A Disappointing Twist for PS5 Fans

In a surprising turn of events, European gamers eyeing the PS5 Digital Edition may have to prepare for an unexpected downgrade. Instead of offering more value over time, Sony is reportedly reducing the internal SSD capacity to keep prices stable amidst economic challenges.

What to Expect: SSD Shrinkage Details

Leaked information from insider Billbil-kun reveals that the upcoming PS5 Digital Edition, launching on September 13, will feature a reduced SSD size—dipping from 1TB to just 825GB. Initially, this version hit the market at €399 in 2020, but prices have consistently climbed, reaching as high as €499 (approximately $582). In contrast, the traditional PS5 with a disc drive will maintain its 1TB storage.

Price Hikes: The Economic Pressure Behind the Moves

2023 has been a tough year for potential PS5 buyers, with Sony raising prices of both Digital and Standard Editions across Europe, the UK, Australia, and New Zealand earlier this year. In the US, the price increased by $50 in August, leaving many fans feeling the squeeze. Sony has attributed these hikes to a "challenging economic environment," necessitating cost adjustments for consumers.

Global Tariffs and Their Impact

Analyst Daniel Ahmad pointed out that rising tariff rates from countries where the PS5 is manufactured—like China (30%), Japan (15%), Vietnam (20%), and Malaysia (19%)—have compounded the situation, especially following recent tax changes from US leadership.

The Console Wars: A Broader Trend?

This news is particularly notable in the landscape of gaming consoles, with Microsoft also announcing price increases for Xbox consoles back in May. Meanwhile, Nintendo has been hinting that the Switch 2 could see a price hike as well after raising accessory costs. It seems the entire industry is bracing for financial turbulence!

As fans await the new PS5 Digital Edition, they're left wondering if less really is more—or if this is a deal-breaker for their gaming dreams.