If you were thinking about upgrading to a PlayStation 5, you might want to hold off for a second. Sony just slapped a $50 price increase on all three PS5 models in the U.S., priced as of August 21. The standard PS5 now sits at $549.99, the digital version at $499.99, and the Pro climbs to $749.99. (Reuters; Wired)

Why This Is Happening

Sony pointed to U.S. tariffs—15 to 30 percent depending on where parts are made—and higher production costs as their reasons for the price bump. They tried buffering the hit by stockpiling components early, but that stockpile is gone. Other console makers have also raised prices recently, so this shift kind of feels inevitable.

My Quick Take

As someone who buys way too many gadgets, this one hurts. Prices were already on the high side for next-gen consoles. Now with the Pro teasing $750, gamers facing tighter budgets might pause or shop the used market a bit longer. Sony needs to make sure the value feels worth it.

Sources:
Reuters (PS5 price hike details),
Wired (price specifics and context)