PlayStation 5 Console Prices in 2024

A PlayStation 5 costs between $499 and $549 depending on which model you buy. The PS5 Standard Edition with a disc drive runs $499. The PS5 Digital Edition, which has no disc drive and requires you to read all games, costs $449. Sony raised prices in some regions in 2023, and those prices have held steady since then.

The price you actually pay may be higher or lower depending on where you shop. Major retailers like Best Buy, Amazon, Target, and Walmart all stock PS5 consoles, and prices occasionally dip during sales events like Black Friday or holiday promotions. Some retailers bundle the console with a game or extra controller, which changes the total cost.

Stock is now stable at most major retailers, so you can usually find a PS5 in stock without waiting weeks. Prices are not expected to drop significantly in the near term, though sales and bundles remain common.

Key Takeaways

  • The PS5 Standard Edition with a disc drive costs $499, while the Digital Edition without a disc drive costs $449.
  • Prices are the same across major retailers like Best Buy, Amazon, Target, and Walmart, though bundles and sales can lower your total cost.
  • You should budget extra money for a second controller ($74.99), a charging dock ($29.99), or a game, which typically cost $59.99 to $69.99.
  • The console comes with one controller and a charging cable, but you will need to buy a PlayStation Network subscription separately if you want to play online multiplayer games.

Standard Edition vs. Digital Edition: Which One Costs Less

The $50 difference between the two models comes down to the disc drive. The Standard Edition reads physical game discs, Blu-ray movies, and 4K movies. The Digital Edition does not have a disc drive at all—you read every game from the PlayStation Store. If you already own PS4 games on disc, the Standard Edition lets you play them. If you buy the Digital Edition, you cannot use those discs.

The Digital Edition is cheaper upfront, but you may spend more over time. Games on the PlayStation Store often cost the same as physical copies, but physical games go on sale at stores and can be resold or traded in. Digital games cannot be resold. If you plan to buy used games or sell games when you finish them, the Standard Edition saves money in the long run.

Both models have the same processor, graphics card, and storage space. The only real difference is the disc drive. Choose based on how you plan to buy games, not on performance.

What Else You Need to Budget For

The console price is just the start. A second controller costs $74.99 if you want to play multiplayer games with someone in your home. The charging dock for controllers is $29.99, though controllers also charge by plugging a USB cable directly into them. A PlayStation Network subscription costs $9.99 per month for online multiplayer, or you can pay $99.99 per year to save a little.

Games are the biggest ongoing cost. New PS5 games typically cost $59.99 to $69.99 each. PlayStation Plus Extra and PlayStation Plus Premium subscriptions ($17.99 and $23.99 per month) give you access to a library of games you can read, which can reduce how many games you need to buy individually. Many players find this worthwhile if they play a wide variety of games.

If you want to play 4K movies on disc, you do not need to buy anything extra—the Standard Edition plays 4K Blu-rays. If you want extra storage, an external SSD drive costs $150 to $250 depending on the brand and capacity.

Where to Buy and How to Find the Best Price

Best Buy, Amazon, Target, and Walmart all sell PS5 consoles at the official retail price. GameStop also stocks them. Prices are identical across these retailers because Sony sets the official price, but each store runs different sales and bundles throughout the year.

Black Friday (late November) and the holiday season (November through December) are when you are most likely to see price cuts or bundle deals. During these periods, retailers sometimes offer a free game, an extra controller, or a PlayStation Plus subscription with your purchase. These bundles do not lower the console price itself, but they reduce your total spending.

Avoid buying from third-party sellers on Amazon or eBay unless you are certain they are authorized retailers. Counterfeit consoles and scams are rare but do happen. Stick with the official retailer websites or major electronics stores.

Used and Refurbished PS5 Consoles

Used PS5 consoles sell for $350 to $450 depending on condition and where you buy them. Facebook Marketplace, eBay, and local classified sites often have used consoles listed by private sellers. GameStop sells refurbished PS5 consoles for around $399 to $449, and they come with a one-year warranty.

Buying used saves money upfront, but you lose the manufacturer's warranty. A new console comes with a one-year limited warranty from Sony that covers hardware defects. Used consoles sold by private sellers have no warranty unless the seller offers one. GameStop's refurbished consoles do come with a warranty, which makes them safer than buying from a stranger.

If you buy used, test the console thoroughly before the return window closes. Check that the disc drive works (if you buy the Standard Edition), that all ports work, and that the controller charges properly.

International Pricing and Currency Differences

PS5 prices vary by country because of taxes, shipping costs, and regional pricing strategies. In Canada, the PS5 Standard Edition costs around CAD $649, and the Digital Edition costs around CAD $549. In the United Kingdom, prices are around £449 and £349. In Australia, prices are around AUD $749 and AUD $599.

If you are shopping outside the United States, check the official PlayStation website for your region to see the current price. Prices in other countries are often higher than the U.S. price when converted to dollars, which is normal due to import taxes and local market conditions.

Frequently Asked Questions

Will the PS5 price drop soon?

Sony has not announced any price cuts. The current price has been stable since September 2023. Price drops typically happen only when a new console generation is announced or released, which is not expected for several years.

Is the PS5 worth the cost compared to other gaming systems?

That depends on which games you want to play. The PS5 has exclusive games like God of War, Spider-Man, and Final Fantasy that you cannot play on Xbox or Nintendo Switch. If those games interest you, the PS5 is worth the cost. If you prefer Xbox Game Pass or Nintendo games, a different system may be better for your budget.

Can I find a PS5 cheaper on sale right now?

Sales happen regularly, but they are usually small discounts or bundles rather than price cuts. Check Best Buy, Amazon, Target, and Walmart weekly if you want to catch a sale. Sign up for price-drop alerts on these sites so you get notified when the price changes.

Do I need PlayStation Plus to play games on PS5?

You need PlayStation Plus only for online multiplayer games. Single-player games work without a subscription. PlayStation Plus also gives you access to free games each month and discounts on the PlayStation Store.

What is the difference between PS5 and PS5 Pro?

Sony released a PS5 Pro in November 2024 for $799. It has a more powerful graphics processor and better performance in some games, but it plays the same games as the standard PS5. The Pro is only worth buying if you have a high-end TV and want the best possible graphics. For most players, the standard PS5 is the better value.