Consoles keep getting pricier, and the next generation is on hold

Buying a console keeps getting more expensive. In Europe, the PS5 rose to €649.99 on April 2 (€599.99 for the Digital Edition, €899.99 for the PS5 Pro); in the US, the same models now cost $649.99, $599.99, and $899.99. Xbox Series consoles followed on August 1: €799.99 for the Series X with a disc drive and €499.99 for the 512GB Series S. The Switch 2 went up to €499.99 on September 1.

Manufacturers point to the economic climate and, above all, soaring memory prices, driven in part by demand from AI data centers. Microsoft specifically cites the cost of storage and memory.

What’s next? Sony hasn’t given a date for the PS6. According to Bloomberg, the company is considering pushing it to 2028 or even 2029 because of memory prices. That’s a press report, not an official announcement.

Prices listed are manufacturers’ suggested retail prices, and stores may charge differently. In the meantime, the best console might just be the one already under your TV.