PlayStation 5 gamers have slammed a reported downgrade for a new console yet to be released by Sony.
It feels like this console generation is more expensive than any that came before, and I’ve pretty much lived through them all. As far as I can tell, this is the only generation that is progressively getting more expensive to this extent.
Microsoft has upped the prices of its Xbox Series S/X, and so too has Nintendo with the original Switch (not the Switch 2), and the same can be said for Sony’s PlayStation 5.
In previous console generations, as we edge closer to its end, consoles tend to gradually drop in price with the new generation around the corner. However, the base PlayStation 5s are more expensive than they were at launch.
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Tech companies have blamed the cost of manufacturing parts, which might be true. That being said, I can’t say that I trust billion-pound mega corporations to be honest with its consumers.
The latest excuse for console prices rising is President Donald Trump’s increased tax rates on goods coming into the United States.
PlayStation 5 consoles are typically manufactured in Japan and China, so when being shipped into the US, it makes sense that consoles may be more expensive for the consumer to purchase in that country.
So why is the rest of the world footing the bill? Shouldn't that be down to the United States? Trump's tariffs just feel like a lame excuse for the likes of Sony, Nintendo and Microsoft to consume even more money, but I digress.
Recently, reports have been making the rounds that the PlayStation 5 is having another price increase.
In what we assume is an attempt to reduce production costs, the PlayStation 5 Slim will reportedly have a reduction in storage space, going from 1TB to 825GB.
Naturally, if the production costs are being lowered and the PlayStation 5 console is losing 175GB of storage space, it surely means that consumers will see a price drop, right? Sadly, that doesn't seem to be the case, and gamers are rightfully annoyed at that prospect.
“Sony is reducing the storage of the PS5 Slim from 1TB to 825GB in Europe with its upcoming CFI-210 model. The price of €499 will stay the same,” wrote ChiefLeef22, sharing a story from industry insider, billbil-kun.
“Shrinkflation is even hitting consoles now,” replied Scotsmania, referring to the term of products becoming reduced in size but increasing in cost. If you’re a fan of Cadbury’s Freddo chocolate bars, you’ll know exactly what this means.
“These folks won't even be able to play Call of Duty,” exclaimed MchugN, referring to the huge amount of storage space the first-person shooter series requires.
“No way this is real? Hilarious and sad at the same time,” said justthisones.
“1TB models already only offer 800GB for storage, the rest is reserved,” explained RTXEnabledViera. “Enjoy your 600GB console.”
“This is beyond pathetic,” said the agitated ciccioig.
If PlayStation 5 console prices are what they are now, I really do dread how much we’d have to pay for the PlayStation 6.
Topics: Sony, PlayStation, PlayStation 5, Tech