Sony’s recent announcement of the PS5 Pro via its official PlayStation YouTube channel has made waves in both the gaming and tech worlds. With a staggering price of $700 / €800, it’s clear that this next-generation console is quite expensive. But is the PS5 Pro the most expensive console of all time? Here’s a look at its launch price in comparison to historical figures and inflation-adjusted costs…
PS5 Pro: Is It Really That Expensive?
Sony’s new flagship, the PS5 Pro, has shocked the gaming world with its $700 price tag. With its advanced GPU, ray tracing technology, and AI-supported graphics, the console promises a “superior” gaming experience, raising the question of whether it’s worth the cost. Especially considering that the PS5 Pro is thought to be among the most expensive consoles in gaming history…
Historical Price Comparison:
- Neo Geo (1991): Launched at $650, which would be about $1454 today, the Neo Geo was one of the most expensive consoles ever released.
- 3DO Interactive Multiplayer (1994): With a price of $699 (equivalent to $1246 today), the 3DO was another pricey example.
Sony, which has been facing backlash from gamers due to recent decisions, has announced yet another controversial move.
PlayStation Family’s Historical Pricing:
- PlayStation (1995): The PS1 was released at $299, which would be approximately $613 today. It revolutionized the gaming world and reached millions of players.
- PlayStation 2 (2000): Continuing the success of the PS1, the PS2 was also priced at $299, equivalent to $545 today.
- PlayStation 3 (2006): The 60 GB model was launched at $599, which would be $934 today. This makes the PS3 more expensive than the PS5 Pro, adjusting for inflation.
- PlayStation 4 (2013): Learning from the PS3’s pricing, the PS4 was released at $399, or $533 adjusted for inflation.
- PlayStation 5 (2020): The PS5’s disc model was priced at $499, and the digital model at $399, which would be $597 and $477 respectively today.
Even when adjusted for inflation, the PS5 Pro’s price ranks among the highest in the PlayStation family. The original PlayStation, released at $299 (now $613), and the PS2, also launched at $299 (now $545), offer a stark contrast in price/performance balance compared to the PS5 Pro.
Whether the technological advancements in the PS5 Pro will justify its high price remains to be seen. Will gamers remember past disappointments and approach cautiously, or will the new features make the price worth it? The debate on the PS5 Pro’s value will likely continue in the gaming world for some time.
