The PS5 Pro’s $700 price tag has sparked global reactions, with higher costs in Japan and Europe. Read on to explore how this compares to past PlayStation consoles, alternative gaming PCs, and an affordable refurbished option from Sony.
PS5 Pro Pricing Causes Backlash Globally
Pricing Discrepancies Between Countries Give Gamers Pause
The announcement of the PS5 Pro’s pricing has sparked a wave of reactions across social media platforms, especially Twitter (X). The console, set to debut at $700 in the US, is drawing significant attention due to its steep price tag. But while Americans may lament the considerable costs in the US, consumers in Japan and Europe face even higher costs.
In Japan, the PS5 Pro will retail for 119,980 yen, approximately $847 USD. In Europe, the console will be priced at $799.99, while in the UK, it’s set at £699.99. Given the current exchange rates, $700 would translate to only about 100,000 yen in Japan, approximately £537 in the UK, and €635 in Europe.
This discrepancy has led many to consider purchasing the PS5 Pro in the US and shipping it internationally to save on costs. While specific details on pre-order locations are yet to be announced, it's anticipated that the PS5 Pro will be available through PlayStation Direct, Sony's online store, as well as major retailers like Amazon, Best Buy, Walmart, Target, and GameStop.
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PS5 Pro's Pricing Compared to Previous Generations
The PS5 Pro's launch price of $700 places it as the third most expensive PlayStation console at release, behind only the PS3 and the PS5 with a disc drive. To better understand the impact of this pricing, it’s useful to look at the historical pricing of PlayStation consoles and how they have evolved over time.
The original PS1 launched in 1995 at $300, which, when adjusted for inflation, equates to around $616 today. The PS2, released in 2000 at the same price, would be approximately $542 in today’s dollars. Fast forward to 2006, the PS3 was introduced with two models: a 20GB version at $500 (roughly $781 adjusted) and a 60GB version at $600 (approximately $937 adjusted). The PS4, launching in 2013 at $400, would be around $540 today when adjusted for inflation. Similarly, the PS4 Pro, introduced in 2016 at $400, would be about $523 in today’s dollars.
The PS5, launched in 2020, came in two variants: a no-disc drive model for $400 (equivalent to $483 today) and a disc drive model for $500 (about $604 adjusted). The PS5 Slim, released in 2023, was priced at $450, which adjusts to around $461. The PS5 Pro, with its $700 price point, stands out significantly from these historical figures, reflecting a nearly $100 difference compared to past consoles adjusted for inflation.
This increase raises questions about the value proposition of the PS5 Pro. While it is positioned as a high-end model with advanced features, the price hike prompts scrutiny over whether the additional cost translates into substantial improvements, given that it does not offer groundbreaking new features compared to the original PS5.
Comparing PS5 Pro to PC Gaming Alternatives
When evaluating alternatives, a custom PC provides a range of options. Low-end custom PCs generally cost between $500 and $800, while high-end models can easily exceed $2000. Prebuilt gaming PCs also vary widely, with prices ranging from $1000 to $4000 depending on the specifications. Budget-friendly PCs can be found for as low as $500, and with the upcoming holiday sales, such as Black Friday, discounts on prebuilt PCs are likely to be significant.
For a budget between $500 and $800, which would hit that PS5 Pro $700 price point, a custom PC build can run most modern games at medium to high settings at 1080p resolution, making it a viable option for gamers.
With a CPU like the AMD Ryzen 3 or Intel i3 paired with a mid-range GPU (such as an Nvidia GTX 1650 or AMD RX 570), the system will handle games like Fortnite, Apex Legends, and Cyberpunk 2077 smoothly, though it might struggle with ultra settings or 4K resolution.Compared to the PS5 Pro, which offers a more consistent 4K gaming experience with ray-tracing and higher frame rates, a low-budget PC might not match the same level of performance.
However, the sting still lingers considering the utility of a computer extends beyond just gaming. On top of that, the library of games available to a PC absolutely eclipses the PS5 library, including some formerly PS5 exclusives. Add on top of that the flexibility to upgrade individual components, such as adding more RAM or upgrading the GPU over time, gives PC gaming an edge in terms of future-proofing. Also, you don’t have to pay separate for a stand.
It’s only when one prioritizes those promised 4K gaming experiences over all the other advantages of a PC does it make sense to purchase the PS5 Pro.
A Budget-Friendly Alternative in The Form of Refurbished PS5s
- [1] Image taken from PlayStation Direct
It’s not as though Sony has completely abandoned those looking for a console at the lower price ranges, however. For those interested in a PlayStation console but deterred by the PS5 Pro’s steep price, Sony has announced an alternative: refurbished PS5 units priced at $389.99. For slightly more than a Nintendo Switch OLED, these refurbished consoles offer a more affordable entry point into the PlayStation ecosystem, being marketed as "as good as new."
Sony’s refurbished PS5s are thoroughly cleaned, inspected, and tested, with genuine PlayStation replacement parts used as necessary. They come with all required accessories, cables, and manuals, and are packaged in branded Certified Refurbished packaging.
However, it’s important to note that there is currently no confirmed date for when these refurbished units will become available. As such, potential buyers will need to wait for further announcements from Sony regarding availability.
Source:
PS5 Yen Exchange Rate
PS5 Pound and Euro Exchange Rate
[1]Sony Announces Refurbished PS5s
Custom PC Cost
Prebuilt PC Cost
