Sony Group(SONY) CNBC·2025-04-14 07:40Group 1 - Sony has increased the price of its flagship PlayStation 5 console in Europe, Australia, and New Zealand due to a challenging economic environment [1][2] - The PS5 Digital Edition price in Europe is now 499.99 euros ($569.9), up from 449.99 euros, while the U.K. price has risen to £429.99 from £389.99 [1] - There is no price increase for the PS5 with HD Blu-ray disk drive in Europe and the U.K., and the PS5 Pro model also remains unaffected by price hikes [2] Group 2 - Sony's decision to raise prices is attributed to high inflation and fluctuating exchange rates, amidst volatile global financial and currency markets [2] - Industry experts, such as Serkan Toto, predict that Sony may also raise PS5 prices in the U.S. in the future, as the current market conditions may limit user backlash [3] - This is not the first price increase for the PS5, as Sony previously raised prices in 2022 and again in Japan last year [3]