Sony hikes PlayStation 5 prices again and pauses CFexpress card sales: everything you need to know

If you've been thinking about getting a PlayStation 5, you might want to read this before saving any more. Sony has just dropped two major announcements that'll hit gamers' wallets harder than we expected. First up, another price increase for several console models (yes, again). Second, a complete halt on sales of CFexpress memory cards, just as they were becoming a solid option for expanding internal storage. Let's break it down – there's a lot to unpack.

PS5 prices are jumping (again) from 2 April

If you've been following the market closely, you'll know this isn't the first time. But what really stings is the reason: the conflict in Iran is disrupting global supply chains, and Sony has had no choice but to pass those extra costs on to customers. From 2 April, prices for the PlayStation 5 Slim Digital, PS5 Pro, and PlayStation Portal will jump. And we're not talking small change – we're looking at increases of up to €100 or more in some cases.

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

• 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).

Keep in mind, the disc drive models (the standard PS5) are spared for now. But don't celebrate too soon – the geopolitical situation is still a gamble. If component costs rise further, don't rule out a fourth price wave before the end of the year.

More trouble: goodbye to Sony CFexpress cards

Just when the PlayStation 5 community was starting to warm up to CFexpress cards for expanding internal storage (they're much faster than external USB hard drives), Sony has slammed on the brakes. The company has suspended sales of these cards without any warning – and worse, there's no estimated date for when they'll be back. If you check the PlayStation Store or any official retailer right now, you'll see "out of stock" or straight-up "product not available".

The official reason? Logistical issues with memory controllers – something that's happened with other manufacturers before. But many of us suspect there's also an attempt to push users toward Sony's official internal SSD drives, which cost twice as much as an equivalent CFexpress card. Either way, if you're currently on a PlayStation 4 and thinking about making the leap to the next generation, know that expanding storage right now is a real 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 2 April, act fast. Current prices will hold until 1 April inclusive, but after that you'll have to pay up at the new rates. I'd also suggest looking at second-hand units or PlayStation Store bundles with digital games – sometimes retailers throw in deals to soften the blow. As for CFexpress cards… patience. Or start looking at alternative brands like Sabrent or WD Black, which haven't announced any price hikes or stock shortages yet.

Either way, this is just another chapter in 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 holding things together. For everything else, it's time to tighten our belts and keep a close eye on the date: 2 April is coming, and your wallet has been warned.