索尼表示，考虑到“最近的全球经济波动”和成本波动，该公司做出了这一决定。在PlayStation价格上调之前，索尼电视、耳机和相机系列的建议零售价格自本月初以来也有所提高。微软公司(MSFT.US)本月早些时候还宣布提高其Xbox游戏机在日本的售价，使其Xbox系列X的售价接近6.7万日元(合约3307元人民币)。Sony announced a 19% price increase for the PlayStation 5 console in Japan.
According to Financial Intelligence, Sony (SONY.US) announced a 19% price increase for the PlayStation 5 console in Japan, to nearly 0.08 million yen (about 3949 RMB), causing the company's stock price to rise by 2.7% on the Tokyo stock market. It is widely expected that Sony will launch a more powerful mid-term revised version of the gaming console in the coming months, which has received a positive response. The company has also raised the prices of accessories such as the DualSense wireless controller and Pulse wireless headphones, effective from September 2nd.
Andrew Jackson, Director of Stock Strategy at Ortus Advisors in Japan, wrote in a report following the announcement: "The price increase will encourage a wave of buying before the price hike this quarter, this is a small positive factor."
Sony stated that considering the "recent global economic fluctuations" and cost fluctuations, the company made this decision. Prior to the price increase of PlayStation, suggested retail prices for Sony televisions, headphones, and camera series have also been raised since earlier this month. Earlier this month, Microsoft (MSFT.US) also announced an increase in the selling price of its Xbox console in Japan, bringing the price of the Xbox Series X close to around 0.067 million yen (about 3307 RMB).
A week ago, with the release of "Black Myth: Wu Kong", the PlayStation 5 received an unexpected boost in China, a record-breaking new game that can be played on both personal computers and Sony gaming consoles. Its release and Sony's promotional activities helped PS sell out in China. The halo effect of "Black Myth: Wu Kong" may also encourage more global buyers to purchase this game console that has been on the market for nearly four years.
According to Bloomberg Intelligence analysts Masahiro Wakasugi and Takumi Okano, Sony's gaming division profits may reach a new high in the fiscal year ending in March. They believe that by strict cost control, the company's strong first-party game stability, and the future price increase of PlayStation Network services (essential for online multiplayer games), profits will be driven.
Bloomberg Business Intelligence analysts Masahiro Wakasugi and Takumi Okano stated: "Sony's gaming division profits may reach 330 billion yen in the fiscal year ending in March 2025, 3% higher than expected, thanks to its PlayStation platform. Due to its strong proprietary software products, it may further rise to a record-breaking 370 billion yen in the fiscal year 2026. Our optimistic forecast shows that the company is likely to achieve record high profits faster in the fiscal year 2025."
