PS5 Price Increase Spurs Biggest Sales Week Then Steep Drop

Sony's PS5 price increase in the US triggered a sharp but short-lived sales spike, according to industry data from Circana. The announcement week became the console's biggest sales week of the year, but it was followed by the two lowest weeks since then. The pattern suggests that the price hike prompted a rush of purchases, then a steep drop-off.

Circana data reveals sales pattern

The US price adjustments included $100-150 increases on the digital, disc, and Pro models, effective April 2nd. A further $50 increase is scheduled for September 1st. In Japan, Nintendo's Switch 2 price increase led to consumer hysteria and store purchase restrictions. Nintendo projects 16.5 million Switch 2 sales in fiscal year 2026, down from 19.9 million in fiscal 2025.

The upcoming release of Grand Theft Auto 6 in November is expected to boost console sales across the industry. However, memory and storage shortages threaten long-term console affordability. The data comes from Circana and was discussed on The Game Business Show.

Circana executive Matt Piscatella noted that the PS5 had its biggest week of the year when the price increase was announced, then its two lowest weeks afterward. Nintendo has not confirmed the Switch 2's launch window or final pricing details.