The recent unveiling of the PS5 Pro by PlayStation has sparked significant debate, largely due to its eye-popping $700 MSRP. While the new features and performance enhancements are impressive, this price point could set a troubling precedent for the future of gaming consoles.

The $700 price tag for the PS5 Pro is already shocking, but when you factor in additional costs such as tax and the optional disc drive, the total cost could easily approach $900. This marks a dramatic shift in the console market, raising concerns about whether this could redefine what consumers expect to pay for next-gen gaming systems.

Historically, console gaming has been accessible to the masses, offering cutting-edge technology at a reasonable price. For instance, the PS4, released in 2013 for $400, was a significant leap forward in gaming technology and is still delivering incredible experiences nearly a decade later. The PS4 Pro, another mid-generation upgrade, was also priced at $400, providing substantial improvements without the hefty price tag we're now seeing with the PS5 Pro.

However, with the PS5 Pro, PlayStation seems to be signaling a transition toward consoles being seen as premium, high-end devices rather than mainstream, affordable entertainment systems. This shift could have far-reaching implications, potentially changing the way the entire industry operates.

One major concern is that owning a console becomes significantly more expensive over time. Beyond the initial purchase, gamers are expected to pay for online services like PS Plus, which costs about $80 per year. Add to that the cost of accessories like the DualSense controller, which now costs $75, and the financial burden of being a PlayStation gamer continues to climb. It seems like PlayStation is pushing the boundaries of how much it can charge its loyal fanbase, all while maintaining the extra costs that come with owning a console.

PlayStation's move toward more expensive hardware is reminiscent of when it introduced $70 AAA game titles, a move that quickly became the industry standard as other companies like EA, Ubisoft, and Nintendo followed suit. Now, with the release of the PS5 Pro at $700, PlayStation is testing the waters to see how far they can push console pricing.

You can explore more about the PS5 Pro vs PS5 performance and the implications of these rising prices in this detailed comparison: PS5 Pro vs PS5: A Gameplay Performance Comparison.

This price escalation trend isn’t limited to PlayStation. The upcoming Nintendo Switch 2 is rumored to be more expensive than the original Switch, and Xbox, which has struggled in the hardware market recently, might follow suit. Instead of lowering prices to remain competitive, these companies may feel emboldened to match or exceed PlayStation’s pricing model.

This raises serious concerns about the future. Could we see the next generation of consoles, such as the PS6, debuting at $700 or more? The writing seems to be on the wall, especially given that PlayStation has continually raised prices this generation. Unlike past cycles where prices would typically drop after a few years, the PS5 has only gotten more expensive, with even accessories like the DualSense controller seeing price hikes.

The ripple effect of this pricing model could be enormous. If PlayStation is successful with the PS5 Pro’s $700 price tag, it’s likely other gaming companies will follow their lead, as we’ve already seen with the pricing of AAA games. This could lead to a future where console gaming is no longer the affordable entertainment option it once was, but rather a premium luxury reserved for those willing to pay top dollar.

Gamers could also face higher costs beyond the console itself. As companies look for more ways to maximize profits, the possibility of even more expensive games looms on the horizon. Already, there are discussions about future AAA titles launching for more than $70, and it's easy to see how the trend could extend to other aspects of gaming, from accessories to services.

In conclusion, the PS5 Pro marks a pivotal moment in the gaming industry. While it promises an unparalleled gaming experience, its $700 price tag could have long-lasting consequences, potentially pushing gaming consoles into the realm of premium, high-cost products. As consumers, we must consider how these price hikes will affect our access to future gaming systems, especially if this becomes the new standard for next-gen consoles. The question is, are gamers ready for this new era of high-priced consoles, or is this trend setting us up for a rude awakening?