If you still don’t own one of Sony or Microsoft’s current generation of gaming consoles because you were waiting for the price to drop, we’ve got some bad news. It’s done the opposite. We’ve also got bad news for those wanting to add a PlayStation VR2 to their setup. They’re also going to have to pay more to do that.
Sony’s PlayStation 5 and Microsoft’s Xbox Series X were already pretty expensive when they launched in 2020. Microsoft launched the Series S alongside the Series X at a reduced price but it also came with reduced performance. That makes the recent price increase sting a little more, prospective Series S owners will have to pay more for the same performance.
Console wallet damage buffed
You’re probably here for the numbers. So before we go any further, here are the new prices:
Sony
PS5 (Disc Edition) – R13,700 (up from R12,500)
PS5 (Digital Edition) – R11,800 (up from R11,300)
PS VR2 – R15,500 (up from R13,500)
Microsoft
XB Series X 1TB – R13,000 (up from R12,500)
Xbox Series S 1TB – R8,600 (new)
Xbox Series S 500GB – R7,600 (up from R7,000)
Read More: Microsoft reveals a PS5 Slim might launch later this year
It’s hardly surprising considering the price of consoles from both companies has fluctuated since they launched. A year ago, Sony announced a price increase for the PS5 around the world. This year, after the consoles saw a limited-time price reduction, Microsoft announced a price hike for its consoles and its Game Pass subscription streaming service. PlayStations were quick to follow, although this time around it wasn’t from Sony but from PlayStation’s South African distributor Gamefinity. Thankfully, for whatever reason, the new prices have fallen just short of what was expected then.
Gaming console quick time event
Before the dread that you might never own one of these consoles sets in, there is a small bit of hope that could save you from the feeling altogether. Many retailers are currently running promotions for the consoles, either alone or as part of a bundle, while they still have the cheaper stock on hand. Some retailers specify when their deals will end, others aren’t so forthcoming. There’s also Black Friday around the corner to consider. Let’s hope the Rand/Dollar exchange rate doesn’t worsen before then so the ‘special prices’ still feel special.