In the United States, consumers are facing a recent surge in the cost of PlayStation 5 controllers. This increment of $5 marks a noteworthy uptick for these gaming accessories. While the escalation may seem marginal, it signifies a broader trend as Sony adjusts pricing for its products. Interestingly, this price shift was not formally communicated to customers prior to its implementation.

Effective immediately, standard DualSense controllers in the black and white color scheme now start at $75, up from the previous price point of $70. Likewise, other controller variants have also seen their prices raised from $75 to $80. In contrast, the DualSense Edge remains unaffected by these pricing adjustments, maintaining a cost of around $200.

Initially, it was eagle-eyed observers like Wario64 who brought attention to the increased prices, showcasing evidence from retailers such as Best Buy and Target. This surge is not limited to a few select stores; the price hike is observable across various major retail outlets in the US, including the PlayStation Direct store. While options like purchasing secondhand controllers or sourcing them from retailers like Amazon at the original price of $70 offer some respite, the sustainability of these prices remains uncertain.

Amidst these changes, it is worth noting that Sony’s decision to raise prices comes amidst a backdrop of declining PlayStation 5 hardware sales. The first quarter of fiscal year 2024 saw a 27% decrease in sales, prompting questions about the timing of these price adjustments. Despite the console’s overall success, surpassing 60 million units sold, the choice to increase prices defies conventional market trends where component cost reductions often lead to price drops for consoles.

Within the global economic context, exacerbated by the financial implications of the ongoing pandemic, the pricing strategy adopted by Sony appears bold. While significant price increases have predominantly been witnessed in Japan, similar trends are now emerging in other regions as well. While the PlayStation 5 console itself has yet to see a price hike in the US, industry analysts speculate that such a move might be necessary to bolster Sony’s financial stability.

It’s important to recognize that Sony is not alone in facing the necessity to adjust prices; Microsoft also recently increased prices for Xbox and Game Pass subscriptions, drawing criticism from consumers. In contrast, Nintendo has managed to maintain steady prices for its products despite facing declines in profits.