PlayStation 5 prices in 2024

A PlayStation 5 costs between $499 and $549 depending on which model you buy. The standard PS5 with a disc drive is $499. The PS5 Digital Edition, which has no disc drive and requires you to read all games, is $449. Sony raised prices in some regions in 2023, but these are the current U.S. prices.

The price you actually pay may be higher or lower depending on where you shop. Retailers like Best Buy, Target, Walmart, and Amazon all stock the PS5, and some run sales or bundle deals that include extra controllers or games. Used consoles from resellers like GameStop or Facebook Marketplace will be cheaper, typically $350 to $450, but you lose the manufacturer warranty.

If you want to play games right away, budget extra money for at least one game ($60 to $70 each) and possibly a second controller ($75). PlayStation Plus, the subscription service for online play and monthly games, costs $60 to $120 per year depending on the tier you choose.

Key Takeaways

  • The standard PS5 with a disc drive costs $499; the Digital Edition without a disc drive costs $449.
  • Prices are the same across major retailers like Best Buy, Target, and Walmart, though sales and bundles vary by store and season.
  • Used PS5 consoles are cheaper but come without a manufacturer warranty and may have unknown wear.
  • Plan to spend an additional $60 to $70 per game and $75 for an extra controller if you need one.
  • PlayStation Plus subscriptions range from $60 to $120 per year and are required for online multiplayer.

Disc drive vs. Digital Edition — which costs less over time

The $50 difference between the two models seems small, but it matters if you buy physical games. A disc-based game costs the same as a digital one ($60 to $70), but you can resell it, trade it in, or borrow it from a friend. Digital games are locked to your account and cannot be transferred.

If you plan to buy 10 games over the life of the console, the disc drive model lets you recoup $5 to $15 per used game through resale. That could add up to $50 to $150 over time. If you prefer to own games permanently and never resell, or if you subscribe to PlayStation Plus Extra or Premium (which includes a library of games), the Digital Edition saves you $50 upfront and eliminates the need for physical storage.

The disc drive also plays Blu-ray movies, which the Digital Edition cannot do. If you own a Blu-ray collection, that is another reason to choose the standard model.

Where to buy and what to watch for

The PS5 is widely available at Best Buy, Target, Walmart, Amazon, and GameStop. Prices are identical across these retailers — $499 for the standard model, $449 for Digital Edition. The difference is in bundles, trade-in offers, and when sales happen.

Best Buy and Target occasionally run sales during Black Friday, back-to-school season, and holiday periods. GameStop offers trade-in credit if you bring in an older console. Amazon sometimes bundles the PS5 with games or controllers at no extra cost. Check each retailer's website to compare current deals before you buy.

Avoid third-party sellers on Amazon or eBay unless they have strong reviews and a clear return policy. Counterfeit consoles are rare but do exist. Buying from the official retailer or a major chain protects you with a return window and manufacturer support.

Used PS5 consoles and refurbished models

A used PS5 typically costs $350 to $450 depending on condition and whether it includes the original box and cables. GameStop sells refurbished PS5 consoles with a one-year warranty for around $449 to $479, which is close to the new price but includes some protection. Facebook Marketplace and eBay have cheaper used options, but you are buying from an individual with no warranty.

Before buying used, ask the seller whether the console has been repaired, if it comes with all original cables and controllers, and whether the warranty has been transferred. The PS5 does not have a user-replaceable hard drive, so if the internal storage fails, repair costs are high. A refurbished model from GameStop or a certified reseller is safer than a private sale if price is your main concern.

PlayStation Plus and subscription costs

You need a PlayStation Plus subscription to play online multiplayer games. Sony offers three tiers: Essential ($60 per year or $11 per month), Extra ($120 per year or $18 per month), and Premium ($180 per year or $27 per month).

Essential gives you online play and two free games per month. Extra adds a library of around 400 PS4 and PS5 games. Premium includes the Extra library plus classic PlayStation games and game trials. Most players choose Essential or Extra. Premium is worth it only if you want to play older games or try new releases before buying them.

PlayStation Plus is not included with the console. You must buy a subscription separately, and it renews automatically unless you cancel.

Accessories and controllers

The PS5 comes with one controller, called the DualSense. If you want a second controller for local multiplayer, expect to pay $75. Extra controllers are sold at the same retailers as the console.

Other common accessories include a charging dock for controllers ($30), a headset ($50 to $150 depending on brand), and an external SSD for expanded storage ($150 to $250). The external SSD is optional — the PS5 comes with 825 GB of storage, which holds about 10 to 15 games depending on their size. You can delete and reinstall games as needed, or buy an SSD if you want to keep more installed at once.

Total cost to get your free guide

Here is what a realistic first purchase looks like: the PS5 console ($499 to $549), one game ($60 to $70), and a PlayStation Plus subscription ($60 for the first year). That is roughly $620 to $680 to start playing.

If you want a second controller and a headset, add another $125. If you buy an external SSD for more storage, add $150 to $250. None of these are required — you can play with just the console, one controller, and one game — but most players add at least a second controller and a subscription within the first month.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is the PS5 price going down soon?

Sony has not announced a price cut. The console has been on the market since 2020, and prices have remained stable since the 2023 increase. Prices may drop when a new PlayStation generation is announced, but that is not expected for several years.

Can I get a PS5 cheaper during sales?

The console itself rarely goes on sale because demand is high and stock is steady. Bundles that include games or controllers sometimes appear during Black Friday or holiday sales, but the console price stays at $499 or $449. You save more by buying used or waiting for a bundle deal than by waiting for a price cut.

Do I need PlayStation Plus to play single-player games?

No. You need PlayStation Plus only for online multiplayer. Single-player games, story modes, and offline features work without a subscription. However, some games require an internet connection to verify your license, even in single-player mode.

What is the difference between PS5 and PS5 Pro?

Sony released a PS5 Pro in November 2024 for $799. It has a faster processor and better graphics performance but plays the same games as the standard PS5. The Pro is for players who want the highest frame rates and resolution; the standard PS5 is sufficient for most players.

Can I return a PS5 if I change my mind?

Yes, if you buy from a major retailer like Best Buy, Target, or Walmart, you have a return window of 14 to 30 days depending on the store. Keep your receipt and all original packaging. Used consoles from private sellers typically cannot be returned.