Sony Announces Cheaper Japanese-Language Only PS5 Just for Japan
In a strategic move to bolster its presence in the Japanese gaming market, Sony has unveiled a Japanese-language only version of the PlayStation 5 Digital Edition, exclusively for Japan. This announcement was made during the recent State of Play Japan broadcast, where the company revealed that the new model will retail for 55,000 yen (approximately $350) and is set to launch on November 21, 2025. This release mirrors a similar approach taken by Nintendo earlier this year with the Japanese-language-only model of the Switch 2, which was also offered at a discounted price to cater specifically to the Japanese audience. The introduction of this more affordable PS5 variant is part of Sony’s broader strategy to increase sales and expand the PlayStation user base in a competitive market.
For context, the standard PS5 with a disc drive is currently priced at $549.99 in the U.S., while the PS5 Digital Edition retails for $499.99. Additionally, the recently announced PS5 Pro comes in at $749.99. Notably, all three models saw a price increase in the U.S. back in August, making the new Japanese-language PS5 Digital Edition an attractive option for local gamers looking for a more budget-friendly alternative. As of now, the PS5 has sold 84.2 million units globally, with 3.9 million units sold in the three months leading up to September 30. Although this figure is impressive, it falls slightly short of the PS4’s performance, which sold over 86.1 million units within the same timeframe after five years on the market.
The announcement at State of Play Japan didn’t stop with the PS5; Sony also revealed a new 27-inch PlayStation Monitor featuring Variable Refresh Rate (VRR) support and a dedicated charging station for the DualSense controller. Furthermore, fans were treated to the unveiling of the first DLC expansion for FromSoftware’s critically acclaimed game, Elden Ring, titled “Nightreign.” This flurry of announcements highlights Sony’s commitment to enhancing its gaming ecosystem and engaging with its audience, particularly in Japan, where localized offerings are increasingly essential for success. As the gaming landscape evolves, Sony’s targeted approach may very well help it regain momentum in a market that has shown fierce loyalty to its gaming brands.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DxO6KQQ9u5k
Sony has announced a Japanese-language only PlayStation 5 Digital Edition just for Japan.
Revealed during its State of Play Japan broadcast, the cheaper 825GB PS5 Digital Edition costs 55,000 yen (approx. $350) and comes out on November 21, 2025.
It’s a similar proposition to
the Japanese language-only Switch 2 model
Nintendo released at a discounted price in Japan earleir this year.
For comparison’s sake, the base PS5 with a disc drive currently costs $549.99 in the U.S., while the PS5 Digital Edition costs $499.99. The PS5 Pro, meanwhile, costs $749.99.
All three went up in price in the U.S. back in August
.
Releasing a cheaper PS5 model in Japan will be a key part of Sony’s strategy to expand sales of the console and grow PlayStation’s userbase. Earlier today,
Sony announced the PS5 had sold 84.2 million copies at the five year mark
, having shifting an additional 3.9 million units during the three-month period ending September 30. That means the PS5 is slightly behind the PS4, which had sold-in to retailers more than 86.1 million units after five years on sale.
The cheaper Japan-only PS5 wasn’t the only new hardware Sony announced at State of Play Japan. It also confirmed
a 27-inch PlayStation Monitor, with VRR support and DualSense charging hook
. Other notable announcements include
the first DLC for FromSoftware’s Elden Ring Nightreign
. Here’s everything announced at
State of Play Japan
.
Wesley is Director, News at IGN. Find him on Twitter at @wyp100. You can reach Wesley at wesley_yinpoole@ign.com or confidentially at wyp100@proton.me.
