Sony drops PlayStation 5 Slim price for the holidays, but only for the digital edition

Sony is getting ready for the holiday shopping season with a price drop on the PlayStation 5 Digital Edition, a move designed to attract bargain-hunting gamers who aren’t bothered by the lack of a disc drive.

The discount, announced earlier this week, cuts the price of the PS5 Digital Edition from $399.99 to $349.99, making it the most affordable way to experience the current generation of Sony consoles. This price drop is specifically for the digital edition of the PlayStation 5, which doesn’t include a disc drive. This move makes sense considering that many gamers are already opting for digital downloads, but those who prefer physical media might still find the regular PS5 with a disc drive a better choice, even if the price difference is reduced.

This price reduction might also be part of Sony’s strategy to offset potential competition from upcoming gaming platforms and services. Microsoft, for instance, is already boasting the ability to stream Xbox games directly from the cloud on a wide range of devices, potentially posing a threat to console manufacturers like Sony and Nintendo.

While a $50 discount might not be groundbreaking, it’s still a welcome change for budget-conscious gamers, especially given that Sony’s console still holds the top spot as one of the most powerful gaming devices on the market. This price drop could serve as a good deal for new gamers considering buying a console or those looking for an upgrade.

This move by Sony could signal a trend for the gaming industry in general, with other console makers potentially adopting similar tactics to entice customers. However, it’s worth noting that a lower price doesn’t necessarily equate to higher sales. Ultimately, the success of this move will depend on consumer response, including whether the discounted digital edition will manage to draw more gamers in the face of other, possibly more lucrative, gaming options.