PlayStation 5 Prices Rise $50 in US Amid Trump Tariffs

Sony announced a $50 price increase for all PlayStation 5 models in the U.S., citing a "challenging economic environment" largely attributed to President Donald Trump's tariffs on goods imported from China and Japan. The standard PS5 will rise to $549.99, the Digital Edition to $499.99, and the PS5 Pro to $749.99, making it the most expensive console generation to date. This follows similar price hikes earlier this year by Xbox and Nintendo, both linked to the same tariff-driven trade policies. The tariffs, imposed at 30% on Chinese goods and 15% on Japanese goods, have increased manufacturing costs since PlayStation consoles are largely produced and assembled in these countries. Critics argue the tariffs act as a regressive tax burdening consumers, especially gamers, while benefiting the wealthy, and have slammed the administration's trade war strategy as poorly conceived. Despite the price hikes, PlayStation accessories remain at their current prices, though consumer sentiment has been largely negative toward these increases and concerns about future console costs.