PS5 sales in the UK plummeted 50% month-over-month in May 2025 after Sony raised the console's price by £90. The increase hit both digital and disc versions, and buyers responded sharply.
Price hike takes effect April 2
The price hike took effect on April 2, 2025. Meanwhile, Microsoft's Xbox Series X and Series S saw a 12% sales boost in May, nearly matching PS5 sales — the gap was just 400 units.
Forza Horizon 6, an Xbox exclusive released on May 19, drove the Xbox sales surge. The game gave buyers a reason to pick up an Xbox over a more expensive PS5.
Analyst notes narrow sales gap
After the price increase, the Xbox Series X 1TB is now £70 cheaper than the PS5. That price difference likely influenced some buyers.
Industry analyst Christopher Dring noted that the PS5 only outsold Xbox Series X/S by 400 units in May. The data shows how a price change and a strong exclusive can shift the market quickly.
The PS5 remains the market leader in the UK, but the May numbers signal that Sony's pricing strategy carries real risk. Microsoft's exclusive game pipeline may continue to narrow the gap.
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