In a surprising move that has left gamers reeling, Sony has raised the price of the PlayStation 5 across Europe, the UK, Australia, and New Zealand, citing tough economic conditions as the reason. This price increase comes right before the launch of the highly anticipated Grand Theft Auto VI, prompting speculation that Sony is looking to cash in on the expected surge in demand.

From April 14, 2025, the PS5 Digital Edition will now cost €499.99 in Europe (up from €449.99), £389.99 in the UK (up from £359.99), and a staggering AUD $649.95 in Australia and NZD $799.95 in New Zealand. Curiously, U.S. prices remain unchanged.

Sony claims the hike is a response to "challenging economic conditions"—a euphemism often used to describe inflation, fluctuating currencies, and increased production costs. However, many fans are questioning the timing, given that GTA VI is poised to smash sales records. Is Sony simply aiming to maximize profits?

The shadow of previous U.S. trade policies looms large over this decision. Many experts agree that lingering tariffs from the Trump administration continue to impact the global tech market, especially for gaming consoles. These tariffs classify consoles as "toys," keeping them subject to higher import fees. Although the U.S. government has relaxed some tech exclusions, gaming consoles remain affected.

This ripple effect means that while U.S. consumers may be safe—for now—those overseas are bearing the brunt of escalating prices due to a series of economic pressures, including currency fluctuations and persistent component shortages. It appears Sony has placed the financial burden squarely on the shoulders of gamers in Europe and Australia.

As excitement builds around GTA VI, many players were planning to purchase the PS5 solely for this release. With the new price tags, this iconic console now carries an unwelcome premium. Fans, especially in impacted regions, feel as though they're being penalized for the heightened excitement surrounding the game's launch.

In this ever-evolving landscape of gaming, one fact stands out: while gamers are gearing up to dive into the world of GTA VI, they may have to think twice about how much they're willing to spend to secure a next-gen console.