Alright, so here we go. I don’t usually blab about PlayStation, since my usual gig is all about Windows and Xbox. Still, when Microsoft decides to up the prices on consoles, games, and whatnot, even I can’t ignore how PlayStation’s suddenly looking like the better deal.
Get this: Sony’s putting out Astro Bot bundles with the PS5 Slim Digital for $399.99. That’s 50 bucks cheaper than the normal PS5 Slim, and it even comes with Astro Bot, which won Game of the Year in 2024. Who’d expect that, huh?
Now, here’s where things kind of get awkward for Xbox. The PS5 Slim Digital, with a whole terabyte of storage, sits $30 less than the Xbox Series S with a terabyte, which just shot up from $349.99 to $429.99. It’s like the pricing game turned upside down overnight.
Oh, I almost forgot — where was I? Xbox versus PlayStation! Right, yeah. So, until this week, I would’ve sworn by the Xbox Series S. I mean, I love mine to bits. It’s small, travels well, and all that jazz. But with this price hike? Makes recommending it kinda tricky, honestly. Stumbled on this PlayStation thing by accident while updating my Xbox Series S review. Funny how that happens, right?
Now, though, the 512GB Xbox Series S is up to $379.99 from $299.99, with the 1TB model even pricier. At $429.99! Meanwhile, Sony’s doing… well, better. The whole price gap thing’s shifted, and the PS5 Slim Digital at $449.99 just looks… I don’t know, shinier? And cheaper in some bundles with Astro Bot? Embarrassing? Maybe.
But listen, I’m still on Team Xbox, probably forever, thanks to Game Pass. So many games, so little time, right? Plus, there’s stuff like cross-platform buying, and Play Anywhere. Cloud saves for free? Don’t get me started.
Still, if you’re not in the Game Pass realm and you’re eyeing those PlayStation-only games—or Xbox titles like Forza and Sea of Thieves—even Indiana Jones? PS5 Slim Digital is starting to look pretty tempting.
And oh, let’s talk design for a second. The Xbox Series S? Stripped down for portability. PS5 Slim Digital? It’s packing the same punch as its disc-drive sibling, and if you want a drive later, you can slap one on.
So, if we’re talking pure value right now? Yeah, PlayStation’s got it.
