PS5 Pricing Trends | Console Prices Decline Since 2022
Edited By
Omar Ali
As the gaming community keeps an eye on console sales, a casual observation reveals significant price shifts in PS5 bundles over the past three years. Anecdotal reports suggest marked decreases in prices for bundles including games and accessories, igniting discussions among fans during sales events.
Current Deals vs. Past Prices
In November 2022, gamers reported purchasing a PS5 digital bundle, which included God of War: Ragnarok, a $50 PSN card, and a DualSense controller charging dock for $690 CAD plus tax. Fast forward to now, similar bundles are available for $590 CAD.
However, accessories tell a different story.
"I got an extra DualSense for $65 in 2022, and they’re $70 now, even with the 'steep' sale," a fan shared, pointing to rising costs for add-ons.
Insights from the Community
Comments from various forums reveal several key themes on pricing:
Demand and Supply: Gamers highlight stable prices for core consoles despite market changes. One individual noted, "I paid 500 bucks in the US for a launch console with a disc drive a lot of us have seen past console releases"
Expectations of Future Models: There’s a buzz around the possibility of slim models, with hopes for cheaper options like a $300 digital edition.
Recent Purchases: Another user reported snagging a slim disc console bundled with Astro Bot for just $450 last month, emphasizing the varied pricing landscape.
The conversation indicates a mix of satisfaction and frustration. While some gamers appreciate lower bundle prices, they are wary of accessory costs.
Takeaways on Current Pricing Trends
💰 PS5 bundles dropped from $690 CAD in 2022 to $590 CAD now.
📈 Accessories, like DualSense controllers, rose in price ($65 to $70).
🔄 Users are intrigued by possibilities of cheaper slim models in the near future.
The ongoing price discussions add another layer to console shopping experiences, suggesting that while base prices may be falling, gamers shouldn’t overlook accessory inflation.
Upcoming Trends in Console Pricing
There’s a good chance that the trend of decreasing PS5 bundle prices will continue as retailers jockey for competitive advantages in the gaming market. Experts estimate around a 10 to 15% drop in bundle prices over the next year, driven by increased competition and the potential release of slim models. On the other hand, accessory prices may keep rising due to supply chain issues and a sustained demand for add-ons, which could offset some of the savings for gamers. As new editions roll out, consumers may also see a split perception of value, with a focus on balancing the reduced prices of consoles against escalating accessory costs.
A Unique Reflection on Price Dynamics
This situation bears resemblance to the 1980s personal computer boom, when prices for hardware gradually decreased while software costs soared. Just as consumers flocked to buy cutting-edge technology, they also faced rising expenses for necessary components. Gamers today may soon find themselves in a similar bind—grabbing deals on consoles while trying to navigate the increasing costs of peripherals. This historic shift in consumer behavior highlights the delicate balance between affordability and additional expenditures that can surprise buyers.