Sony raises PlayStation 5 price again and halts CFexpress card sales: everything you need to know

If you were thinking about getting a PlayStation 5, you might want to read this before saving up any further. Sony just dropped two bombshells that will hit gamers' wallets harder than we expected. First, another price hike for several console models (yes, again). Second, a full stop on sales of CFexpress memory cards, just when they were starting to look like a solid option for expanding internal storage. Let's break it down—because things are getting messy.

PS5 prices are jumping (again) starting April 2

Those who follow the market closely know this isn't the first time. But what really stings is the reason: the conflict in Iran is hammering global supply chains, and Sony has no choice but to pass those extra costs on to the end user. Starting April 2, prices for the PlayStation 5 Slim Digital, PS5 Pro, and PlayStation Portal will spike. And we're not talking pocket change—in some cases, the increase is over €100.

Here's the clear breakdown so you don't get a shock at the store:

• PS5 Slim Digital Edition: goes from €449.99 to €499.99 (€50 more).
• PS5 Pro: the top-tier model jumps from €799.99 to €899.99 (€100 increase).
• PlayStation Portal: the remote play handheld goes from €219.99 to €249.99 (€30 more).

Note that the models with a disc drive (the standard PS5) are safe for now. But let's not celebrate too soon—the geopolitical situation is still a crapshoot. If component prices rise further, don't rule out a fourth wave before the end of the year.

More trouble: goodbye to Sony's CFexpress cards

Just when the PlayStation 5 community was starting to warm up to CFexpress cards for expanding internal memory (way faster than external USB drives), Sony slammed the brakes. The company has suspended sales of these cards without warning, and worse—no estimated date for their return. If you check the PlayStation Store or any official retailer right now, you'll see "out of stock" or simply "product unavailable."

The official reason? Logistics issues with memory controllers—something we've seen from other manufacturers before. But many suspect Sony is also nudging users toward its own official internal SSD drives, which cost twice as much as a comparable CFexpress card. Either way, if you're still on a PlayStation 4 and thinking about jumping to the next generation, keep in mind that expanding storage is a headache right now. And no, adapter tricks don't always work well.

What should I do if I'm planning to buy a PS5?

My practical advice: if you can scrape together the cash before April 2, run. Current prices will hold until April 1 inclusive, but after that you'll have to pay the new amounts. I'd also suggest checking second-hand options or PlayStation Store bundles with digital games, because retailers sometimes throw in deals to soften the blow. And as for CFexpress cards… patience. Or start looking at alternative brands like Sabrent or WD Black, which haven't announced any price hikes or shortages yet.

Either way, this is just another chapter in the hardware roller coaster. The PlayStation 5 is still an incredible machine, but keeping it happy is getting more expensive by the day. The only good news is that PlayStation 4 games still run great on the new console, so at least backward compatibility has your back. For everything else, it's time to tighten your belt and mark your calendar: April 2 is coming, and your wallet has been warned.