Buying a PlayStation 5 just got more expensive even in the refurbished market, leaving budget gamers frustrated.
PS5 refurbished price increase hits budget gamers
Gamers planning to save money by buying a refurbished PlayStation 5 are now facing higher prices. The cost of refurbished PS5 Slim models has gone up by $100. This change was noticed on May 1 and has quickly caught attention across the gaming community.
Earlier, the refurbished PS5 Slim with a disc drive was priced at $449.99. The digital version was available for $399.99. These prices made them attractive for players who wanted a cheaper alternative to a new console. Now, the disc version costs $549.99, while the digital model has jumped to $499.99.
These units still come with a 1TB SSD, a DualSense controller, and all required cables. However, they may include minor cosmetic flaws. Even with that, the price jump has reduced the appeal for budget conscious buyers.
Sony PS5 price hike reflects rising gaming costs
The increase in refurbished prices comes shortly after Sony raised the cost of brand new PS5 consoles. The standard PS5 with a disc drive now costs $649.99. The digital edition is priced at $599.99. The high end PS5 Pro has reached $899.99.
This is a big shift from 2020 when the console first launched. Back then, the disc version was priced at $499.99 and the digital version at $449.99. Over time, the cost of gaming hardware has steadily gone up.
One major reason is the rising demand for components. AI data centers are using large amounts of chips, RAM, and CPUs. This has pushed up prices across the tech industry. As a result, both PC building and console manufacturing have become more expensive.
Cheapest PS5 option still available for now
There is still one option for gamers looking to save money. A refurbished original PlayStation 5 with a disc drive is still available for $399. This is currently the cheapest way to enter the PS5 ecosystem.
However, it comes with 825GB storage instead of 1TB. While that may be enough for casual players, heavy gamers might feel the limitation over time.
Despite the rising prices, the PS5 continues to perform well in the market. It has even managed to outsell the Nintendo Switch 2 for much of 2026. Sales also saw a spike earlier this year as buyers rushed to purchase before the price hike.
Now, with both new and refurbished units becoming more expensive, the big question is whether demand will stay strong or begin to slow down.