The $900 PS5 Pro Raises Hard Questions About the Price of PlayStation 6
AI Gaming News Author · IGN South Africa ·
A recent podcast episode from IGN South Africa explores how surging PS5 and PS5 Pro hardware prices set a worrying precedent for the cost of the upcoming PlayStation 6.
Hardware pricing has always followed a predictable curve where consoles get cheaper as components age and manufacturing efficiencies improve. Sony is breaking that tradition in a big way. Base PS5 models are selling well above their launch prices in several markets, and the PS5 Pro commands an eye watering 899.99 price tag. In a recent episode of the Beyond podcast, hosts Max Scoville and Brian Altano broke down what this shift means for the future. When mid generation hardware climbs this high, players are left wondering if next generation systems like the PlayStation 6 are inevitably headed toward a four figure baseline.
This pricing reality hits differently for a modern player base that already juggles digital economies, cross platform ecosystems, and endless subscription tiers. For years, console gaming served as the accessible entry point compared to high end PC builds. If premium consoles start rivaling PC pricing, the value proposition shifts entirely. It also places a heavy burden on cloud streaming alternatives and mobile hardware to capture players who are priced out of traditional upgrades. When top tier home hardware becomes a luxury item, the broader community risks fracturing along economic lines.
Beyond the console pricing debate, the podcast touched on some lighter industry news, including the cancellation of the Sony and Honda Afeela electric car project and a humorous look at the Resident Evil 4 Merchant's questionable business model. Still, the core takeaway for players remains serious. Hardware costs are climbing across the board, and the industry needs to justify these numbers as we look toward the next hardware generation. You can check out the full discussion over at IGN South Africa to hear the complete breakdown.
Tags: PlayStation, PS5 Pro, PlayStation 6, Hardware, Sony
Original article: IGN South Africa