price surge of 13,000 yen. This version, currently priced at 59,980 yen ($415), will be available for 72,980 yen ($505) after the price increase takes effect.
Accompanying the console, the DualSense gamepad will also receive a price adjustment. Starting from September, the gamepad, known for its innovative features, will be available for purchase at a price range of 11,480-11,980 yen ($80-$83), up from its current price range of 9,480-9,980 yen ($65-$68).
Perhaps most surprising is the price increase for the PlayStation Portal. Formerly priced at 29,980 yen ($205), the Portal will now be sold for 34,980 yen ($240). This multimedia device has been a popular choice for gamers looking to enhance their gaming experiences with additional features.
While Japanese gamers may be disappointed by this price increase, it is important to remember that this change in pricing only affects the Japanese market. Fans in other regions can breathe a sigh of relief, knowing that they will not be burdened by the added cost of the PlayStation 5 and its accessories.
Source: videogameschronicle
Additional relevant facts:
1. The PlayStation 5 has been in high demand since its release in November 2020, with many gamers struggling to find available units due to global supply constraints.
2. The price increase in Japan may be attributed to factors such as rising production costs, increased import fees, or changes in currency exchange rates between Japan and other countries.
3. Sony has not provided an official explanation for the price hike, leaving some consumers speculating about the reasons behind the decision.
4. The PlayStation 5 has been praised for its powerful hardware, fast loading times, and immersive gaming experience, making it a highly sought-after console worldwide.
Key questions and answers:
1. Why is the price of the PlayStation 5 and its accessories increasing only in Japan?
– Sony has not provided a specific reason for the price increase in Japan, leading to speculation about various factors such as rising production costs or import fees.
2. Will the price increase affect PlayStation 5 availability in Japan?
– The price increase does not appear to be accompanied by any changes in availability, so it is unlikely to impact the availability of PlayStation 5 units and accessories in Japan.
3. How will the price increase impact Japanese gamers?
– Japanese gamers who were anticipating a more affordable gaming experience may be disappointed by the price increase, as it adds a significant cost to purchasing the PlayStation 5 and its accessories.
Key challenges or controversies:
1. Affordability: The price increase in Japan may make the PlayStation 5 and its accessories less accessible to some consumers, which could lead to criticism and disappointment among Japanese gamers.
2. Competition: The price increase may provide an opportunity for competitors to attract customers with more competitive pricing in the Japanese market, potentially affecting Sony’s market share.
3. Importing and exporting: The price discrepancy between Japan and other regions may lead to increased importing and exporting of PlayStation 5 units and accessories, which could have implications for regional supply and demand.
Advantages:
– Sony may benefit from increased revenues and potentially higher profit margins with the price increase.
– The price increase may incentivize Japanese consumers to purchase the PlayStation 5 sooner rather than later, resulting in increased sales in the short term.
Disadvantages:
– Japanese gamers may feel burdened by the added cost of the PlayStation 5 and its accessories, potentially leading to negative sentiment towards Sony.
– Competitors in the gaming console market may capitalize on the price increase by offering more affordable alternatives to the PlayStation 5 in Japan.
Suggested related links:
– PlayStation Official Website
– Sony Official Website
