PS5 Pro Is No Longer the Most Expensive Console You Can Buy

In the aftermath of Microsoft’s price adjustments, the top-line Xbox will cost you $729.99 in the United States. That’s $30 more than the PS5 Pro’s $699.99.

[fr0sty]

Mango Mussolini just made gaming more expensive for all of us.

[gigoran8]

Microsoft last raised their prices in 2023. Should we have blamed the serving POTUS back then too, or its just corporate greed this time too?

[CrimsonWing69]

I’ll bite.

So, what’s the exact reason they raised the prices now? I’ll give you a hint, it’s the same reason Nintendo postponed Switch 2 pre-orders. I’ll give you another hint, it’s the same thing that forced them to “assess the potential impact of tariffs and evolving market conditions.”’

Oops… I think I gave it away with using Nintendo’s exact frackin’ quote.

And Microsoft said their increase was because of “market conditions
and rising costs of production. The price hikes are happening globally and come amid concerns about President Trump's tariffs on Chinese imports, where many Xbox consoles and accessories are manufactured.”

But look, let’s forget those facts for a moment, and you tell me the reasoning for the price increases.

[Keeper77]

Crazy that your post could even get any upvotes.

Everything is going up because of these stupid tariffs.

[z2g]

not even remotely the same. MS (and also Sony) were adjusting their prices to markets that were long resistant to the price changes they needed. now the model is nearly unsustainable. also - they are corporations. their primary task is to make profit.

The difference now is you have a stupid f**k president who doesn't understand how tariffs work basically made us shoot ourselves in the foot to look tough to other countries. No company is going to eat import taxes for the American consumer. If that were true, then we wouldn't have inflation. If it costs an American importer 145% more money because of import taxes (aka tariffs) who do you think that cost increase is going to be passed along to? thats right. you and me. and that will also lower demand - more money means less demand. less demand means prices will go up even beyond the tariff prices - think the beginning of covid. except this time we did it to ourselves.

Also just FYI its stupid to draw a false equivalence between a corporation whose primary task is to produce profit and a nation - whose primary task is to protect its citizens. And just so you know - the tariffs are an attempt to cover the cost deficit of the tax cuts they want to give to ----- not you..... not me.... wealthy people and corporations. you ever wonder why the middle class is shrinking? why more people are finding it harder to get by? while the rich keep getting richer - to the point that 1% of the population owns 98% of the wealth?

Time to study up and know what you are actually talking about.

[b00mFargl3]

Do you have any awareness of what's going on in the world around you? There are policies and actions taken that can be directly traced to these price increases. Just because you're obsessed with him doesn't mean he's not a factor in this.

[anast]

@Crimson @z2g @Darth @Neutral together illustrate a decent picture of what's going on.

[darthv72]

....does this pro price include the optical drive?

[Babadook7]

A valid counter point. But what's considered more valuable tech, a disk drive or better performance?

[neutralgamer1992]

It doesn't matter if it's trump Biden

I know this might not sit well with everyone, but I’ve been thinking about how much more expensive everything has become—and not just in the U.S., but around the world. Whether it’s groceries, gas, or basic household items, prices have gone up across the board. And while it’s easy to point fingers at governments or policies, the reality is more complicated.

A big part of the issue started during COVID—global supply chains broke down, and they still haven’t fully recovered. Factories shut down, shipping slowed, and the ripple effect is something we’re still feeling today. I’ve noticed that a lot of conversations focus on wanting things to be “Made in the USA,” which sounds great in theory. But when you dig into the numbers, it’s not so simple.

For example, let’s say it costs $1 to manufacture a pair of construction gloves in China. After shipping and tariffs, it might land here at $4.50, and retail at $10.99. If those gloves were made in the U.S., production might cost $10–$15, meaning retail prices could jump to $20–$25. That’s a big difference—and most people understandably aren’t willing or able to pay that much more.

We’ve spent the last 20–30 years getting used to low-cost goods made abroad. Now we’re facing a moment where those systems are strained, and shifting everything back home isn’t a quick or cheap fix. It’s tough because we want affordable prices, ethical production, and economic growth all at once—but those goals often pull in different directions.

I don’t have all the answers—I’m just someone trying to make sense of how we got here and why everything feels so expensive. I think it helps to zoom out a bit and see that some of this is bigger than politics or any one country. Just wanted to share my thoughts in case others have been feeling the same

[fr0sty]

Both Microsoft and Nintendo have mentioned the "changing market conditions" and tariffs specifically as why they are jacking up the prices of their consoles and delaying pre-orders. Yes, things were and always have been getting more expensive, but not like this. This is a sudden jump of a significant amount across the board.

