Sony increases PS5 console price in UK again, but YOU can avoid paying more if you take action now

The company previously increased the cost in the UK earlier last year, blaming challenging market conditions at the time. The US also saw a price hike last August. This time around, Sony cited continued pressures in the global economic landscape as the reason for the decision.Gaming industry analyst Piers Harding-Rolls from Ampere Analysis told Eurogamer, The supply chain shock of the elongated increase in memory and storage prices – both essential for console hardware – means that there is some inevitability to the PlayStation hardware price increases announced by Sony.The culprit? Artificial intelligence (AI). Both types of memory chips are in massive demand as tech companies race to construct data centres — those enormous facilities packed with computer chips that power AI systems. The demand has affected various areas of the tech industry. First-of-its-kind Freely box was hit with a price increase two months after its release. The founder of British start-up Nothing also confirms that smartphone prices will rise this year. With no sign of prices easing largely due to demand for AI infrastructure, Sony will have made the move to protect its slim hardware margins, Mr Harding-Rolls explained.However, before the price rise takes effect in a few short days, you can still purchase them at their current price. Plus, Amazon has slashed the prices across all models. For instance, the standard PS5 can now be purchased for only £449 — was £479.99 Buy the PS5 from Amazon before the price increasesThe PlayStation 5 delivers powerful next-generation gaming with ultra-fast load times, 4K visuals, and immersive gameplay powered by its specialised software and advanced high-performance graphics. Its DualSense controller enhances every moment with adaptive triggers. It features a sleek, futuristic design and a broad game libraryThe Digital Edition, which doesn't come with a disc drive, will now set you back £519.99 in the price rise – that's a 21 from its previous price tag. But you can snag this model on Amazon now for just £403.98. And if you've had your eye on the PS5 Pro, Sony's most powerful console, you're looking at £789.99 now — representing a 13 increase and making it the priciest home console ever released. Amazon has also marked down the Pro to just £639.99. Buy the PS5 Digital (Slim) from Amazon before the price increasesSony’s PlayStation 5 Slim, launched November 2023, delivers the same gaming power—8‑core AMD Zen 2 CPU, RDNA 2 GPU (10.3 TFLOPS), 16 GB GDDR6, and 4K/120 Hz support—as the original, but in a sleeker 30 smaller, 18–24 lighter chassis. It swaps the front USB‑A port for two USB‑C ports, doubles built‑in SSD storage to 1 TB, and introduces a modular, detachable disc drive—all while retaining full PS5 compatibility.Buy the PS5 Pro from Amazon before the price increasesThe PlayStation 5 Pro pushes console power even further, targeting enhanced 4K performance and higher frame rates for more demanding titles. With improved performance, advanced upscaling, and a refined cooling system, the PS5 Pro is designed to provide even smoother gameplay and sharper visuals. The Pro model doesn't come with a disc drive like the standard PS5.Even the PlayStation Portal handheld device isn't escaping the price rises, though it's getting off relatively lightly with just a £20 bump to £219.99.These increases aren't just hitting UK gamers – Sony is rolling out similar hikes across Europe, Japan, and the United States from the same date. LATEST DEVELOPMENTSHBO Max launches in UK, but it might already be on borrowed timeNetflix confirms price rise in US, and the UK may not be far behindBest VPN dealsWindows 11 reaches impressive new milestoneBiggest shake-up to Google Maps promises to 'change what a map can do'Gamers aren't happy about paying more for ageing hardware, either.One Reddit user wrote, All I can say from the short history of Sony gaming is arrogant Sony doesn't usually pan out. Not to say this hike is arrogance, but if they think they can get away with it bad things will follow. Comment by u/itsthewolfe from discussion in gaming Another Reddit user wrote, We live in an age where corporations will squeeze every dollar out of a consumer despite a decrease in quality, huge decreases in some products. Comment by u/itsthewolfe from discussion in gaming However, some users don't think the rise will really affect too many gamers. One user wrote, Most people who want a PS5 already have one. So the price hike doesn't matter. They just try to squeeze out a little more profit shortly before the PS6 release/announcement. Comment by u/itsthewolfe from discussion in gaming Mr Harding-Rolls suggested other gaming brands like Microsoft Xbox and Nintendo could well follow Sony's lead in the near future. Our Standards: The GB News Editorial Charter