Rumours were circulating for a while that Sony was going to increase the prices for their PlayStation hardware, and it appears that the sorry day has finally arrived. On March 27, 2026, the price increases were made official, and they’re set to be implemented sooner than you’d think.
As sad as it might be, it’s not entirely surprising. Netflix has just announced that it’ll be increasing the prices for all subscription tiers, and Xbox Game Pass continues to get more expensive. Still, in a tough economic climate, it’s never easy to see prices hike, so here’s when they’re being bumped, as well as why it’s happening.
PS5, PS5 Pro & PlayStation Portal Price Increase Date, Explained
Every piece of current-gen PlayStation hardware is receiving a price increase worldwide on April 2, 2026.
It’s going to be a dark day for PlayStation fans, especially those who were planning to buy a new console or handheld in the coming months. The price increases are different depending on your region and currency, but generally speaking, they’ve gone up by around 13%.
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For the average consumer, that’s not a price increase to scoff at. In fact, it’s bound to prevent a sizeable amount of fans from buying a new console, which is ultimately detrimental to the gaming community. However, if the price increases are so universally opposed, why are they happening?
Why Are PS5, PS5 Pro & PlayStation Portal Prices Increasing In 2026?
According to Sony, the price increases are due to ‘continued pressures in the global economic landscape.’
That’s the simple way of putting it, but it’s bound to run far deeper than that. The statement by PlayStation mentions that it’s necessary to ensure they can continue to deliver ‘innovative, high-quality gaming experience to players worldwide.’
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How these price increases will directly impact PlayStation remains to be seen. If what they’re saying is true, then it’s been done to account for the various price increases across the market, with various components soaring in price recently, most notably RAM.
Additionally, the cost of AAA development continues to skyrocket, with recent reports suggesting that it can cost over $300 million per title. Considering that Sony is developing a host of AAA first-party titles, the price increases are bound to be excused as a means to support development.
What do you make of the PlayStation price increases? Does it impact your choice to buy a new console? Share your thoughts in the official Insider Gaming Discord Server.
For more Insider Gaming PlayStation coverage, check out the exclusive that PlayStation is phasing out the PlayStation Network branding.
Charlie is one of Insider Gaming's Guides Writers who's been in the gaming industry for a little over a year. Unfortunately for him, he enjoys every video game genre out…
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