[lukasmain]

$80 digital games? Yep all Trump's fault. an old lady fell and broke her hip outside my house the other day and guess whose fault it is? You can connect the dots and figure out a way to blame anyone or anything. But if the economy gets better after all this negotiating in foreign trade comes to an end, do you think MS will suddenly drop their prices on games? HELL NO

[goken]

In essence yes at least partially, since the inflation faced by the US the last few years was due to trump’s 1st term and biden. And yes tariffs were also part of the reason because the tariffs nonsense started in Trump’s 1st term, Biden added to it, then this crazy bs we are seeing today.
So in this case tariffs leads to price increase, combined with the fact that someone is getting rid of all the cheap (illegal) labour… causing scarcity and higher cost, which leads to inflation, inflation means everything becomes more expensive.

I am not from the US, it’s painfully obvious to me. Any Americans that don’t understand this… seriously need to consider the possibility that you’re at least a bit brainwashed

[b00mFargl3]

To recoup the increased manufacturing costs of their hardware, they will make pricing adjustments. As games are their most profitable product line, any inflation resulting from tariffs will directly impact the prices of all their products. It is a simple matter.

I am simply baffled by those who do not grasp such a straightforward concept.

[GamingSinceForever]

You’re right. The consumers must speak with their wallets and not buy, because once you’ve become accustomed to the increase it will remain the norm.

[z2g]

yup.

[Ps5conehead]

China has been charging the USA tarrifs for years. But now we do the same it’s Trumps fault. Well I rember when Biden was in Sony and Microsoft raised prices because of the economy. But y’all did not blame Biden. China will cave. China airlines was unable to get over a 100 airplanes from Boeing. With the demand for planes other airlines can get them. But it’s hurting China so soon they will cave. You need to blame China for not negotiating with Trump. And no to z2. The middle class has been enjoying the tax cuts. And I’m disabled after 34 years as an airline mechanic, and Trump has not cut my ss disability check. He just wants to remove people who are eligible for ss. Like dead people. You need to stop listening to the lying media and democrats. Because Trump is finely gonna fix what other presidents have screwed the USA with.

[b00mFargl3]

Tariffs were approximately 20% for both nations by the end of President Trump's first term; this percentage increased throughout his first term. Relevant charts are readily available online and I put a link below.

Therefore, it is inaccurate to suggest that these tariffs were not implemented as a result of President Trump's policies. The evidence clearly links these tariffs to his administration. This is not simply a matter of "fighting back," but rather a power play that encountered considerable opposition and disproportionately affected middle- and lower-income individuals.

You all believe everything that man says, and he is an infamous liar.

https://www.piie.com/resear...

[b00mFargl3]

Go and actually look at those tariffs you mentioned. They have been in line and almost the same, and only increased during Trump's first term.

You can literally track the data and see what he has done to inflate this. All he ever does is blame Biden, even today.
https://www.piie.com/resear...

[Ps5conehead]

Hey goken so mind your own business. I bet your country has been charging the USA for tarrifs it’s only bad when the USA dose it you hypocrites

[badz149]

sure...blame the tariff. but the tariff is for the US, what other countries got to do with it too?? the dollar is weakening, but why are prices in other places remaining the same in other currencies?

[Evan_Beezy]

Imagine the response here if he was black

[neutralgamer1992]

Just get a Pc it's better value. There re more customization options. These consoles are just as expensive as buying a mid range PC. Atleast on Pc you can mod your games and have multiple store fronts to buy from to get the best price

[Amplitude]

Yet Sony's consoles didn't increase in cost. Microsoft made 21 billion on XBox in 2024 and that's with their absurd 75 billion dollar purchase of Activision. Microsoft has 3.24 trillion dollars. They can afford to take a marginal hit on the cost of their consoles.
The only reason for the cost increase it to push people away from XBox and into their streaming system with GamePass. Same reason they increased the cost of the games. The extra hundred bucks on the console is meaningless with their unit sales - this is all to push you toward GamePass and tariffs are a convenient coverup. They don't WANT you to buy games or sell you a box at a loss when they can collect endless montly fees from you.

[hot4play]

Good job America!

[rlow1]

No these companies are price gouging and if the tariffs never kick in, they’ll still keep them high.

What’s disgusting about MS move is they’re charging more for a five year old console. At least Sony did a mid gen refresh.

[PRIMORDUS]

The whole video game industry is turning to shit, too much greed and mass layoffs. I don't have much hope for the future of gaming.

[blacktiger]

Get steam

[Profchaos]

They are charging this to spread the impact out. Given that Xboxs main user base is in the US it's not surprising they have had to increase the cost in the US vs Sony who has not had to alter the US price much as only a percentage of their fan base exists in the US as they are the only console in town next to the switch for most of the world

If the US alone absorbed the price would be far higher it's absolutely a knee jerk reaction globally.

Sony doing a mid gen refresh really doesn't matter as they have also increased the cost of the base model at least in my region the cost has risen from $750 at launch to $829

Switch 2 pricing took the cost into consideration I imagine the cost would have been $100 less had the looming threat of tarrifs and the poor Japanese yen been a factor

But at the end of the day it is what it is and we should just be thankful that we already own the systems we want assuming here you do as most hardcore gamers will have a console if they intended on getting one by now.

