The prices for Sony’s PlayStation consoles, adjusted for inflation, provide an interesting perspective on how the cost of gaming has evolved over time. Here’s a look at the inflation-adjusted prices for each major PlayStation console:
| Console | Original Launch Price | Inflation-Adjusted Price |
|---|---|---|
| PlayStation 1 (PS1) | $299 | $613 |
| PlayStation 2 (PS2) | $299 | $545 |
| PlayStation 3 (PS3) | $499 – $599 | $778 – $934 |
| PlayStation 4 (PS4) | $399 | $522 |
| PlayStation 5 (PS5) CD Version | $499 | $596 |
| PlayStation 5 Digital Edition | $399 | $476 |
| PlayStation 5 Pro | $699.99 (estimated) | – |
| PlayStation Portable (PSP) | $249 | $401 |
| PlayStation Vita (PS Vita) | $249 | $348 |
These inflation-adjusted prices reflect how the purchasing power of money has changed over the years, illustrating that while the nominal prices of consoles have varied, the real cost to consumers has remained relatively stable. The PS3 stands out as having the highest inflation-adjusted price, which aligns with its reputation for having a controversial launch price. Meanwhile, the PS1 and PS2, both originally priced at $299, show significant inflation-adjusted increases, highlighting their affordability at launch compared to today’s standards.
Here are inflation adjusted prices for mainline PlayStation consoles since launch:
— Geoff Keighley (@geoffkeighley) September 10, 2024
PS1: $611 (1995)
PS2: $546 (2000)
PS3: $778 (2006)
PS4: $538 (2013)
PS4 Pro: $522 (2016)
PS5: $606 (2020)
PS5 Pro: $699 (2024)
