GoKawiilRising tariffs and memory costs push console prices higher heading into 2026
Gaming hardware has gotten notably pricier, with the PlayStation 5 Pro's price climbing from $700 at its 2024 launch to $900 today, and resellers like GameStop listing it above $1,400. Despite these increases, budget-friendly new consoles remain on the market for players willing to accept lower graphical performance or less conventional designs, though niche devices like the Playdate or Analogue 3D and generic Android gaming handhelds are excluded from consideration.
GoKawiil's interpretation of the reporting above, not reported fact.
The price jump suggests that broader economic pressures—import tariffs and memory shortages—are reshaping what counts as an entry point into gaming, potentially pushing cost-conscious players toward older or less powerful hardware. The mention that cheaper consoles can become costlier over time due to game pricing hints that total cost of ownership, not just sticker price, may become a bigger factor in purchasing decisions.
- PS5 Pro price rose from $700 (2024) to $900 officially, with resellers charging over $1,400.
- Tariffs and memory price surges are cited as drivers of rising console costs.
- Cheaper consoles may require trade-offs in graphics or form factor, and could cost more long-term via game pricing.
Nintendo Switch Lite — If you want a budget-friendly way to play great games without the premium price of a PS5 Pro, the Switch Lite is a solid entry point into gaming. It has access to a massive library of acclaimed titles and is compact enough for gaming on the go, making it a smart pick for anyone looking to cut costs without cutting fun.
See Nintendo Switch Lite on Amazon → Affiliate link — we may earn a commission on purchases, at no extra cost to you. Product picked by AI based on this article; it is not a tested recommendation.Source: engadget.com — Roger Fingas, 2026-10-25
Published there as: “What is the cheapest new gaming console you can buy in 2026?”
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