Level Up or Game Over? Console Prices up 69%
The gaming world is facing a massive boss battle, and this time it’s not on your screen. Thanks to looming tariffs, console prices up 69% could become a harsh reality for American gamers, making next-gen hardware feel more like a luxury item than ever before.
Tariffs and the 69% Price Hike: What’s Behind the Surge?
President Trump’s administration has hit pause on a series of reciprocal tariffs, but the freeze ends soon. If tariffs return, the Consumer Technology Association warns that console prices up 69% could be the new normal. With 87% of consoles imported from China-now facing a 145% tariff-the average price per console could jump by as much as $428. That means a $600 PlayStation 5 could shoot up to over $1,000, and Xbox and Nintendo devices would follow suit.
The Ripple Effect: Fewer Consoles, Fewer Games, Less Music
A price jump this steep doesn’t just hit your wallet. If console prices up 69% become reality, U.S. consumers would spend $12 billion more on consoles, but buy 73% fewer units. That means fewer new gamers, less demand for fresh titles, and a ripple effect that could hurt indie developers and even the music collaborations that power epic game soundtracks. With fewer blockbuster launches, there’s less opportunity for artists to reach new fans-so don’t forget to tune in to our three streaming stations for your gaming music fix.
Panic and Price Hikes
The industry isn’t waiting to see if console prices up 69% will happen-they’re already taking action. Microsoft has raised Xbox Series prices by up to $130 in the U.S., and Nintendo bumped up accessory prices for the Switch 2. Sony increased PlayStation 5 prices in Europe, Australia, and New Zealand, and analysts expect a U.S. hike if tariffs stick. Nintendo President Shuntaro Furukawa warned that if tariffs change significantly, further price adjustments are inevitable.
Nostalgia Mode
For older gamers, this feels like a throwback to the ‘90s, when only the most dedicated could afford the latest console. If console prices up 69% become the norm, many will have to hold off on upgrades, and the next-gen experience could be out of reach for a huge chunk of players.
Final Level: Should You Buy Now or Wait?
With the tariff freeze ending soon, now might be the best time to grab that console you’ve been eyeing. If the worst-case scenario hits and console prices up 69% become reality, upgrading could cost you nearly double. Stay tuned to The Bridge for updates, and keep your soundtrack loaded on our streaming stations while we all wait for the next move in this high-stakes game.