It's the next gen systems I'm worried about

[Knushwood Butt]

'it is what it is'

That's victim mentality, and it's the exact mentality that the people in power want you to have. Yay, path of least resistance! I'll just sit down and bitch about things because everything is beyond my control.

Not a personal attack on you Profchaos, but what if we started a movement to, say, get people to sign up to not spending a penny on videogames for three months. Get enough momentum and it wouldn't be 'what it is' for very long.

[Profchaos]

@knushwood
I see what you're saying but I mean saying it is what it is I mean by that these companies make the game and set their price there isn't a lot I can do about that. So I just don't buy it but its not just the price if a games content feels overly derivative or it's infested with mtx.

For example I'm not racing out to play every brand new game or add to my collection via deep sales and if I was to break down how much I've spent on gaming in the last year or two I've probably brought more retro games than modern so despite reading gaming news daily and being on the cutting edge of things I've never felt more detached and honestly bored by the industry and would happily sit and play my mega drive or N64 for 12 months straight over booting up my ps5 for the next cod or online shooter trend. So yeah I could and have done many months without buying anything that would profit a large company

[Knushwood Butt]

'mean by that these companies make the game and set their price there isn't a lot I can do about that.'

Yeah, agree, but that's also the point in that it doesn't have to be just you. If enough people refuse that price and simply vote with their wallet then 'we' will surely have an effect.

[anast]

You make a good point too. It's a bit of both I would imagine.

[PRIMORDUS]

So they want to sell less, is all I see.

[ravens52]

Exactly lol. They will s3ll less and hopefully it's enuff to make them change the price back. I won't be getting any game day one 🙅🏾. Sales sales sales.

[andy85]

I remember the alt account trying to make fun of the Pro last week saying it's the most expensive console in history (it wasn't). And now MS decide to actually have the most expensive one in history that's just a base Xbox model 😂

[Profchaos]

Same deal with the switch 2 it's sad that people get so emotional over priced of plastic and feel these companies owe them

[rlow1]

I don’t think people feel they’re owed anything, but when you have a business model that has been done the same for decades. It’s hard to adjust. Also the fact that gaming has always been affordable to pretty much everyone no matter financial status. But now it’s getting to a point where people are going to get knocked out of a hobby they love and enjoy.

[Knushwood Butt]

^ Agree

[gold_drake]

u gotta be kidding me right lol.

[jznrpg]

Not the most expensive but it’s the best one!

[Eidolon]

For the price compared to this, YES.
PS5 Pro offers drastic graphical improvements over the 2TB Xbox One X(let alone base PS5) which was just a power/heat and storage upgrade. XBSX Vs. PS5 is just subjective, let's leave that at the door. The only thing I can add, is that the the PS5 Pro lacks a disc drive, and that is HUGE for likely a majority of gamers, so you might have to throw in the price of a disc drive. Still though, this

[gold_drake]

your fishing for rage comments is .. mediocre at best.

[pwnmaster3000]

I guess you can make an argument it makes up for all the money you save from day one release on gamepass, but for me it ain’t worth it.
Hopefully Sony never follow in this trend.

But knowing them they will also raise the price.

[gold_drake]

heres the thing, if xbox operated differently, differently UI, different controller etc than yes, however, i personally hate how the box operates, i find the ui dead ugly and bit confusing to operate, and the controllers .. meh.

[Yusi-D-Jordan]

This is just all round bad for gamers. This doesn't increase value, it doesn't help the economy. It's a travesty.

[S2Killinit]

Lol wow

[blacktiger]

Steam is better and cheaper

[anast]

Xbox doesn't want to sell physical products. They want you to rent.

[Vithar]

Where's all the bleed green peeps that were saying the Pro was overprice LOL

[Neonridr]

strange, the 2TB Series X is going to be $879.99 in Canada after the price adjustments. The Pro in Canada is $959.99

so the article is a little misleading. Plus, we kinda know what's coming from the Sony camp now.

[arissaseah51]

This is crazy!

[repsahj]

It's time to sell your Series X to purchase PS5 pro guys!

[gigoran8]

So the consoles are manufactured in China. Ok, that explains the raise in price for the US. But for the rest of the world? Microsoft can't make the excuse of the changing market AND the US tariffs. It's one or the other. The rest of the world shouldn't suffer because of the spat between China and the US.

[GamingSinceForever]

A price increase on hardware more than 4 years old is insane. What is going on?

I understand holding the current price longer instead of the typical price drops by now, but an increase might be the nail in the coffin. By most accounts these consoles were not selling all that well to begin with.

[elJoker5]

I am a fan of Microsoft... But this is the most asinine thing M$ is doing!

[Bathyj]

PS5 Digital will currently cost you $449.99 – just $20 more than the comparatively underpowered 1TB Xbox Series S.

What times we live in.
Got to hand it to Microsoft. When they shit the bed they commit to it. The balls on them. No brains, but balls.