Here’s how much a PlayStation cost in 1996 compared to 1996. 2026

We may receive a commission on purchases made from links.

Console prices are getting pretty high, and it doesn’t seem like a trend that’s going to end anytime soon. What’s more surprising is how much each system has cost historically, especially across Sony’s console lineup. However, if you take into account inflation, the value approaches the price you would pay for a classic PlayStation 5 console in 2026. The PlayStation 1, released in September 1995 for North America, launched at $300 and was eventually marked down to $200 in May 1996.

Adjusted for inflation using August 2026 data from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics calculator, the introductory price becomes $655.97 based on its 1995 price, and after the first reduction it was $427.82. In comparison, the PlayStation 5 has also changed a bit; the console is well within its lifespan and the PlayStation 6 is potentially around the corner. The 2020 introductory price for a PlayStation 5 Disc Base Edition is $500 ($400 for the Digital Edition). After inflation, these figures come to $643.50 and $514.80, respectively. For reference, Best Buy sells the PlayStation 5 Disc Edition (slim, 1TB) for $650, while the Digital Edition costs $600 since Sony adjusted prices in April 2026.

The toughest comparison is the cost of the PlayStation 5 Pro and PlayStation 1. Sony hasn’t released extra premium versions of the PlayStation 1 like it did with the PlayStation 4 Pro and PlayStation 5 Pro. The high price of the PlayStation 5 Pro in 2026 is therefore expected; the console launched at $700, then increased to $900 after a price hike – which is much higher after accounting for inflation, since the initial price would be around $743.24.

The PlayStation 1 is still considered a collector’s item, considering its age and the amount of time that has passed since Sony stopped making the more than 20-year-old console. Unless you’re trying to get an unopened PlayStation 1 with the original retail box, getting one isn’t as much of a hassle. Retro vGames sells used PlayStation 1 consoles for $216 to $260 at regular prices. On eBay, it’s even cheaper: if you’re lucky, you can get one for less than $100. It’s more about the seller you buy from and the shipping costs, as there isn’t always a printed guarantee that these consoles are fully functional and have been tested.

In such cases, it is best to read the return policy before purchasing, in case the product you receive is not as advertised. Although the PlayStation 1 console has aged since its release in 1995, it has undergone a few model revisions throughout its life cycle. So it’s no surprise that you can get a PlayStation 1 without breaking the bank. Likewise, other retro consoles can be had cheaply, at less than $150, if you’re not particularly picky about the model’s revision and condition.