Sony Interactive Entertainment is set to increase prices for its PlayStation 5 lineup, beginning April 2nd 2026. This is another major change that will occur in the worldwide gaming market.
The hike will be in all the models of the console with PlayStation 5 Pro taking the biggest hit with a hike up to $150 (or around Rs42,000).
| PS5 Variant | Old Price (USD) | New Price (USD) | Old Price/PKR (excluding sales tax, import duties, regulatory fees, etc.) | New Price/PKR (excluding sales tax, import duties, regulatory fees, etc.) | Increase (PKR) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| PlayStation 5 (Disc Edition) | $549.99 | $649.99 | 153,997 | Rs. 181,997 | Rs. 28,000 |
| PlayStation 5 Digital Edition | $499.99 | $599.99 | 139,997 | Rs. 167,997 | Rs. 28,000 |
| PlayStation 5 Pro | $749.99 | $899.99 | 209,997 | Rs. 251,997 | Rs. 42,000 |
The company attributed mounting pressures in the world’s economy as the main reason for the decision.
Key factors are increasing costs of high bandwidth memory (HBM) and RAM, supply chain disruptions, and increased costs of logistics and raw materials.
Additionally, geopolitical tensions and tariffs on tech imports have also put pressure on costs of production.
Together, these challenges have made it hard for Sony to sustain the previous pricing levels.
This development follows the second significant increase in the price of the PS5 in one year.
Since August 2025, it has seen an accumulated rise of some Rs70,000 ($250) in the standard disc edition against the rising cost burden to both manufacturers and consumers of the product.
For gamers, the effect is likely to be real-time. Higher prices could be a discouragement to impulse purchases.
Read more: Rockstar reveals GTA 6 prices, gameplay: good news for fans
Retailers are also preparing for a surge in demand before April 2nd, which may temporarily constrict the availability of stocks.
Following the hike, the PS5 Pro is likely to touch Rs250,000 in Pakistan, excluding taxes and import duty since the hike was made.
In the larger market, Sony is the first major console manufacturer to announce a price increase in 2026.
Whereas competitors such as Microsoft haven’t made the same moves for their Xbox lineup, ongoing inflationary pressures may begin to force others to follow suit.
Despite consumers who may be upset, the strategy may secure profit margins for Sony as they invest in later gaming platforms.
Also read: PUBG 4.1 Update: Esports Arenas and Winter Theme Go Live at the End of November
