Sony’s recent PlayStation 5 price hike might not be a one-off. Instead, it could be the start of a wider trend across the gaming industry. Speaking to Eurogamer, Ampere Analysis’ Piers Harding-Rolls suggests it “wouldn’t be a surprise” if Microsoft and Nintendo also raise console prices in the near future.
The reasoning is fairly straightforward: the same factors that forced Sony’s hand, like rising memory costs, supply shortages, and inflation, are affecting the entire industry, not just one company.
Why is this happening?
A big part of the problem comes down to components, especially memory. The ongoing global memory shortage, fueled in part by massive demand from AI data centers, is pushing up the cost of DRAM and storage. At the same time, broader economic pressures, including inflation and supply chain disruptions, are making it harder for companies to keep hardware prices stable without hurting their margins.
Sony has already responded by raising PS5 prices globally, with increases of up to $100 in some markets. While not related to gaming per se, Sony’s camera division also responded by halting sales of its CFexpress and SD cards.
What about Xbox and Nintendo?
Neither Microsoft nor Nintendo has confirmed any price hikes yet, but both are in a tricky spot. Microsoft has already increased Xbox prices in the past, and another hike could be on the horizon, as we noted in our previous coverage. With Project Helix expected to cost around $1,200, it wouldn’t be surprising if Microsoft also adjusts pricing for its current-gen consoles. Then again, the new management is looking to make Game Pass cheaper, so you never know.
Meanwhile, Nintendo is focused on keeping the Switch 2 competitive, especially in its early lifecycle. But analysts suggest that even Nintendo may eventually need to raise prices if current conditions persist. After all, keeping hardware prices low often means selling at a loss, and that’s not something any company can sustain for long