Gamer Backlash Hits Sony After PlayStation Price Hike: "Older Stuff Should Get Cheaper, Not Expensive"

Core Viewpoint - Sony has announced price increases for the PS5, PS5 Pro, and PlayStation Portal, citing "continued pressures in the global economic landscape" as the reason for the hike [1][3]. Group 1: Price Changes - The recommended retail price for the base PlayStation 5 (disc version) will rise from approximately $499 to $649, marking an increase of about $150 [1]. - There is no clarification on whether the memory shortage has influenced the price increase [3]. Group 2: Community Reaction - Immediate backlash was observed on social media platforms, with users expressing frustration over the price hikes and comparing the cost of the PS5 to building a gaming PC [3][4]. - A user noted that their PS5 is now worth $200 more than its original purchase price, highlighting the perceived absurdity of the situation [4]. Group 3: Market Context - The increase in prices for consumer goods, including PCs and smartphones, has been anticipated, with reports indicating that the ratio of memory chips in the bill of materials cost has risen from around 15% to nearly 40% [4].