Why the PS5’s High Price Is Becoming a Serious Problem for Publishers

PS5's High Price Is Turning Into a Major Concern for Game Publishers

When the PlayStation 5 first launched, its premium price tag was already raising eyebrows. Years later, the conversation hasn’t gone away. If anything, the issue has only grown louder, and now even major publishers are voicing their frustration.

Capcom’s President Points to the Problem

Capcom president Haruhiro Tsujimoto recently shared his concerns about Sony’s console pricing in an interview with Nikkei, later reported by Automaton. According to Tsujimoto, the steep cost of owning a PS5 has directly affected software sales.

The comments come at a time when Monster Hunter Wilds is struggling to maintain momentum. While the action RPG broke records at launch as Capcom’s fastest-selling title, sales have slowed significantly in the months since. For Capcom, this slowdown is a warning sign.

Tsujimoto revealed that the company had designated the PS5 as the main sales platform for Monster Hunter Wilds. The expectation was that Sony’s system would carry a large portion of the game’s success. Instead, the results fell short of projections.

The Real Cost of Playing on PS5

Tsujimoto went further, breaking down why he believes the platform is a barrier for consumers. Beyond the initial cost of the hardware, players are also faced with the recurring expense of a PlayStation Plus subscription and the high price of new software. Put together, gaming on PS5 quickly becomes an expensive hobby.

This financial hurdle, he argues, is particularly tough on younger players who often lack disposable income. For them, buying the console, keeping up with subscriptions, and investing in $70 games is simply out of reach.

Not Just About Price Alone

Of course, it’s worth noting that Monster Hunter Wilds isn’t entirely blameless in its sales slowdown. Many players have reported performance problems and voiced disappointment at the lack of compelling post-launch content. Hardcore fans, in particular, feel the game has not received updates at the pace they expected.

So while the PS5’s price tag may be one part of the problem, Capcom’s own challenges with content rollout and optimization have also played a role in cooling demand.

Sony’s Position: Strong Sales Despite the Premium

Interestingly, Sony’s console continues to perform well in the market despite its premium pricing. The PS5 remains one of the best-selling gaming systems globally, and Sony has leaned into this success by releasing high-end accessories that only add to the cost of the ecosystem.

From Sony’s perspective, the strategy seems to be working. Yet, publishers like Capcom are looking at the numbers differently. For them, it’s not just about console sales but about whether enough players are willing to buy software in large volumes to sustain growth.

The Bigger Picture for the Industry

Tsujimoto’s remarks raise broader questions for the industry. If one of Japan’s largest publishers is openly criticizing the PS5’s affordability, could other companies follow? Will we hear similar frustrations from other developers and publishers who rely on mass-market sales to make their projects successful?

Historically, consoles tended to drop in price after a few years on the market, making them more accessible to a wider audience. But with inflation, rising development costs, and ongoing supply challenges, the PS5 has instead seen price hikes in certain regions. That’s a trend that may discourage casual players from jumping in, no matter how strong the game lineup is.

What Comes Next?

At the end of the day, the PS5 is both a success and a challenge. On one hand, Sony has managed to sell millions of units despite the cost. On the other hand, publishers are finding it harder to rely on the platform as their primary source of sales.

Capcom’s warning shot is a reminder that console gaming is not just about hardware sales but about building a sustainable ecosystem where games thrive. If prices remain high, publishers may need to diversify their strategies, leaning more heavily on PC and cross-platform releases to offset the risk of relying too much on one expensive console.

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Final Thoughts

The PlayStation 5 is undoubtedly a powerhouse console, but its price continues to spark debate. While Sony enjoys strong sales numbers, publishers like Capcom see the downside: fewer players willing to consistently buy games and subscriptions. Whether this concern spreads across the industry remains to be seen, but it’s clear that affordability is becoming a bigger part of the conversation around gaming’s future.