Sony doesn’t seem likely to drop the PlayStation 5’s price substantially anytime soon. During an investor call, Hiroki Totoki, the head of Sony Interactive Entertainment, suggested that reducing the cost of the PS5 would be extremely challenging. This is even as the console advances into the latter stages of its life cycle.
One of the main hurdles Totoki (Thanks IGN) mentioned is the complexity of minimizing the PS5’s size to lower manufacturing expenses. This is a task that appears more daunting compared to cost-reduction efforts for the PS4. This limitation implies that the potential areas for cost-cutting on the PS5 are quite limited, with the possibility of focusing solely on storage. A price drop for the console is also unlikely because the current market situation won’t allow it. The cost of components are rising.
Notably, the original PS5 was launched at $499, with a digital-only version available at $399.99. Totoki said Sony would focus on user engagement and unit sales rather than lowering the PS5 price to ensure profitability. This means the company is balancing cost and engagement.
Sony reported record-high monthly active users (MAUs) in December, reaching 123 million players on PlayStation. The total play hours increased by 13% year-on-year. Despite this success, Sony has revised its sales forecast for the PS5 in the current financial year, adjusting the target from 25 million to 21 million units, which shows difficulties staying on track.
Sony has also announced that major existing PlayStation franchise games, including anticipated sequels in popular series like God of War and Spider-Man, will not be released before April 2025. In light of these developments, PlayStation players may need to wait longer than expected for a potential PS5 price reduction—if it comes at all.
We’ll have to wait and see what the company will eventually do, but that price tag looks as firm as ever.
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