At BBPCs we always keep an eye on the gaming and tech world, especially when big news affects pricing and availability for our customers. This week, Sony announced a $50 price increase on all PlayStation 5 models in the US, driven by new tariffs imposed by the Trump administration.
Sony explained that tariffs on Japanese electronics have raised import costs, forcing them to pass some of that onto consumers. The new US prices now sit at:
- PS5 Standard Edition – $550
- PS5 Digital Edition – $500
- PS5 Pro – $750
This change is effective immediately. And while these are US prices, the impact will ripple across global markets — South Africa included.
Why Prices Are Rising
Tariffs are essentially taxes on imported goods. When applied to tech products like the PlayStation 5 — manufactured in Japan and China — these taxes make it more expensive to bring them into the country. Businesses then have three choices: absorb the extra cost (and reduce profit), move manufacturing elsewhere (which takes years), or increase prices for customers.
For Sony, the math is clear. They’ve already warned tariffs could add nearly $700 million in costs this year alone. And they’re not alone — Nintendo, Microsoft, and other major gaming companies face similar pressures.
What This Means for South African Gamers
Here in South Africa, the PS5 already sits at around R12,000 for the Standard Edition, depending on the retailer. If global import costs continue to rise, we may see further increases locally too.
For South African gamers, who already deal with loadshedding, higher living costs, and limited disposable income, that makes new consoles a bigger investment. Many players are already turning to:
- Second-hand or refurbished consoles
- Waiting for bundle deals or seasonal sales
- Extending the lifespan of their current systems
This is where BBPCs can help. We provide:
- Upgrades and repairs for existing PCs and laptops to keep them gaming-ready
- Advice on cost-effective setups so gamers can get the best experience without overspending
- Support for refurbished hardware as an alternative to brand-new, high-cost consoles
Bigger Picture – Tariffs Affect More Than Gaming
It’s not just the gaming world feeling the pinch. Global brands from PepsiCo to Estee Lauder are warning of higher prices due to tariffs on metals, electronics, and other imports. Everyday products like canned drinks, cosmetics, and even baby gear could go up in price.
Economists point out that while tariffs are meant to protect local industries, in reality they often act as a hidden tax on consumers — pushing prices higher without always delivering new jobs.
Final Thoughts
For gamers and tech enthusiasts, Sony’s PS5 price hike is a reminder of how global trade decisions directly affect what lands in our shopping carts. At BBPCs, we’ll continue to track these changes and help our community find the most affordable and reliable tech solutions possible — whether that means fixing what you already have, exploring custom gaming PCs, or finding alternatives when console prices climb.