Sony raises PlayStation 5 prices 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 just dropped two bombshells that are going to hit gamers' wallets harder than we expected. First up, another price hike for several console models (yes, again). Second, a complete halt on sales of CFexpress memory cards, just as they were starting to look like a solid option for expanding internal storage. Let's break it down – the mess is real.

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 no choice but to pass that extra cost on to the end consumer. From 2 April, prices for the PlayStation 5 Slim Digital, PS5 Pro, and PlayStation Portal will jump. 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-tier 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).

Heads up: the models with disc drives (the standard PS5) are safe for now. But don't count your chickens too fast – the geopolitical situation is still a wild card. 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 up 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 – there's 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 simply "product not available".

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 twice as much as an equivalent CFexpress. Either way, if you're one of those with a PlayStation 4 and thinking of making the jump 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 down-to-earth advice: if you can scrape together the cash before 2 April, move fast. Current prices will hold until 1 April inclusive, but after that you'll have to fork out the new amounts. I also suggest looking at second-hand units or PlayStation Store bundles with digital games – sometimes retailers throw in deals to soften the blow. And about those 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 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 work great on the new console, so at least backwards compatibility is pulling its weight. For everything else, we'll have to tighten our belts and keep a close eye on the date: 2 April is coming, and our wallets have been warned.