Cost Comparison of Xbox, PS5, & Switch Following Price Increases

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As time passes, people usually find that older video game consoles become less expensive. Over time, these consoles often transform into collector’s items or retro options. However, this year has seen an increase in prices for all major consoles due to the ongoing tariff issues in the United States. Ranging from the original Nintendo Switch to the latest models of PlayStation and Xbox consoles, gaming systems now come with higher price tags than before.

If you’re considering purchasing a new gaming console in 2025, it’s important to understand how prices have changed since the Xbox, PlayStation 5, and Nintendo Switch have all experienced price hikes. As of now, the Switch 2 maintains its original launch price, but other consoles on the market are more expensive than they were last year. Here’s a look at what you can expect to pay for a new console in 2025.

PS5 Prices in 2025

Starting from August 21st, Sony will be increasing the cost of their PlayStation 5 (PS5) consoles. Here are the anticipated prices for each model that you might have to pay by 2025:

From August 21st onwards, Sony has decided to boost the price of its PS5 gaming consoles. By 2025, this is the approximate cost you can expect for each model:

  • PlayStation 5 – $550
  • PlayStation 5 Digital Edition – $500
  • PlayStation 5 Pro – $750

These new console prices are approximately $50 more than their initial suggested retail prices in the US. Considering the disappointment among gamers when the PS5 Pro debuted at $700, these price hikes may not bode well for them again. However, it’s important to note that this increase isn’t as drastic as the one observed with Xbox this year.

The new console prices are around $50 higher than their original suggested retail prices in the US. Given the backlash from gamers when the PS5 Pro was launched at $700, these price adjustments might not be welcomed either. It’s worth mentioning that this price increase isn’t as substantial as what has been experienced with Xbox so far this year.

Instead of raising the prices of its accessories like Xbox and Nintendo have done, Sony hasn’t made such announcements yet. Consequently, although the console might cost more upfront, outfitting it completely with accessories remains at the same price as before the price hike.

Xbox Prices in 2025

This year, Xbox raised the prices for both its Xbox Series X and Xbox Series S gaming consoles. Here’s an overview of how much these devices from Microsoft will cost by the year 2025:

Earlier this year, Xbox increased the costs for its popular gaming systems, the Xbox Series X and Xbox Series S. Below is a breakdown of the expected prices for these consoles from Microsoft in the year 2025.

  • Xbox Series X – $599
  • Xbox Series S – $379

Microsoft raised the cost of their own Xbox games by approximately $10, and there are also price hikes on different Xbox accessories. Despite this, the Xbox Series S remains a competitive budget choice compared to PlayStation’s least expensive console. However, the increased costs on accessories could accumulate rapidly.

Nintendo Switch Prices in 2025

Similar to Xbox, Nintendo raised the price of their Nintendo Switch gaming console along with several accompanying accessories. Notably, this price hike comes at a time when many gamers anticipated being able to purchase the previous version at a reduced cost. However, here are the current prices for the Nintendo Switch models:

This way, I’ve simplified the text, maintained its meaning, and made it easier for readers to understand.

  • Nintendo Switch – $340
  • Nintendo Switch OLED – $400
  • Nintendo Switch Lite – $230

Price increases varied between approximately $30-$50 USD compared to earlier prices for these items. The original Nintendo Switch remains a more affordable choice among consoles, although it features older hardware as compared to the more expensive Switch 2. Notably, accessories like Joy Cons and Pro Controllers for the Switch 2 have seen an increase of around $10 in their price.

Which Console Is 2025’s Most Affordable Option?

In today’s market, with all console prices increased, finding an ideal choice can be challenging. On a simple cost comparison, the original Switch provides the most affordable overall package for its gaming system. Nevertheless, Switch accessories are quite expensive, and it is the oldest model in this selection. If you prefer less demanding and retro games, or have a preference for Nintendo games, the Switch could be an economical choice. However, as time goes on and newer games cease to be supported, it might not be the best long-term investment. Instead, if you’re a dedicated Nintendo gamer, it would be more advantageous to wait for the Switch 2, especially given the current economic conditions, since its price is unlikely to stay at $450 for much longer.

At present, neither PlayStation nor Microsoft have fully unveiled their upcoming next-generation consoles. While Xbox has announced a handheld version coming in October, details regarding a more advanced successor to the Series X|S are still unclear. There’s even speculation that such a console might not be released at all, considering Xbox’s past statements about transitioning away from traditional console development towards a different model.

As for the budget-friendly choice from Xbox right now, it seems that the Series S, despite being less powerful than the Series X, could be your best bet due to rumored pricing for the ROG Xbox Ally. The Series S offers a sizable collection of modern games at a price point not much higher than that of the Switch, making it an attractive option for many gamers.

Considering your preference leans towards high-end processing power similar to the Xbox Series X, the PlayStation 5 might be a more sensible choice given its current lower price compared to the equivalent Xbox model, while providing comparable processing power. Moreover, exclusive games unique to the PS5 are another attractive feature it offers that the Xbox lacks. Therefore, in terms of value for money, the PS5 appears to be the superior option at present. Although whispers and speculation point towards a potential PlayStation 6, we’re still uncertain about its release date or cost. Consequently, if you’re after a cutting-edge console with access to a vast library of games, the PS5 is likely your top pick, even with its increased price.

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2025-08-20 21:43