Sony facing backlash over PlayStation 5 Pro's hefty price tag

Touted as a significant upgrade over the original PS5, the console will cost $699, a price many feel is unjustifiable and too expensive confirmed to its PS5 counterpart, which started at $399.99 USD.

The price reveal has sparked sharp reactions online. YouTuber Blandrew slammed potential buyers, calling them 'idiots,' while creator Mischief was even more blunt, telling Sony to 'F right off' in response to the pricing, which will end up costing significantly more in other international markets like the UK and South Africa.

Meanwhile, the price does not include a stand or disc drive, which cost extra. The exclusion of these key components is a major point of contention, with many social media users citing it as a reason they won't pay the base price.

Critics also argue the original PlayStation 5 still lacks enough first-party exclusives to justify its existence, and the pricier PS5 Pro offers even less in terms of exclusive titles.

Another reason for the backlash is the comparison to PC gaming. For the price of the PS5 Pro—especially in the UK and E.U.—gamers could invest in a high-performance PC. With Sony bringing former PlayStation exclusives to platforms like Steam, there's even less incentive to purchase the costly upgrade.

Sony has yet to respond to the widespread dissatisfaction online but it appears unlikely they will be making any changes to the pricing structure of the new PS5 Pro.