PlayStation touts PS5 consoles as more affordable than PCs, despite price increases

The PS5 price is significantly higher than when the console launched in 2020. Regardless, during a Q&A following its FY2026 Q1 earnings report, Sony argued that the hardware offers a strong value. CFO Lin Tao explained, “Compared to the high-end gaming PC, our products is more affordable.”

Mass exodus to Steam?

Tao was discussing PlayStation’s decision to print fewer PS5 discs in early 2028. Lacking physical games, Sony would no longer hold a key advantage over gaming PCs. Among other perks, collectors can buy, sell, and trade tangible media. However, the executive doesn’t believe losing that ability will influence most consumers.

While PC users are able to access Steam and other marketplaces, Tao emphasized “curated content” and the stability of PlayStation consoles. Gamers browse a unified interface without worries of compatibility issues.

Those claims are debatable, but the CFO’s comments about affordability have raised eyebrows. The PS5 price with a disc drive is now $649.99, $200 above its original MSRP. Meanwhile, the PS5 Pro is a lofty $899, after debuting at $699.99. Yet, thanks to the storage and memory shortage, building a PC with similar performance for less is challenging.

On the other hand, for buyers with a generous budget, even the PS5 Pro's specs fall short of a high-end GPU and CPU. Owners also have far fewer upgrade options and ways to customize PlayStation machines.

Impacts on PS6 pricing

The Sony CFO may also have been addressing insiders predicting a PS6 cost over $1,000. The transition away from physical games could benefit the system. By stopping disc production, the company earns more revenue from digital game sales and saves on manufacturing expenses. It also hasn’t ruled out future PlayStation Plus rate hikes, which could offset meager hardware profits.

Neither current system can match the performance potential of a powerful gaming PC. Still, if the PS6 closes the gap without an intimidating price, it becomes a tempting target.

Ultimately, component costs will remain the most critical factor. During the financial update, Sony revealed it had secured enough memory to last through March 2027. That could suggest no further PS5 price increases. It’s unclear whether that parts stockpile includes supplies for the next console.