It is no secret that gaming hardware has become increasingly expensive. Unlike previous console generations, the ninth cycle has seen prices climb over time rather than dip. Sony’s PlayStation 5 has undergone two separate price increases since its debut—first in August 2025 and again this past April. Consequently, the PS5 Digital Edition has jumped from $399 to $599, while the Standard Edition (equipped with a disc drive) has surged from $499 to $649. With the highly anticipated arrival of Grand Theft Auto 6 set for November 19, many gamers who have held off on upgrading since 2020 are now feeling the pressure to finally make the switch to current-gen hardware.
Surprisingly, you can find excellent deals on PS5 consoles in a place you might not expect: PlayStation Direct, Sony’s official storefront. The site currently lists several refurbished PS5 models at significant discounts, and every unit is backed by a 12-month manufacturer’s warranty. If you are looking to upgrade your setup without shelling out $600 to $900, this is a reliable route to take.
If you don’t mind opting for a previous model that still offers nearly identical performance, the most budget-friendly choice is a refurbished original PS5 with an 825 GB drive and disc tray, priced at $399. In comparison, the newer PS5 Slim with a 1 TB drive currently retails for $649. That is a $250 savings—a substantial discount for a console that simply occupies a bit more space under your TV. Even if the disc drive isn’t a priority, this remains one of the most cost-effective, legitimate ways to acquire the system.
Other discounted offerings at PlayStation Direct include the refurbished PS5 Slim Digital Edition for $499 and the refurbished PS5 Slim Standard Edition for $549. While the site does not currently list a refurbished version of the original digital-only model, inventory can fluctuate, so it is worth keeping an eye on the page.
Source: Polygon
