Sony Holds the Line on Game Prices as Microsoft and Nintendo Push to $80

In a move that's surprised a lot of gamers, Sony is holding the line on its $70 price tag for first-party PS5 games—right as both Microsoft and Nintendo prepare to bump their prices to $80. With those two gearing up for more expensive titles, PlayStation fans are getting a rare moment of relief.

This comes after big news from both Microsoft and Nintendo confirming the hikes. Nintendo's $80 price for first-party games kicks in starting June 2025 alongside the launch of the Switch 2, and Microsoft plans to follow with a similar increase during the holiday season later that year.

Many assumed Sony would quickly follow suit, especially with major fall releases on the horizon. However, when pre-orders opened for Ghost of Yōtei to launch in October 2025, its $70 price tag remained unchanged. That detail carries weight, hinting that Sony may be holding off on a price increase until late 2025 or even beyond.

Further reinforcing this stance is the pricing of Death Stranding 2: On the Beach, another flagship PlayStation title, which also remains at $70. The move has fueled speculation that Sony is playing the long game—preserving consumer trust and goodwill while competitors test the waters with higher costs.

Despite this momentary stability, the industry consensus suggests that a price hike could still be on the horizon in 2026. However, some optimistic voices believe Sony might hold the line for the rest of this console generation.

For now, PlayStation fans have reason to feel reassured. In an industry where prices are trending upward, Sony's steady hand offers a rare win for gamers keeping a close eye on their budgets.