Key Takeaways:
- Consoles used to get cheaper over time, but now prices are rising.
- The last big price drop was in 2016 with the PS4 Slim.
- Recent consoles like the PS5, Xbox Series S/X, and Switch OLED have gone up in price.
- This trend might change how people buy consoles forever.
Consoles Used to Get Cheaper—What Happened?
For decades, buying a new console meant waiting a few years. Why? Because consoles usually got cheaper over time. For example, the PlayStation 4 launched at $349 in 2013 but dropped to $299 with the PS4 Slim in 2016. That was normal.
But now, something strange is happening. Instead of prices dropping, they’re going up. The new OLED Nintendo Switch costs $50 more than the original. The disc-free PS5 is also $50 pricier than its predecessor. And just recently, Microsoft raised the price of the Xbox Series S and X by $80 to $100. This is unheard of!
Why Did Consoles Get Cheaper in the Past?
Back in the day, consoles followed a simple rule: they got cheaper and better over time. Companies would release slimmer, faster, or more efficient versions of their consoles. These newer models were smaller, cooler, or used less power. Sometimes, they even removed unnecessary features to save money.
For example, the original PlayStation 4 was big and noisy. Then came the PS4 Slim, which was smaller and quieter. It cost less, too. That made sense because older consoles were already proven, and companies wanted to sell them to more people.
So, Why Are Prices Going Up Now?
There are a few reasons why console prices are rising instead of falling. Let’s break it down.
1. The Cost of Making Consoles Is Higher
Modern consoles are packed with cutting-edge tech. The PlayStation 5 has super-fast SSDs, and the Xbox Series X has ray tracing. These features are expensive to produce. Companies might be passing those costs on to you.
2. Inflation Is Real
Everything costs more these days, from groceries to gas. Consoles aren’t immune to inflation. Companies have to pay more for parts, shipping, and labor, and that gets added to the final price.
3. Gamers Are Willing to Pay More
Remember when consoles first launched? They were $500 or more, but people still bought