The Price of Progress: Examining the PS5 Pro's Cost in Historical Context

The world of gaming consoles has forever been marked by significant price tags, reflecting both advancements in technology and consumer demand. Sony's PlayStation 5 Pro, which was revealed recently, has stirred conversations about its expensive price point amid comparisons with past consoles. As gaming enthusiasts ponder the financial implications, it's important to evaluate these figures in light of previous releases and their corresponding features.

The PS3 remains Sony's priciest console when accounting for inflation, though unlike the $700 PS5 Pro, it didn't impose an additional $110 for separate accessories like a disc drive and vertical stand. The PS5 Pro was introduced today with a staggering price of $699 USD, yet when adjusted for inflation, it does not actually hold the title of the most expensive PlayStation device ever. That title still belongs to the PS3, which was Sony's initial HD console and did not levy extra costs for features such as the disc drive and vertical stand.

Following the announcement of the $699 PS5 Pro's pricing and its November 7 release date in a presentation featuring lead PS5 architect Mark Cerny, Sony later elaborated in a blog post that the UHD Blu-ray disc drive and vertical stand will be obtainable as additional purchases. The current PS5 drive, which was introduced as an upgrade option for the digital version of the PS5 Slim, will work with the new model, though it will require an $80 payment. There has been no verification regarding whether the existing vertical stand will function with the PS5 Pro, but it’s likely that you'll need to pay the current price of $30 for the stand.

Immediate responses to the PS5 Pro pricing brought back memories of the PS3's price revelation, which sent waves of shock through the gaming community at $599 back in 2006. When adjusted for inflation, this is approximately $934 today; however, at least the PS3 included a cutting-edge Blu-ray drive as a standard component. Furthermore, a separate vertical stand was unnecessary since it could stand upright by itself!

Shortly after its release, the PS3 fell behind the well-established and much more affordable Xbox 360, prompting a price drop of $100 within a year of its launch. The dynamics were notably different back then. If you're seeking a more budget-friendly option for a PS5 experience, the original model remains available. The Pro version caters to players willing to invest significantly for enhanced capabilities.

While the PS5 Pro boasts the highest introductory cost of any console from Sony, it is not the most expensive ever made. The unfortunate 3DO made its debut in 1993 at $699, and the well-known Phillips CD-i entered the market in 1991 priced between $800 and $1,000, depending on the version. Even earlier, the Atari 2600's modest launch price of $190 in 1977 would equate to nearly $1,000 today. This context underscores that although the PS5 Pro is indeed pricey, such figures are not unheard of in the console gaming landscape.

If you’re looking for an extensive analysis of the specifications between the PS5 and PS5 Pro, check out our guide for complete information. Moreover, if you've come to a conclusion, find out how you can secure a pre-order for your PS5 Pro.