The PS5 has built up an extensive library of games since launching in 2020, but the price has also risen dramatically for most consumers. For players who have yet to upgrade to a PS5 or a PS5 Pro, though, getting into the current generation can still be incredibly expensive. Sony has released different versions of the PlayStation 5 over the years, giving buyers some flexibility in how they purchase the hardware, and another console option could make the platform more accessible to a different group of players.

The cost of gaming hardware has become an increasingly important consideration, especially as PS5 prices have risen in several markets since the console first launched. Those increases make it harder for some players to justify buying a new system, even as the PS5 library continues to expand. A standard PS5 in Japan, for example, costs 97,980 Yen (or $619), while prices vary from $500-$800 in the United States (including refurbished models). A cheaper console could help address that barrier, but availability, hardware differences, and regional restrictions all matter when determining whether a new model is actually a more affordable option for players.

PlayStation 5 Pro consoles are about to get a lot more expensive at GameStop, with the retailer planning a massive price hike for pre-owned consoles.

PlayStation has now officially revealed a new, cheaper digital-only PS5 console , but players in the United States should not expect to find it at their local retailers. Announced on October 13, the PS5 Digital Edition Japan-only Midnight Black model will launch in Japan on November 19 for 55,000 yen (or roughly $349).

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