PS5 sales rise in April 2026

In April 2026, PlayStation 5 (PS5) sales in the US rose significantly. The spike can largely be attributed to customers rushing to buy a console before Sony’s price increase takes effect.

Price increases and sales trends

Although the PS5 has been on the market since November 2020, its sales are currently tracking alongside those of the PlayStation 4 (PS4). During the week ending April 4, 2026, PS5 sales hit their highest point of the year as customers rushed to buy ahead of the upcoming price hikes. The base price of the PS5 Digital Edition is now $599, up from $499. The PS5 Pro has seen an even steeper increase, rising from $749 to $899.

Competition with Nintendo Switch 2

In the first months of 2026, the PS5 outsold the Nintendo Switch 2 for two months in a row. That is especially notable given that the Nintendo Switch 2 is outperforming the original Switch over comparable launch windows. It points to Sony’s console holding a strong competitive position, despite the impressive performance of Nintendo’s latest system.

Financial impact of DRAM shortages

The ongoing shortage of DRAM, a crucial component for gaming hardware, has also affected console prices and availability. Customers who had been on the fence about buying a PS5 appear to have made up their minds quickly, as prices could climb even further in the future. Compared with the same period last year, total US spending on video game hardware has nearly doubled.

With plenty of new games launching in 2026, including the PS5 exclusive Saros on April 30, the PS5’s game library is also getting a major boost. It’s clear that Sony’s console continues to draw significant interest, despite the challenging conditions across the industry.