Sony Launches Japan-Only PS5 at $357, Undercutting Global Pricing
Sony Interactive Entertainment unveiled a region-locked PlayStation 5 Digital Edition exclusively for the Japanese market, priced at ¥39,980 ($357) — a 45% discount versus the global $499 MSRP. The console becomes available November 21 through domestic retailers, with preorders opening Thursday.
The strategic pricing mirrors Nintendo's successful Japan-first approach with Switch hardware generations. Hideaki Nishino, CEO of Sony Interactive Entertainment, emphasized accessibility for Japanese gamers during the announcement livestream: "We want many players in Japan to enjoy the PS5 and its great lineup of games."
This localized pricing follows Sony's 2022 global PS5 price hikes, which were implemented to offset Trump-era import tariffs. The MOVE signals Sony's attempt to regain market share in a territory where Nintendo has dominated console sales for three consecutive hardware generations.
