The Pricey Future of Console Gaming

The gaming landscape is shifting fast—and not exactly in favor of our budgets. With news that GTA VI may retail for over $100 (around PHP 5,800), and Mario Kart's next iteration rumored to cost $80 (PHP 4,600), it seems the golden standard of $60 (roughly PHP 3,500) for purchasing games is all but gone. The pricing trend is sparking heated debates online, but one thing’s certain: console gaming is entering a new, more expensive era.

The two questions most gamers have now? ‘Why the sudden leap?’, and ‘Is this fair?’ Let's break it down.

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But before we do, let’s be a little thankful that not everything’s getting more expensive. Good thing a console’s mandatory partner—the TV—isn’t following suit just yet. You can still get a great deal on most TVs, and you can get the best deal for the Hyundai 65UWA8550K 65" UHD LED TV over at the Next Upgrade Shop.

The Long-Held $60 Standard

For nearly 20 years, $60 was the benchmark price for new console games in North America, effectively setting the global price standard. It didn’t matter if you were playing on the Xbox 360, PlayStation 4, or Nintendo Switch—the industry largely agreed this was the sweet spot for consumers and publishers alike. It made budgeting easier and helped set consistent expectations. 

But many forget that this standard was set in the mid-2000s—before 4K visuals, massive open-world maps, and cinematic motion capture that now rival big-budget films. As games grew more ambitious and expensive to produce, the cost to consumers remained frozen. That stability was nice while it lasted—but ultimately unsustainable.

Why Are Games Getting Pricier?

So what changed? For one, production values have skyrocketed. Modern games are multimillion-dollar undertakings involving large teams, A-list voice talent, original musical scores, and years of iterative development. 

Then there's inflation—$60 in 2005 holds far more value than it does today, meaning publishers are technically earning less per copy sold. On top of that, the shift toward live service models, frequent post-launch updates, and longer development timelines has all added financial pressure. 

The rise of digital sales and pre-order bonuses has also played a role. With more players opting for digital purchases, companies are pushing pricing boundaries by bundling early access and exclusive in-game items into deluxe editions that can cost nearly double the base price. Let’s also not forget the pandemic-era delays and global economic shifts that have compelled studios to reassess their financial strategies.

A Long Time Coming

The reality is: this price hike was a long time coming. Gamers have enjoyed nearly two decades of stable pricing, all while demanding more expansive, detailed, and content-rich experiences. When you compare a modern game to other forms of entertainment, the value proposition becomes clearer—many titles offer dozens, if not hundreds, of hours of gameplay. From that perspective, even a PHP 5,800 game can be seen as an investment rather than a splurge. Whether you’re diving into a 100-hour RPG or a fast-paced shooter, you’re still getting far more entertainment than a two-hour movie or a concert ticket. The rising prices may sting, but there’s a case to be made that the gaming industry is simply catching up to the rest of the world.

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Next Upgrade Shop is the place to score the best deals on smart TVs, gaming accessories, and more—like the Hyundai 65UWA8550K 65" UHD LED TV that’s perfect for your next gaming marathon!