A shift in the gaming hardware market sees recent console price hikes leading to rising second-hand values, breaking longstanding patterns of depreciation since launch.
For years, buying a console at launch almost guaranteed a loss a few years later, with second-hand prices typically slumping well below retail as slimmer or faster revisions arrived. That pattern is now breaking down. According to Journal du Geek, the current generation is unusual because several consoles are holding or even gaining value as manufacturers push through steep price increases across the market.
Sony opened the latest round in April, when it raised PS5 prices in several regions. The company said the standard PS5 rose to €649.99 in France, while the PS5 Pro moved to €899.99 and the digital edition to €599.99. Sony said the increases reflected pressure in the global economic environment, and its PlayStation blog said the move was needed to keep delivering high-quality gaming experiences.
Microsoft followed with even sharper increases in Europe and the UK, with prices rising by roughly 25% to 30%, depending on the model. PC Gamer reported that the 512GB Xbox Series S climbed to €499.99 and the 1TB version to €599.99, while the Series X disc model reached €799.99. Tom’s Hardware linked the repricing to shortages of memory and storage components, which it said have been strained by demand from AI data centres, while also noting that Microsoft has been contending with weaker hardware sales.
Nintendo has not been immune either. Journal du Geek said the Switch 2 is set to rise in Europe to €499.99 from September, an increase that reinforces the broader trend of consoles becoming more expensive rather than cheaper over time. That has made used machines more attractive, especially for buyers who want to avoid paying hundreds more for new hardware. But the publication also warned that anyone hoping to make a clean profit by flipping a console may be disappointed, because replacing it at today’s prices can quickly wipe out the gain. Sony says its supply is secure into early 2027 despite the memory crunch, but the article argues this generation may still be remembered as a rare exception in gaming history.
Disclaimer: This content is intended for informational purposes only. Readers are advised to exercise their own judgement, conduct due diligence, or consult a qualified expert before acting on any information provided.
