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Sony Raises PS5 Prices in US for First Time, Citing Economic Pressures

Sony Interactive Entertainment has announced what it calls “a difficult decision” – PlayStation 5 console prices in the United States will increase by $50 to $100 across all models starting August 21, marking the first time the console has seen a price hike in its largest single market.

New US Pricing Structure
The updated retail prices for PS5 consoles in the US are:

PlayStation 5: $549.99 (up from $499.99)
PlayStation 5 Digital Edition: $499.99 (up from $399.99)
PlayStation 5 Pro: $749.99 (up from $699.99)

Breaking a Four-Year Pricing Hold

This price adjustment represents a significant shift for Sony’s US strategy. While the company has previously raised PS5 prices in multiple regions – with some areas like Europe and Oceania experiencing price increases twice, in both 2022 and 2025 – the American market had remained untouched until now.
The US market’s immunity to price increases made sense given its status as gaming’s largest single territory, but mounting economic pressures have finally forced Sony’s hand.

Economic Realities Force Sony’s Hand

Sony attributes the price increase to “global economic challenges,” though the company likely faces a perfect storm of cost pressures. Beyond widespread inflation affecting manufacturing and logistics costs, the US market faces additional complications from recent tariff policy changes and currency fluctuation impacts that have squeezed Sony’s margins.

This move suggests that even major console manufacturers aren’t immune to the broader economic headwinds affecting the tech industry. For consumers, it means that the PS5 ecosystem just became notably more expensive to enter, with even the entry-level Digital Edition now crossing the $500 threshold.

The timing of this announcement, coming over four years into the PS5’s lifecycle, indicates that Sony held off on US price increases as long as financially viable – but those economic pressures have finally reached a tipping point that even the world’s largest gaming market can’t escape.

https://blog.playstation.com/2025/08/20/playstation-5-price-changes-in-the-u-s

©2025 Sony Interactive Entertainment (SIE). All Rights Reserved. Sony Interactive Entertainment (SIE) and the Playstation logo are registered trademarks in the US and/or other countries.

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TGS 2025 Blew Our Minds: Forza in Japan, a New Yakuza, and Why the Future of Gaming Looks Incredible

Tokyo Game Show 2025 has wrapped, and what a show it’s been! The halls were buzzing with excitement, the cosplayers were out in full force, and we got a thrilling glimpse into the future of gaming. From massive announcements by industry giants to hands-on demos of some of the most anticipated titles, TGS 2025 did not disappoint. Here’s our breakdown of the biggest news and the games that left us hyped.

Japan Takes Center Stage

This year’s TGS had a distinctly Japanese feel, with many developers and publishers paying homage to the host country’s rich culture and history. Microsoft came out swinging with a showcase that put Japan in the spotlight. We got the official reveal of Forza Horizon 6, and it’s taking us to the neon-drenched streets and scenic mountain passes of Japan! The announcement trailer was a jaw-dropping tour of what’s to come, and we can’t wait to get behind the wheel in 2026.

But the Japan-centric announcements didn’t stop there. We got a look at the “Heavenly Spear” expansion for Age of Mythology: Retold, which will introduce Japanese gods and monsters. And for all you FPS fans, Call of Duty: Black Ops 7 will be dropping players into new multiplayer maps set in Tokyo and the Japanese countryside.

Of course, the other big players brought their A-game as well. Sony’s booth was a PlayStation paradise, with a heavy focus on their upcoming first-party titles and the latest for PSVR2. Capcom gave us a deeper look into the world of Monster Hunter Wilds, while SEGA sent fighting game fans into a frenzy with a teaser for a new Virtua Fighter project. Square Enix and Bandai Namco also had a strong presence, showcasing their upcoming RPGs and announcing Code Vein 2, respectively.

Hands-On with the Most Hyped Games of TGS 2025

While the big announcements were exciting, the real thrill of TGS is getting to go hands-on with the games. We were lucky enough to get some playtime with some of the most talked-about titles on the show floor. Here are our impressions:

Hyrule Warriors: Age of Imprisonment

Get ready for another round of 1-vs-1,000 action in the land of Hyrule! This new installment in the Hyrule Warriors series, coming to the Nintendo Switch 2 on November 6, 2025, is everything you’d expect and more. The gameplay is as chaotic and satisfying as ever, and the new story has us hooked. Slicing through hordes of Moblins with our favorite Zelda characters never gets old.

Yakuza Kiwami 3 / Yakuza 3 Gaiden: Dark Ties

The Dragon of Dojima is back! We got to experience the stunningly remade streets of Okinawa and Tokyo in Yakuza Kiwami 3. The combat feels better than ever, and the added story scenes bring even more depth to this beloved classic. But the real surprise was Dark Ties, a brand-new side story focusing on the enigmatic Yoshitaka Mine. This two-in-one package, releasing on February 12, 2026, is a must-have for any Yakuza fan.

Silent Hill F

Prepare to be terrified all over again. Silent Hill F, the latest entry in the legendary horror series, is a chilling return to form. Set in 1960s Japan, the game’s atmosphere is incredibly unsettling, thanks to the masterful sound design by Akira Yamaoka and a story penned by the renowned Ryukishi07. We only played a short demo, but it was enough to give us nightmares. Silent Hill F is out now, and we highly recommend playing with the lights on.

Ghost of Yotei

As massive fans of Ghost of Tsushima, we had high expectations for its standalone sequel, and Ghost of Yotei did not disappoint. This action-adventure epic, set in the beautiful and brutal landscape of 17th-century Hokkaido, is a visual masterpiece. The new protagonist, Atsu, is a force to be reckoned with, and her quest for revenge is both thrilling and emotional. Mark your calendars for October 2, 2025, because this is one game you won’t want to miss.

