A recent leak suggests that Sony is poised to unveil a new PlayStation 5 console that will be significantly cheaper than the current models, though it is reported to be region-locked and unavailable for customers in the United States.
The speculation emerged early in November from various hardware forums, indicating that the new PS5 Digital Edition could be priced at ¥50,000, equivalent to approximately $330 USD. A user from the InstallBase forum claimed, “Hearing rumors that Sony might drop a Japan-only PS5 Digital Edition for ¥50,000 on Nov 21.” This rumor gained traction following Sony’s announcement of a Japan-exclusive State of Play event scheduled for November 11, leading many to believe that the new console will be showcased during this livestream.
If the rumors hold true, this would mark a significant price reduction for the PS5 in Japan, where the standard Digital console currently retails for $499 in North America. The anticipated move comes on the heels of Sony’s price hikes for its consoles in the U.S. in August, which the company attributed to “economic circumstances.” This has left many PlayStation users feeling divided over the news, as some see it as a missed opportunity for players outside Japan.
The PlayStation community has reacted with a mix of skepticism and criticism towards the region-specific pricing strategy. Some fans express frustration over the sizeable price gap, highlighting that the PS5 has been struggling against competition from the Nintendo Switch in the Japanese market. One Reddit user pointed out, “The PS5 is selling well/decent everywhere except the JP region. It’s getting outsold by the Nintendo Switch.”
Despite this potential shift in pricing, there are voices of dissent suggesting that such measures may not significantly alter Sony’s standing in Japan. One user articulated concerns that “nothing is going to save PlayStation from being murdered by Nintendo in Japan.”
This rumored announcement raises important questions about Sony’s strategy in different regional markets. As the dynamics within the gaming landscape continue to evolve, it will be interesting to see how the gaming community reacts to Sony’s approach to pricing and product availability in the future.