Tokyo/Washington — Sony has announced a $50 price hike on its PlayStation 5 (PS5) consoles in the United States, citing the impact of tariffs imposed by President Donald Trump and a difficult global economic environment.
The company said Wednesday that the new recommended retail price for the PS5 Standard Edition will be $550, while the Digital Edition will retail at $500. A Pro version is expected to cost $750, according to Isabelle Tomatis, vice president of global marketing at Sony Interactive Entertainment.
“Similar to many global businesses, we continue to navigate a challenging economic environment,” Tomatis said in a company blog post. “As a result, we’ve made the difficult decision to increase the recommended retail price for PlayStation 5 consoles in the U.S.”
Tariffs Add to Costs
The announcement follows trade negotiations between Washington and Tokyo that saw Japan avoid a threatened 25% tariff, instead settling for a 15% levy on some consumer electronics. Sony previously warned that tariffs could cost the company about $680 million in the current fiscal year.
American firms are also grappling with the broader effects of Trump’s expanded tariffs. Cosmetics giant Estée Lauder has projected a $100 million hit in its 2026 financial year, while PepsiCo has signaled potential 10% price increases on soft drinks due to tariffs on imported aluminum used in soda cans.
Energy drink maker Monster Beverages is weighing price adjustments as well, with CEO Hilton Schlosberg citing a “complex and dynamic customs landscape.”
Wider Trade Impact
Earlier this week, the U.S. Commerce Department broadened steel and aluminum tariffs to cover hundreds of additional products, ranging from child car seats to heavy machinery.
Since returning to the presidency, Trump has imposed new or expanded tariffs on nearly all U.S. trading partners. While economists say the full effects are still unfolding, businesses are already adjusting supply chains and pricing strategies.
Some companies have rushed to import goods ahead of tariff deadlines, while others are passing costs directly onto consumers or absorbing part of the financial burden.