Affordable PlayStation 5 Model Now Open for Pre-Orders

With the price of the PlayStation 5 steadily climbing since its 2020 launch, latecomers are facing a hefty $599 entry fee to dive into Grand Theft Auto 6 on PS5 this November. Unlike the usual trend where gaming consoles decrease in price over time, the current generation is defying expectations—thanks in part to speculation around generative AI. However, Sony is providing a glimmer of hope for some gamers with a new PlayStation 5 model priced around $350.

The catch? This model is currently exclusive to Japan. But if you’re up for navigating some serious hurdles, you can pre-order the new, more affordable PlayStation 5.

Earlier this month, Sony unveiled the PlayStation 5 Digital Edition Midnight Black, with pre-orders starting on October 20. Set to launch on November 19—coinciding with the release of GTA 6—this system is priced at 55,000 yen, roughly translating to about $350 in the U.S. As the name implies, this edition features a sleek matte-black finish on both the console and the included DualSense controller. It’s a digital-only model, meaning it lacks a disc drive, but with no physical version of GTA 6 on the horizon, this shouldn’t deter budget-conscious gamers.

For those who still want to play disc-based games, Sony is offering a disc drive add-on for the PS5, priced at 11,980 yen (around $75).

The original Japanese-language-only PS5 model was introduced in 2025, and this special edition aims to provide a more affordable option in Japan compared to international pricing, which is affected by import tariffs and trade policies. The Midnight Black variant is essentially the same as the Japan-exclusive PS5 released last year, just sporting a new color. Similarly, Nintendo has a Japan-only version of its Switch 2 that is region- and language-locked, retailing for 49,980 yen (about $315), significantly cheaper than the North American Switch 2, which is priced at $499.99.

However, snagging the PlayStation 5 Digital Edition Midnight Black won’t be straightforward. Online retailers like Amazon Japan restrict sales of this cheaper PS5 model outside Japan, as do platforms like Rakuten and Yodobashi. North American consumers will encounter strict limitations with the Japan-only PS5 Digital Edition. According to Sony’s support site, these models are heavily restricted: “The PS5 digital edition console supports only the Japanese console language and is compatible with Japanese PlayStation accounts (with country/region set as Japan). Accounts from other countries/regions are not supported.”

Additionally, the Japan-exclusive PS5 Digital Edition console has specific limitations.

For non-Japanese fans, a more viable option might be to hunt for a second-hand PS5 and purchase the Midnight Black console covers directly from PlayStation’s sales site.

Another smart move could be to grab a brand-new PlayStation 5 now before prices rise even further.

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