Final Fantasy Tactics: The Ivalice Chronicles

A true classic returns! This expanded remaster of the beloved strategy RPG is a dream come true for fans. With updated graphics, full voice acting, and some welcome quality-of-life improvements, Final Fantasy Tactics: The Ivalice Chronicles is the definitive way to experience this masterpiece. Whether you’re a returning veteran or a newcomer to the world of Ivalice, this is a must-play when it releases on September 30, 2025.

That’s a wrap on our TGS 2025 coverage! The future of gaming is looking bright, and we can’t wait to get our hands on all these amazing titles. Stay tuned for our full reviews and more in-depth coverage in the coming months.

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PS5

Astro Bot Gets Even More Adorable with New Limited Edition DualSense Controller

Sony Interactive Entertainment has just dropped some exciting news for PlayStation fans and Astro Bot enthusiasts alike. The gaming giant announced that a special limited edition DualSense wireless controller themed around the beloved platformer will hit shelves on October 30th.

This isn’t just any ordinary controller release – it’s the “DualSense Wireless Controller – Astro Bot Joy Edition,” and it’s putting a fresh spin on the charming robot that captured hearts worldwide. Pre-orders kick off on September 12th, with the controller priced at HK$668 (approximately $80 USD) in Hong Kong.

What Makes This Controller Special?
While this limited edition shares most of its DNA with the Astro Bot-themed controller that launched alongside the game in September 2023, there’s one key difference that makes all the difference. The tiny robot eyes on the touchpad have been redesigned from their original round shape to adorable crescent moon eyes, giving our mechanical friend an even more joyful expression.

The controller’s design philosophy centers entirely around Astro, the plucky little robot protagonist that made Astro Bot one of the most celebrated PS5 exclusives. The main body and analog sticks sport a clean white finish that mirrors Astro’s chassis, while the grip areas feature eye-catching metallic blue accents that perfectly capture the robot’s distinctive color scheme.

But the attention to detail doesn’t stop there. The controller includes tech-inspired groove patterns that cleverly mimic robotic construction details, making it feel like you’re holding a piece of futuristic hardware. The directional pad and face buttons glow with Astro’s signature blue lighting, while the touchpad serves as the star of the show – featuring a faithful recreation of Astro’s face complete with those now-iconic crescent eyes.

For fans of Team Asobi’s critically acclaimed platformer, this controller represents more than just a gaming accessory – it’s a celebration of one of PlayStation’s most endearing mascots and a testament to the joy that Astro Bot brought to players around the world.

©2025 Sony Interactive Entertainment. All Rights Reserved. Sony Interactive Entertainment and the PlayStation logo are registered trademarks in the US and/or other countries.

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Multi

Indonesian Adventure Game Kejora Delayed to Avoid Hollow Knight: Silksong Competition

In a surprising move that highlights the indie gaming landscape’s competitive nature, Indonesian developer Berangin Creative and publisher Soft Source have announced that their narrative puzzle adventure game Kejora will be pushed back from its original September 4, 2025 release date to January 8, 2026. The reason? They want to steer clear of Hollow Knight: Silksong’s massive launch impact.

Strategic Repositioning in a Crowded Market

This delay decision showcases the harsh realities facing indie developers in today’s gaming market. With Silksong generating unprecedented hype and occupying the same release window, the team behind Kejora made the tactical choice to find clearer waters for their launch.

“This is a difficult but necessary decision,” the development team explained. “We believe this will provide Kejora with a better platform to debut as it deserves and receive the full attention of players.”

A Game That’s Evolved Through Development

Kejora’s journey to release has been anything but straightforward. Originally announced back in 2021, the project has undergone several transformations, shifting from its initial side-scrolling shooter concept to its current form as a narrative-driven puzzle adventure. Despite these pivots, the game has maintained its core appeal: stunning hand-drawn visuals inspired by Studio Ghibli’s distinctive art style, infused with rich Southeast Asian cultural elements.

Set in a seemingly peaceful village harboring dark secrets, Kejora promises to deliver a story where residents continue their daily routines while mysteries unfold beneath the surface. The game’s hand-crafted animation and art direction have been praised for authentically capturing Southeast Asian aesthetics in ways rarely seen in gaming.

Expanding Platform Reach

The delay brings some silver lining for potential players. When Kejora finally launches, it won’t be limited to just Steam. The game will simultaneously arrive on Epic Games Store, Nintendo Switch, PlayStation 4 and 5, and Xbox Series X|S, significantly broadening its potential audience.

This multi-platform approach reflects the team’s ambition to showcase Southeast Asian storytelling to a global audience across all major gaming ecosystems.

A Testament to Regional Game Development

The developers view Kejora’s evolution as more than just a single game’s journey. “From the 2021 side-scrolling shooter concept to today’s narrative puzzle adventure, Kejora’s growth reflects our passion for Southeast Asian cultural heritage and demonstrates the innovative potential of game developers in the region,” they stated.

The team expressed gratitude to their patient fanbase, acknowledging that community support has motivated them to polish the experience further. For an industry where cultural representation often takes a backseat to broader appeal, Kejora represents an important step in bringing authentic regional storytelling to the global stage.

While the wait just got longer, this strategic delay might ultimately serve both the game and its audience better, allowing Kejora to claim the spotlight it deserves when it launches across all major platforms in early 2026.

©2025 Berangin Creative and Soft Source Pte Ltd. All Rights Reserved. Soft Source and the Kejora logo are registered trademarks in the US and/or other countries.

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