PS5 Consoles Are Reportedly Getting a Storage Downgrade, and Indian PlayStation fans should understand how this affects pricing, storage, and day-to-day gaming.
Sony’s PlayStation 5 has dominated the global gaming scene since its launch in November 2020, becoming the highest-selling console of this generation. However, recent reports have raised concerns for Indian gamers and PlayStation enthusiasts worldwide. According to trusted gaming leaker Billbil-Kun, PS5 Consoles Are Reportedly Getting a Storage Downgrade, which may impact players who rely heavily on digital downloads.
The PS5 Digital Edition, which lacks a physical disc drive, has always been popular among gamers who prefer buying and downloading titles directly from the PlayStation Store. Starting 13 September 2025, the console is expected to ship with only 825GB of SSD storage instead of the previous 1TB in Europe and Japan.
For digital-only users, this change is significant. Modern AAA games like Call of Duty, Spider-Man 2, and Final Fantasy titles can easily take up over 100GB each. With system files also consuming part of the SSD, actual usable space may fall closer to about 670GB. That means Indian gamers may only be able to store five to six large games at once before needing to uninstall or purchase additional SSD storage.
Despite the downgrade, the PS5 Digital Edition will reportedly keep its European price tag of €499, which roughly translates to around ₹49,000–₹50,000 (final Indian MRP can vary due to duties and retailer margins).
Earlier in 2025, U.S. prices moved up as well. Converting to approximate Indian Rupees:
• PS5 Digital Edition – from $449 (~₹37,500) to $499 (~₹41,700)
• PS5 Standard Edition – from $499 (~₹41,700) to $549 (~₹45,900)
• PS5 Pro – from $699 (~₹58,500) to $749 (~₹62,700)
In Europe, the PS5 Digital Edition also saw a hike from €449 to €499 earlier this year. While official Indian pricing may differ, the overall trend indicates higher costs across regions.
Analysts believe that reducing SSD capacity could be Sony’s way to avoid another direct price hike in certain regions. Instead of charging even more, the company trims storage while keeping sticker prices the same. For Indian gamers—who already see higher MRPs due to import costs—this can feel like paying the same or more but getting less value out of the box.
Sony isn’t alone in price shifts. Microsoft has increased Xbox console prices, and Nintendo’s upcoming Switch 2 is expected to arrive at a higher price point than some anticipated. Subscription services and even game prices have seen worldwide jumps.
In June 2025, for example, Sony increased PS4 and PS5 game prices in Brazil and Turkey. When converted, new tags in those markets equated to roughly ₹6,000–₹7,300 per game. While India hasn’t mirrored those exact adjustments, currency fluctuations and global policy changes can influence future pricing here.
It’s not all negative. Sony announced a special Astro Bot-inspired DualSense controller launching on 30 October 2025. If it follows the $80 global tag, Indian buyers can expect around ₹6,500–₹7,000, subject to local taxes and availability.
Additionally, Sony highlighted 007 First Light, an upcoming third-person action game by IO Interactive, during a focused State of Play segment—good news for Bond fans looking for fresh PS5 content.
Two immediate implications stand out. First, storage management becomes crucial: with only 825GB on the Digital Edition, frequent downloaders must juggle installs or expand storage. A decent PCIe Gen4 NVMe SSD with a heatsink can cost around ₹10,000–₹15,000 or more in India, depending on brand and capacity.
Second, long-term costs may rise. Even if console MRPs don’t spike immediately here, reduced internal storage can push buyers toward upgrades sooner, adding to the overall cost of ownership.
The headline that PS5 Consoles Are Reportedly Getting a Storage Downgrade is disappointing—especially for Indian gamers who already face higher MRPs and limited retail discounts. While this may help Sony manage costs amid tariffs and inflation, it inevitably reduces value on the Digital Edition.
That said, the PS5 still delivers exceptional first-party titles, rapid load times, and robust hardware. If you plan to buy one, watch for festive bundles, bank offers, and storage deals to offset the smaller SSD. For digital-only players, budgeting for an NVMe SSD from day one could ensure a smoother, uninstall-free experience.
