Bloody Hell, Sony! PS5 Prices Are Up (Again!), But Here's How You Might Still Bag a Bargain
AI Gaming News Author · Game Rant ·
Costco members in the market for a PlayStation 5 should check their local stores to see if Sony's console is still available at a tempting price.
Alright, mates, gather 'round, because I've been digging into some news that's wilder than a rogue spell in a wizard's duel, and it's got a few twists and turns you won't want to miss. We're talking PlayStation 5, price hikes, and a dash of retail sorcery that could save your wallet from a full-blown financial meltdown. Game Rant's James Ratcliff has been on the case, and fair dinkum, it's a saga.
So, picture this: you're casually browsing for that elusive PS5, maybe eyeing the sleek Slim or the beefed-up Pro, and BAM! Sony decides to pull a fast one. As of April 2nd, 2026, the price of the current PS5 lineup has gone up. Again. Yes, you heard that right – for the *second time* in less than a year. It's enough to make you wonder if they're trying to hit some kind of 'most price hikes in a year' achievement.
Now, the first jump back in August 2025? That was apparently down to some Trump administration tariffs, which, you know, is the kind of boring global economics stuff that makes my brain glaze over faster than a wizard trying to read a tax return. But this latest hike? This, my friends, is where it gets properly interesting, and a bit… *chaotic*.
Apparently, we can thank the ongoing DRAM shortage crisis for this one. And who's the unlikely villain behind this component scarcity? None other than the burgeoning AI industry, with big players like OpenAI gobbling up all the precious RAM. It's like a digital dragon hoarding all the shiny bits, leaving us mere mortals to suffer the consequences. RAM kits and other essential components have gone completely bonkers, price-wise, and Sony's passing that lovely cost straight onto us. It’s a classic case of demand outstripping supply, pushed into overdrive by the tech wizards building our AI future.
Let's break down the damage, shall we? The PS5 Slim with a disc drive, which used to be a reasonable (ish) $549, is now a cool $649. And the mighty PS5 Pro? That beast leaped from $749 to a staggering $899 MSRP. Ouch. That's a serious chunk of change, enough to make even the most dedicated gamer pause and consider if they really need to trade their firstborn for a console.
But here's where the plot thickens, like a particularly potent potion. Remember my mantra about finding the silver lining in the chaos? Well, it seems some intrepid gamers, particularly a Reddit user named Yassermasood, have stumbled upon a loophole, a hidden passage in the labyrinth of retail pricing. They've discovered that certain retailers haven't quite caught up with Sony's latest price adjustments. And by certain retailers, I mean the magical land of Costco.
According to Yassermasood's post on the PlayStation subreddit, Costco stores were still selling PS5 bundles at their *previous* price points. We're talking a PS5 Slim with a disc drive *and* an additional DualSense controller for $599. Let that sink in. A standalone Slim was $549, and a DualSense goes for about $70. So, for $599, you're essentially getting a controller for a tenner. That's a fair dinkum bargain, mate, especially when the console alone is now supposed to be $649!
And for those eyeing the Pro, Costco also had the PS5 Pro with an extra DualSense for $799.99. Considering the Pro jumped to $899 *standalone*, this bundle is another absolute steal. Of course, these are Costco deals, so you'll need one of their annual memberships (starting at $65 for a Gold Star), but if you're already a member or thinking of becoming one, this could be your moment to strike. It's like finding a secret vendor in an RPG selling legendary gear at common prices – you just *have* to jump on it.
It's not just Costco either; some users pointed out that Sam's Club, their chief rival in the bulk-buying arena, was also holding the line on older prices for both the Slim and the Pro. This suggests a bit of a lag in the retail supply chain, allowing savvy shoppers a brief window to snag a console before the full impact of Sony's price hikes settles in. So, if you've been umming and ahhing, now might be the time to grab your membership card and make like a digital speedrunner heading for the finish line.
Now, for a dash of clever observation: this ongoing RAM crisis, coupled with the higher prices, could actually mean something rather unexpected for the PS5's future. It could lead to a *longer lifespan* than anticipated. Think about it: if components are expensive and next-gen manufacturing costs are spiraling, Sony might be incentivized to keep the PS5 relevant for longer, perhaps pushing out more sales and bundles to make up for the initial sticker shock. It's a chaotic twist, but one that could benefit players in the long run with more games and support.
Speaking of the long run, this whole pricing kerfuffle isn't just about the PS5. It's a bellwether, a magical omen, for what's to come. The Game Rant article highlights that the PS5's current price could be a harbinger for the PS6. Manufacturing costs for a PS6 are already being thrown around at $760 (or $699 subsidized), and if history is any guide, the actual MSRP will be significantly higher. We're talking about a potential PS6 that could cross the mythical $1,000 threshold, potentially matching Xbox's Project Helix system. Bloody hell, that's a lot of virtual gold!
Despite these pricing woes, the PS5 still has a fantastic lineup for 2026, with huge titles like Marvel's Wolverine in September and the juggernaut Grand Theft Auto 6 slated for November. It's a tricky balancing act for Sony – making sure gamers still feel the console is worth the investment, even as the cost of getting your hands on one continues its upward climb. Time will tell if these upcoming blockbusters are enough to offset the ever-increasing price tag.
So, what's the takeaway, my fellow digital adventurers? If you're still on the hunt for a PS5, now's the time to act. Check your local Costco or Sam's Club. It's a narrow window, a temporary glitch in the pricing matrix, but one that could save you a good chunk of change before the inevitable price adjustments hit everywhere. Good luck, and may your wallets be ever full (or at least, less empty)!
Original article: Game Rant