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 saving up any further. Sony has just dropped two bombshells that are going to hit gamers' wallets harder than we expected. First, another price hike for several models of their console (yes, once again). Second, a complete halt on the sale 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 there's a lot to unpack.

PS5 price shoots up (again) starting April 2

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 no choice but to pass on that extra cost to the end consumer. From April 2 onwards, prices for the PlayStation 5 Slim Digital, PS5 Pro, and PlayStation Portal will jump all at once. And we're not talking chump change — in some cases, the increase exceeds 100 euros.

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-end model jumps from €799.99 to €899.99 (€100 increase).
• PlayStation Portal: the remote play handheld goes up from €219.99 to €249.99 (€30 more).

Mind you, the models with a disc drive (the standard PS5) are spared for now. But let's not celebrate too soon, because the geopolitical situation is still a rollercoaster. And if components get even more expensive, don't rule out a fourth wave before the year ends.

More trouble: goodbye to Sony's CFexpress cards

Just when the PlayStation 5 community was starting to look favourably at CFexpress cards to expand internal memory (much faster than external USB hard drives), Sony slammed the brakes. The company has suspended the sale of these cards without any warning, and worse — there's no estimated date for when they'll be back in stock. If you head to the PlayStation Store or any official retailer right now, you'll see either "out of stock" or straight-up "product not available".

The official reason? Logistics issues with memory controllers, something that's happened before with other manufacturers. But many suspect there's also an attempt to push users towards Sony's official internal SSDs, which cost twice as much as an equivalent CFexpress card. Either way, if you're one of those with a PlayStation 4 and were thinking of making the leap to the next generation, keep 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 practical advice: if you can scrape together the money 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 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 stock shortages yet.

In any case, 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 great on the new console, so at least backwards compatibility has your back. Other than that, it's time to tighten the belt and keep a close eye on the date: April 2 is coming, and your wallet has been warned.