Sony Announces Major PS5 Price Increase Effective April 2
Sony has confirmed a significant price hike for its PlayStation 5 consoles, with all models set to increase by £90 starting Thursday, April 2. This move will see the most expensive PS5 Pro model reach £789.99, while the standard PS5 disc version rises to £569.99 and the digital edition climbs to £519.99. The announcement was made in a blog post by the tech giant, citing global economic pressures as the primary reason for the adjustment.
Last-Chance Savings at Argos Before Price Surge
In a timely counteroffer, Argos is currently running a gaming sale with substantial discounts on PS5 consoles, providing gamers a final opportunity to purchase at lower prices before Sony's increase takes effect. The PS5 Pro is available for £639.99, a £60 reduction from its current price, which translates to a total saving of £150 compared to the new RRP of £789.99. However, this deal expires on Tuesday, March 31, urging consumers to act quickly.
Additional Argos discounts include the PS5 Slim Disc at £449.99 (down from £479.99) and the PS5 Slim Digital at £399.99 (reduced from £429.99). These offers present a narrow window for savings ahead of the impending price surge.
Sony's Justification for the Price Adjustment
Isabelle Tomatis, Vice President of Global Marketing at Sony Interactive Entertainment, explained the decision, stating, "With continued pressures in the global economic landscape, we've made the decision to increase the prices of PS5, PS5 Pro, and PlayStation Portal remote player globally. We know that price changes impact our community, and after careful evaluation, we found this was a necessary step to ensure we can continue delivering innovative, high-quality gaming experiences to players worldwide."
Alternative Payment Options and Consumer Reviews
For those unable to pay the full upfront cost, alternative financing is available through Raylo, which offers the PS5 Pro from £17.99 per month under a 36-month contract. Meanwhile, the PS5 Pro has garnered a near-perfect 4.8-star rating from over 380 Argos customers, with many praising its enhanced graphics and performance.
One satisfied buyer noted, "The PS5 Pro is much better compared to the PS5, the upgrade in performance is massive... I would happily say it's probably the best console on the market." Another highlighted the visual improvements, saying, "I play Battlefield 6 and there is a notable upgrade with Graphics and also with fps." However, some criticism was directed at the lack of a disc version option and the high cost of the additional disc drive.
Despite the price increase, consumer enthusiasm remains high, with one review concluding, "The visuals are to die for. It's a little expensive but if you want the best you have to pay to play." Gamers are advised to take advantage of current discounts before the April 2 deadline to avoid the higher costs.
