New Cheaper PS5 Officially Available for Pre-Order Now
Sony has announced a new, cheaper PlayStation 5 Digital Edition Midnight Black, priced at approximately $350, now available for pre-order in Japan. This new variant offers relief from the console’s rising costs, as PS5 prices have increased since its 2020 launch—the current entry-level model costs $599, making it increasingly expensive for late adopters wanting to play upcoming titles like Grand Theft Auto 6 launching this November.
The price increase bucks the typical trend in the gaming industry, where console prices generally decrease over time as technology matures and production scales. However, the new cheaper variant remains exclusive to Japan, limiting its immediate impact on the global market. While international consumers face significant hurdles if they wish to purchase the more affordable model, the release suggests Sony is attempting to address affordability concerns in at least one major market.
The Digital Edition’s lower cost reflects the omission of a disc drive, making it an option for players comfortable with all-digital game libraries. This move highlights the ongoing tension between hardware costs and consumer accessibility during a console generation where gaming device prices have defied historical precedent. For those willing to navigate import logistics, the $350 entry point provides a substantially cheaper gateway to the PS5 ecosystem compared to the standard $599 price.