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

If you were thinking of getting a PlayStation 5, you might want to read this before you keep saving. Sony has just dropped two bombshells that'll hit gamers' wallets harder than we expected. First, another price rise for several console models (yes, again). Second, a complete halt on sales of CFexpress memory cards, just when they were starting to look like a decent option for expanding internal storage. Let's break it down – it's a proper mess.

PS5 price shoots up (again) from 2 April

Those following the market closely know this isn't the first time. But what really stings is the reason: the conflict in Iran is hitting global supply chains, and Sony has had no choice but to pass that extra cost on to the end customer. From 2 April, prices for the PlayStation 5 Slim Digital, PS5 Pro and PlayStation Portal will jump. And we're not talking a few quid – in some cases, it's over €100.

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

• 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).

Mind you, the disc-drive models (the standard PS5) are spared for now. But don't count your chickens just yet – the geopolitical backdrop is still a gamble. And if components get even pricier, 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 to CFexpress cards for expanding internal memory (way faster than external USB hard drives), Sony has slammed the brakes. The company has suspended sales of these cards without warning, and worse: no estimated date for when they'll be back. If you head to the PlayStation Store or any official retailer now, you'll see "out of stock" or straight-up "product unavailable".

The official reason? Logistics issues with memory controllers – something that's happened before with other manufacturers. But many of us suspect there's also an attempt to push users towards Sony's official internal SSD drives, which cost double what an equivalent CFexpress would. Either way, if you're one of those with a PlayStation 4 thinking of jumping to the new generation, bear in mind that expanding storage right now is a headache. And no, adapter tricks don't always work well.

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

My down-to-earth advice: if you can scrape the cash together before 2 April, get a move on. Current prices will hold until 1 April inclusive, but after that you'll have to cough up the new amounts. I'd also suggest looking at second-hand units 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 price hikes or shortages yet.

Either way, this is just another chapter in the hardware rollercoaster. The PlayStation 5 is still an incredible machine, but it's getting more expensive to keep it happy. The only good news is that PlayStation 4 games still run brilliantly on the new console, so at least backwards compatibility is pulling its weight. For the rest, it's time to tighten your belts and mark the date: 2 April is coming, wallet be warned.