PS5 console shown below dollar sign (Image source: Sony PlayStation with edits)
Concerns over higher PlayStation console prices have so far proven unwarranted. Sony CFO Lin Tao explained that the company moved PS5 production away from China to mitigate the effects of U.S. Tariffs. Despite reporting increasing gaming profits, the company hasn’t ruled out future price hikes.
When U.S. Tariffs hit China in 2025, many feared that a PS5 Price Increase was inevitable. Sony raised the MSRP for consoles in certain regions in April. However, North American gamers were spared the cost increase. Lin Tao, the Chief Financial Officer (CFO), recently said that further adjustments might not be needed. PlayStation has moved some console manufacturing out of China, along with less impact than expected from tariffs.
Genki_JPN, a social media account recorded a financial update in which Tao explained: “As for consoles we have already moved the production.” We will complete the transfer of peripherals to outside China by the end the first half. Hardware sold in the US is now sourced from outside China” According to the CFO the manufacturing of PS5 Accessories will soon leave China.
PlayStation follows Nintendo’s lead, which has begun assembling Switch 2 portables in Vietnam. The console was launched at the same price as before, despite the fact that the country is now also subject to U.S. tariffs. Nintendo has raised the price of the original Switch and Switch 2 accessory.
It is possible that the PS5 will not remain at its current price forever
Sony acknowledges changing economic conditions may still lead to an increase in PS5 prices. Two key factors are the annual profits and consumer reaction to pricing.
Tao’s comments came at the same time as Sony announced an increase in its price. Its yearly profit forecast has increased by 4%. Its gaming division grew by 4%, selling the same number of PS5 units as in 2024. Despite the PS6 being in development, analysts are not as confident about the future.
Sony Senior Vice President Sadahiko Hayakawa divulged that Sony would become a less “hardware centric business.” The proclamation aligns with rumors about fewer PlayStation-exclusive titles. Some gamers believe there will be fewer reasons to buy a PC or Switch 2 if PS5 first-party games are not available. Sony’s advantage may be the lack of competition in an area where Xbox sales are already down significantly.
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Adam Corsetti – Tech Writer 518 articles have been published on Notebookcheck since 2025
– I was interested in technology from a young age, and enjoyed discovering new innovations. I created PC hardware and gaming sites while pursuing my college degrees in publishing. My passion has always centered around guiding readers to products that can improve their lives. After many years of working as a Tech writer for Game Rant I’m excited to share my knowledge and experience with a new audience here at Notebookcheck.
