PlayStation on Tuesday officially confirmed the release of its latest console, the PS5 Pro, but the internet was quick to jump on the “insane” $699.99 price tag and the company's seemingly a la carte sales approach.
The PS5 Pro does indeed start at $700, but fans were outraged when they noticed that the new device didn’t come with a disc drive (an extra $80) and didn’t come with a vertical stand ($30). If you want those “add-ons,” you’ll pay around $810. With additional taxes and retail fees, the final price will be closer to $900. Despite the promise of higher frame rates and more realistic gameplay, consumers were largely unconvinced by the new device.
“$700 for a console without a disc drive is insane. I would hardly pay $800 for a console with a disc drive. $700 for a physical one would be acceptable, but at this price point, digital only is ridiculous,” wrote r/IronMunger2 on Reddit.
“I honestly hope this fades and the 'mid-gen refreshes' come to an end,” said r/terras86. “Give me a solid PS6 with a disc drive around 2028 and I'll be happy.”
“It's pretty sad about the state of this generation, because 90 percent of the games they show are playable on last gen as well,” r/Trickybuz93 said.
The criticism on Twitter was equally brutal, with Playstation fans around the world expressing their anger. “Man, it’s crazy to watch the absolutely brutal reaction Sony gamers had to the PS5 Pro reveal today,” @cptbanans marveled.
“I'm glad the average reaction I see to the PS5 Pro is that it's ridiculous and overpriced,” said @Xalentha. “I guess consumers aren't always brainless.”
My honest reaction #PS5Pro picture.twitter.com/D0IhaCYtzx
— Dan 'The Mega' Driver (@swooper_d) September 10, 2024
My reaction outdoors. La PS5 PRO 😱#PS5Pro #PlayStation #SONY pic.twitter.com/u8DmGQWWo4
— ZoDc_Ming (@ZoDc_Ming) September 10, 2024
Here's my reaction to the PS5 Pro price: pic.twitter.com/fFM9ifMTlY
— Zidanne Maulana (@ZidanneMaulana) September 10, 2024
My reaction when they looked at the price and saw that it was a digital version. #PS5Pro https://t.co/bI5Du2FqgO pic.twitter.com/yDwTeVisJl
— takopsYP (@TakopsY3PO) September 10, 2024
My cat's reaction to the PS5 Pro being priced at £700 in the UK…@PlayStationUK @PlayStation pic.twitter.com/3d2Jx9NFMn
— Jason Maddison (@PlaySushiUK) September 10, 2024
The whole episode was summed up nicely by user @nese_szn: “There is absolutely no positive feedback I've seen about the PS5 Pro…”
You can check out the PS5 Pro for yourself (or not) when it hits stores on November 7.