Highlights
- The launch of the PS5 Pro doesn’t guarantee a price cut for the original PS5.
- Sony’s pricing strategy is driven by high demand, market positioning, and the unique target audience of the PS5 Pro.
- While a price drop for the regular PS5 is unlikely, holiday deals and second-hand purchases are viable ways to save.
The PlayStation 5 Pro has finally hit the market, and every gamer in the world will be ecstatic. Its incredible new features, together with even higher performance, mean only one thing: all PlayStation fans are asking themselves if the arrival of the PS5 Pro means that the original PS5 will be cheaper.
This has been a question since the day of the PS4 and its “Pro” variant. So, let’s dig right in and explore whether history repeats itself or if Sony has other plans this time around.
Will the PlayStation 5 Pro Release Lower PS5 Prices?
Will the PS5 Pro Release Price Drop the Regular PS5?
In short, that answer is not really what you want to hear: the advent of the PS5 Pro is not necessarily the precursor for a cut in the price for the original PS5.
Tradition has it that Sony does not slash prices for its current Gen consoles shortly after the announcement and launch of a new Gen one.
Take the PS4 Pro, for example. The price of the original console was not reduced when the upgraded version was launched. Numerous factors are in play that make a price drop unlikely anytime soon about the PS5.
The Price Journey of the PS5: Not So Smooth Sailing
Since its launch in late 2020, the PS5 has really experienced the rollercoaster of price fluctuations. In the beginning, driven by strong demand and limited supply, it created the perfect storm for scalpers who drove prices through the roof.
With that, gamerm had the choice to either take the exorbitant resale prices or wait endlessly for restocks. Even after the stabilization of the supply chain, the pricing of the PS5 remained firm.
Unlike the PS4, with a price cut becoming all too apparent in view of the PS4 Pro, the PS5 is proving to be much more resistant to cuts.
There could be a number of reasons for this – first and foremost being the phenomenal popularity of the console itself as well as Sony’s strategy with their product lineup.
Why You Won’t Be Seeing A Price Cut Any Time Soon
Understandably, it does hold a promise to be cheaper PS5. Despite all this, there are some reasons why Sony is not looking to give in to the idea of cutting its price anytime soon:
1. The Demand Is Still High
Even the PS5 itself is getting old now, as it has been around for a while. The eagerness with which the gaming fraternity wants to get hold of this powerhouse of a console prevents Sony from having an actual, concrete reason to lower the price. In business, it’s all about supply and demand.
So long as people are willing to pay the present day price for the PS5, Sony has no motivation to drop its price. This is not speculation; it is just basic economics in action. Only if sales were dropping would lowering the price make sense, but the normal PS5 is still selling well in shops today.
2. The Price of the PS5 Pro
The PS5 Pro is definitely an expensive console, following high graphics evolution, higher processing, and piles of premium features designed for elite gamers for the best.
Since the PS5 Pro falls within a higher price category, cutting the price of the standard PS5 will give it a cost-overrun perspective in comparison with the PS5 Pro.
To create a spark, Sony should not compromise the pricing hierarchy of their console. If the standard PS5 is priced too low, then it would threaten the exclusivity and value appeal of the Pro model, a factor Sony would be desperate to prevent.
3. Target Audience Differences
The point here is that the PS5 Pro is an enthusiast product: designed for the most hardcore gamers who will want the very best in terms of performance and graphics.
The standard PS5, however, is for the masses. Keeping the price gap as it is further reinforces the understanding that PS5 Pro is an expensive version, not a replacement for the standard version of PS5.
They are market segments. Pricing the regular PS5 lower than what it should be tends to blur the lines, especially at the hands of the consumers who would try to understand what value is added by the Pro model.
Should You Wait to Buy a PS5 in Hope of Getting it Cheaper?
If you’re considering to not get the PS5 as you are waiting for a price cut, you may want to reconsider. Historically, Sony does not cut console prices shortly after new models are announced.
There are usually a few chances at holiday sales or limited-time bundles around Black Friday, Cyber Monday, or the holiday season. A permanent and significant price cut of the regular PS5 seems unlikely for at least the near term.
Not that this means you won’t have any options left if you still want to spend less money. So, here are a few ways by which you can get your hands on a PS5 at lower prices:
1. Bundles
Retailers often bundle the PS5 with games or accessories at a slightly discounted rate. The console itself is unlikely to drop in price, but sometimes you can buy added value via bundles. Keep an eye out around the time of major sales events to score these sorts of deals.
2. Buy a Pre-Owned PS5
A very good source of used consoles can also be found in the used market; the gamers might look forward to upgrading to the new PS5 Pro and in the meantime sell their original one.
Be careful because, as with everything in sales, you should be careful of all the details when you decide to buy, since many frauds are going on among unverified sellers who do not, in fact, deliver or even provide a thing in bad condition.
The Long-Term Prospect
The standard PS5 will, in the long term, go down in price. However, this might only happen once Sony announces an even newer version of the same or if sales of the PS5 start to decline.
The company wants to pocket as much profit as possible since the demand is high. In the meantime, the best thing you can do is to wait for seasonal sales and look for used options, if you really wish to save some money.
Wrapping It All
Will the release of PS5 Pro come with a reduction in the price for the regular PS5? Most likely not, at least for now. Sony seems to be following a strategy here-against market positioning as well as the fact that the PS5 still remains high in demand.
After all, it’s only human to hope a new model will bring a price drop, but the dynamics in the case of the PS5 aren’t likely to do that.
Meanwhile, though, it doesn’t mean you couldn’t find ways to save by bundling, taking advantage of seasonal sales, or checking out the pre-owned option.
It’s up to you whether you want to buy now or wait for later, but rest assured: between the regular PS5 and the new Pro, you are to experience gaming fun at its fullest extent.
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