PS5 Pro Price Compared to Past PlayStation Consoles When Adjusted for Inflation

PS5 Pro Price Compared to Past PlayStation Consoles When Adjusted for Inflation

Key Takeaways

  • The PS5 Pro costs $699.99.
  • However, it is not the most expensive PlayStation console when adjusted for inflation.
  • The 60 GB PS3 released in 2006 remains the most expensive.

As a lifelong gamer with pockets as deep as a fishbowl, I’ve seen my fair share of console prices that could give even the most frugal among us a heart attack. The recent announcement of the PS5 Pro has left me scratching my head and reaching for my wallet simultaneously – it’s like Sony decided to play a cruel joke on me!


Sony recently unveiled their latest console, the PS5 Pro, priced at $699.99. Despite this high price tag, it doesn’t top the list when considering inflation-adjusted costs for PlayStation systems. In the months leading up to its unveiling, numerous rumors circulated about the PS5 Pro, and surprisingly, a significant number of these turned out to be accurate.

It was widely speculated before the unveiling of the PS5 Pro that the console might not come equipped with an internal disc drive, necessitating players to buy an additional drive accessory should they wish to continue using their disc-based games. Indeed, this rumor proved accurate, implying that those who own substantial collections of physical PS4 and PS5 games will need to spend extra money if they opt for a PlayStation 5 Pro when it becomes available.

The PS5 Pro releases November 7 and will cost $599.99 at launch, with pre-orders opening on September 26. The PS5 Pro price was met with shock and mockery immediately after its announcement, with many fans completely dismissing the console as being too expensive for what it offers. The big selling point of the PS5 Pro is that it essentially allows games to run at higher resolutions while maintaining higher frame rates, but it seems many didn’t think that the improvements shown in the PS5 Pro announcement video were worth the price tag. However, when adjusted for inlation, the PS5 Pro is technically not even the most expensive PlayStation console to date.

PlayStation Console Prices Adjusted for Inflation

PS5 Pro Price Compared to Past PlayStation Consoles When Adjusted for Inflation
  • PlayStation 1 (1995) – $299.99/$619.66
  • PlayStation 2 (2000) – $299.99/$548.41
  • PlayStation 3 20 GB Model (2006) – $499.99/$780.73
  • PlayStation 3 60 GB Model (2006) – $599.99/$936.88
  • PlayStation 4 (2013) – $399.99/$540.51
  • PlayStation 4 Pro (2016) – $399.99/$524.63
  • PlayStation 5 Digital Edition (2020) – $399.99/$486.51
  • PlayStation 5 Disc Edition (2020) – $499.99/$608.15
  • PlayStation 5 Pro (2024) – $699.99
  • PlayStation 5 Pro With Disc Drive (2024) – $779.98

These figures were determined using US Inflation Calculator.

As a gamer, I’ve got to admit that when you factor in inflation, the PS5 Pro is pricier than most PlayStation consoles, with only the 20GB and 60GB PS3 models costing less back in 2006. These babies were sold for $499.99 and $599.99 respectively, which equates to around $780.73 and $936.88 today.

Considering additional accessories, the price of the PS5 Pro exceeds that of the 20 GB PS3 model, yet it falls short compared to the 60 GB PS3. However, few consumers are likely to consider this perspective. The high price tag of $699.99 may cause potential buyers of the PS5 Pro a significant surprise due to its enhanced graphical capabilities, and it remains to be seen how well it will sell in the future. Analysts anticipate that the PS5 Pro will outperform expectations, but only time will reveal its true performance.

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2024-09-11 22:13