Sony Slaps $100 Price Hike on Refurbished PS5 Slims as Fortnite Bundle Sells Out, Killing $399 New Console Era
Sony has raised the price of refurbished PlayStation 5 Slim consoles by $100, following last month's increase for brand-new models. The move marks the end of the $399 entry point for a new PS5, as the popular Fortnite bundle has sold out. Background on the pricing shift and what it means for gamers is detailed below.
Price Hike Details
The refurbished PS5 Slim now costs $449.99, up from $349.99. This applies to units sold directly by Sony via its official outlet. The $100 increase mirrors the earlier price hike for new consoles, which jumped from $399 to $499 in August.
Industry analyst Michael Pachter of Wedbush Securities commented: “Sony is clearly testing the market’s elasticity. With the Fortnite bundle gone, there’s no sub-$400 entry point, making the refurbished hike a logical next step.”
Fortnite Bundle Discontinued
The PS5 Slim Fortnite bundle, which launched at $399, is now listed as “out of stock” on Sony’s website. No restock is expected. A Sony spokesperson stated: “We regularly review our product lineup. The Fortnite bundle served its purpose, and we’re focused on delivering value through other offerings.”
This effectively eliminates the cheapest way to purchase a new, current-generation PlayStation 5. Consumers now face a minimum of $499 for a new console or $449.99 for refurbished.
Background
Sony raised prices for new PS5 Slim models in August 2024, citing global economic pressures and increased production costs. The refurbished price hike follows the same rationale. The company has not announced any plans to reintroduce a sub-$400 option.
Historically, Sony has offered refurbished consoles at a discount of $50-$100 below new models. The new pricing narrows that gap to just $50, reducing the incentive to buy refurbished. This is the first time refurbished PS5 prices have increased by such a margin since the console’s launch.
What This Means
For budget-conscious gamers, the path to a PS5 Slim just became more expensive. The $399 price point, which was a key marketing tool ahead of the holiday season, is now history. Buyers seeking a deal must turn to third-party refurbishers or the used market, which may carry added risk.
Industry watchers predict this could slow PS5 adoption among price-sensitive demographics. “Sony might be betting on die-hard fans willing to pay more,” said Pachter. “But it could alienate casual upgrade holders.” See the full price breakdown above.
Alternatives for Consumers
- Buy refurbished directly from Sony — now $449.99, with official warranty.
- Purchase used from retailers like GameStop — prices vary, but often under $400.
- Consider the PS5 Digital Edition — still available new at $449.99, though no disc drive.
- Wait for potential holiday bundles — though no sub-$400 options are confirmed.
Long-Term Implications
The price increases come as Sony prepares for the rumored PS5 Pro launch in late 2024. By firming up pricing on the Slim models, the company may be creating a clearer premium vs. standard lineup. This could mean the $399 price point is gone for good, at least until a future price drop.
For now, the message is clear: PlayStation 5 ownership costs more than ever. Learn about the rationale behind the hikes and how it affects your next purchase.