Sony’s recent price hike for the PlayStation 5 in Japan is causing ripples in the gaming market. The company has raised the price of the PS5 for the third time, with the disc model now costing 79,980 yen and the digital model at 72,980 yen. This represents a significant increase of +60% and +83% respectively since launch, driven by the fluctuating value of the Japanese yen.
This price increase seems to be prompting some Japanese gamers to consider alternatives. New sales data from Yodobashi, a popular Japanese retailer, reveals that the digital-only Xbox Series X has climbed to the #13 spot on its best-sellers chart, priced at 59,970 yen. The Xbox Series S, priced at 49,970 yen, also made the top 50 list, though at a lower #48 spot.
While this shift towards Xbox might be temporary, it underscores the impact of price changes on consumer behavior. Dr. Serkan Toto, CEO of the consultancy firm Kantan Games, believes that Japanese gamers will eventually revert to their usual purchasing habits. He predicts that this trend will be a “blip” that everyone will forget about next month.
It’s worth noting that eight different versions of the Nintendo Switch were found on Yodobashi’s top-sellers list, reaffirming the enduring popularity of Nintendo consoles in Japan. Additionally, the ASUS ROG Ally handheld gaming device secured the #8 position on the top 10 list, despite its hefty price tag of 139,800 yen. This suggests that Japanese gamers are open to exploring different gaming platforms, especially when price becomes a significant factor.
While the long-term impact of the PS5 price increase remains to be seen, this brief shift towards Xbox highlights the importance of pricing in a competitive market. It also showcases the diverse gaming landscape in Japan, with consumers exploring various options beyond the traditional console giants.
