Sony’s latest PlayStation 5 price hike has stirred global headlines as the gaming giant responds to fresh economic pressures. On Monday, the company announced a 25% increase in the price of its PS5 digital edition across the UK, Europe, and Oceania. This move follows the ripple effects of new tariffs introduced by U.S. President Donald Trump, as global tech firms brace for higher manufacturing and supply chain costs.
PS5 Digital Prices Rise Sharply
In the UK, the PS5 digital edition will now cost £429.99, up from £349.99. European prices have also jumped to €499.99. While the standard PS5 with a disc drive remains unchanged in most regions, Sony raised the price of both editions in Australia and New Zealand. In Australia, the digital model will now sell for A$749.95, and the standard edition for A$829.95. New Zealand sees similar hikes, with digital and disc models priced at NZ$859.95 and NZ$949.95, respectively.
Sony attributed the increases to a “challenging economic environment,” citing high inflation, currency volatility, and increasing production costs.
Tariffs Disrupt Global Tech Markets
Sony’s decision comes amid heightened uncertainty across the technology sector. President Trump’s latest round of “reciprocal” tariffs includes a 24% levy on Japanese exports to the U.S., announced on what he dubbed “liberation day” — April 2. Though these tariffs have been paused for 90 days, their looming threat is already disrupting international trade.
Nintendo, another major Japanese gaming company, was forced to postpone preorders for its newly unveiled Switch 2 console in the U.S., pending a review of the tariff impact. The decision highlights how U.S. trade policies are reshaping global product rollouts and business strategies.
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Japan Holds Firm Amid Tense Trade Talks
Japanese Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba has made it clear that Japan does not intend to offer major concessions in trade negotiations with the U.S. Talks are set to resume this week, but the tone remains cautious. Tokyo has signaled that it will not rush into a deal, despite mounting pressure.
In the meantime, Japanese markets showed resilience. The Nikkei 225 index rose 1% after the U.S. temporarily excluded smartphones and laptops from the tariffs. However, Washington warned this relief will be short-lived.
Electronics Industry on Alert
Other tech giants, like Apple, are also feeling the heat. UBS analysts predict that the price of an iPhone 16 Max with 256GB storage could skyrocket from $1,199 to as much as $2,150 if the full 145% tariff is applied. The broader electronics supply chain now faces mounting cost pressures and uncertainty about future pricing.
On Sunday, President Trump vowed more aggressive actions. In a post on his social platform Truth Social, he announced plans to launch a national security investigation into the semiconductor industry and the entire electronics supply chain.
A Shifting Landscape for Gamers and Tech Firms
The combination of tariffs, inflation, and exchange rate instability is redefining the global tech marketplace. With companies like Sony and Nintendo adjusting strategies and pricing, consumers will likely bear the cost. For gamers, the impact is immediate — higher console prices and delayed product launches. For manufacturers, the path forward remains filled with challenges and policy-driven unpredictability.
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