If you’re walking into a store today expecting the same prices we saw a few years ago, you’re in for a bit of a shock. Honestly, the question of how much are playstation consoles has become a moving target. It used to be simple—you had a disc version and a digital version, and the prices stayed glued to the shelf until a "Slim" model came along to shave off fifty bucks.
Not anymore.
Right now, in early 2026, we are seeing a weirdly high floor for console pricing. Sony actually bumped the MSRP (Manufacturer’s Suggested Retail Price) up by $50 across the board late last year, citing "economic environments" and those fun little things called tariffs. If you want a brand-new PS5 Pro, you’re looking at a $749 price tag. Even the "budget" Digital Edition has crept up to $499.
It’s a tough pill to swallow. Especially when we’re used to tech getting cheaper as it ages.
The 2026 Price Breakdown: What You’ll Actually Pay
Let’s look at the cold hard numbers. If you go to a major retailer like Best Buy, Target, or PlayStation Direct today, these are the base prices you’re going to encounter.
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PlayStation 5 Pro: $749
This is the big kahuna. It comes with 2TB of storage, which is great, but keep in mind it doesn’t even include a disc drive. If you have a collection of physical games, you’ve got to shell out another $79 for the attachable drive.
PlayStation 5 Slim (Disc Edition): $549
This is the "standard" model. It’s what most people should probably get if they like hunting for deals on used games at GameStop or eBay. It includes the 1TB SSD and the built-in disc drive.
PlayStation 5 Digital Edition: $499
Basically the same guts as the disc edition but without the ability to read physical media. Sony has been experimenting with storage sizes on these lately, so double-check if you’re getting the 825GB or the newer 1TB version before you tap your card.
PlayStation Portal: $199
A lot of people confuse this for a standalone console like a Switch. It’s not. It’s a remote player. You still need a PS5 sitting in your living room to use it.
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Why are prices going up instead of down?
It feels counterintuitive. Usually, five years into a console’s life cycle, we’re talking about "Greatest Hits" bundles and $299 price points. But 2026 is different. Industry insiders like Tom Henderson have been pointing out that component costs—specifically things like DDR5 and GDDR6 RAM—have stayed stubbornly high.
There’s also the "AI tax." Because every tech company on the planet is currently fighting over the same silicon and memory chips to power their AI servers, gaming hardware manufacturers are getting squeezed. Sony chose to pass those costs onto us rather than eat the loss.
The Used Market: Where the Real Deals Hide
If $550 for a console makes you want to throw your DualSense across the room, you have to look at the secondary market. But be careful. The used market is currently flooded with "launch day" models that are out of warranty.
- Refurbished PS5s: You can often find these for around $399 to $439 at places like Walmart or GameStop. These are usually safer because they’ve been tested.
- eBay and Facebook Marketplace: You might snag a base PS5 for $300 to $350 if you’re lucky, but you’re rolling the dice on "coil whine" or a dusty fan that sounds like a jet engine.
- Bundles: Sometimes the price looks high, but the value is better. For instance, the Fortnite Flowering Chaos bundle or the NBA 2K26 bundle often retail for the same price as the base console but throw in $60+ of content.
Don't forget the hidden costs
When asking how much are playstation setups, most people stop at the console. That’s a mistake. Sony’s ecosystem is designed to nibble away at your wallet after you leave the store.
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If you want to play Call of Duty or EA Sports FC 26 online, you need PlayStation Plus. That’s an annual subscription that starts at around $80 and goes up significantly for the "Extra" or "Premium" tiers. Then there’s the storage. 1TB sounds like a lot until you realize Black Ops takes up a massive chunk of it. A decent M.2 SSD expansion will set you back another $100.
And the controllers? They’re $75 a pop now. If you have a friend over for couch co-op, you’ve just added a significant tax to your gaming night.
Is it worth waiting for the PlayStation 6?
We’re in that awkward "mid-to-late" generation phase. Rumors about the PS6 are starting to swirl, but don't expect it until 2027 or 2028. If you wait, you’re missing out on some of the best exclusives we’ve seen in years, like Ghost of Yotei.
If you're on a budget, the sweet spot right now is a certified refurbished PS5 Slim Disc Edition. It gives you the flexibility to buy used discs—which is honestly the only way to keep gaming affordable in 2026—while keeping your initial investment under that painful $500 mark.
Actionable Steps for Buyers
- Check for the "Slim" tag: Make sure you aren't buying an original 2020 "fat" model for full price. They are heavier, run hotter, and have less internal storage.
- Audit your library: If you have zero physical PS4 or PS5 games, the Digital Edition saves you $50. But if you plan on buying more than three or four AAA games this year, the Disc Edition pays for itself through the used market.
- Monitor "Open Box" at Big Box Stores: Check the Best Buy "Open Box" section on Tuesday mornings. People often return consoles after realizing they can't afford them, and you can sometimes find a PS5 Pro for the price of a standard Slim.
- Verify the Warranty: If buying used, always ask if the serial number is still under Sony’s one-year manufacturer warranty. If it’s not, factor the cost of a potential repair into your "deal" price.