PS5 price increase in Japan sends Xbox consoles soaring up sales charts 

Sony’s recent announcement of PS5’s price increase in Japan seems to have sent some Japanese gamers rushing to Microsoft instead. Xbox Series X sales have soared recently, while others have rushed out to grab a PS5 before prices go up in Japan next week. 

On September 2, the Disc Edition of the PS5 will jump from 66,980 yen (about $463) to 79,980 yen (about $552), with the Digital Edition going from 59,980 yen (about $414) to 72,980 yen (about $504). In contrast to this, Microsoft’s most powerful current gen console the Xbox Series X is priced at 66,790yen (about $460), with the less powerful, digital-only Series S at 49,900yen (about $345). 

On Yodobashi, one of Japan’s biggest electronics retailers, the Xbox Series X console shot up to number 8 in the games and consoles sales chart on the morning of August 29. On the previous day, it wasn’t even in the top 100. 

Sales of all PS5 consoles have been halted across major retailers in Japan (including Sony Store, Amazon Japan, Yodobashi and Joshin), as pre-price rise stock has completely sold out since Sony’s announcement about the hike on Tuesday. At the time of writing, Yodobashi is also  out of Xbox Series X stock as well, likely due to its unexpected rise up the sales chart. 

Social media has been swamped with reactions to the PS5 price rise since it was announced, with “PS5 price increase” (#PS5値上げ) becoming a popular hashtag on X in Japan. People have been reporting successfully buying PS5 consoles, while others were disappointed to find that they were already out of stock. Many Japanese users mention the upcoming Monster Hunter Wilds as their reason for wanting to get a PS5. Reactions include “I planned to get a PS5 in September for the new Monster Hunter but then the price went up. I went to the store but they had already sold out.” and “This (price increase) is really going to hurt my friend who is saving up for a PS5 for Monster Hunter Wilds.” Monster Hunter Wilds is also coming to Xbox Series X|S and PC, however, which may have prompted some consumers to change their console-buying plans. 

“(Xbox Series X|S) is not low priced but it’s starting to look low priced” said one user. “’PS5 is (going to be) 80,000 yen! Better buy a PC instead!’ has become a hot topic, but people seem to be overlooking the fact that you can get an Xbox Series X for (approx.) 67,000yen.” one user commented on August 28. However, if Yodobashi’s sales charts are anything to go by, it seems that the lack of pre-price rise PS5 stock in stores is already influencing people’s decision to buy an Xbox Series X instead.