PS5 Price Hike Hits UK Sales as Xbox Series X|S Nearly Closes the Gap
Sony’s PlayStation 5 has long held a strong lead over Xbox in the UK console market, but new retail figures suggest that advantage took a major hit in May. Following the latest PS5 price increase, PlayStation hardware sales reportedly dropped by around 50% compared with April, while Xbox Series X and Series S sales gained momentum.
The shift was significant enough that PS5 only outsold Xbox Series X|S by roughly 400 units for the month. That is a surprisingly narrow gap, especially in a market where Sony’s console has often dominated and Xbox systems have sometimes faced limited availability at certain retailers.
The PS5 price increase appears to be the biggest factor behind the sudden slowdown. In early April, Sony raised UK prices by £90 across the standard PS5, the PS5 Digital Edition, and the PS5 Pro. While the new pricing took effect at the start of the month, some retailers were slower to update their stock, giving buyers a short window to purchase consoles at the older price.
By May, however, much of that cheaper inventory had disappeared. With the higher prices now more widely reflected across stores, many shoppers seem to have paused their purchases or looked at alternatives.
That opened the door for Microsoft. The Xbox Series X 1TB model with a disc drive is now around £70 cheaper than the standard PS5, making it a more attractive option for players comparing value, performance, and game availability.
Although Microsoft has also raised console prices in some cases, Xbox hardware currently looks more competitive in the UK. The Series S remains an especially budget-friendly entry point for players who want access to current-generation games without paying premium console prices.
Another major reason behind Xbox’s improved performance may be software. Forza Horizon 6, released on May 19, reportedly helped boost Xbox console sales during the month. The open-world racing game had a strong physical launch in the UK, debuting near the top of the sales chart and giving Microsoft a rare first-party retail success.
Xbox exclusives have not always had a major impact on hardware sales in recent years, especially as Microsoft has increasingly embraced cross-platform releases and Game Pass availability. However, the response to Forza Horizon 6 suggests that the right exclusive game can still push players toward buying an Xbox console.
Forza Horizon has long been one of Microsoft’s most popular franchises, known for its accessible racing, detailed open worlds, and broad appeal beyond traditional motorsport fans. The latest entry appears to have reminded UK players that Xbox still has major first-party titles capable of influencing console demand.
The timing could not have been better for Microsoft. With PS5 prices climbing and buyers becoming more sensitive to cost, a high-profile Xbox release gave undecided shoppers another reason to consider the Series X or Series S.
The situation also raises bigger questions about Microsoft’s future gaming strategy. Some Xbox fans believe the company could gain more ground if it kept more major titles exclusive to its own consoles, at least for a limited time. While Forza Horizon 6 is still expected to arrive on PlayStation later in 2026, its initial Xbox-focused launch appears to have delivered a clear hardware benefit.
For Sony, the May sales drop shows the risks of continued price increases, especially during a period when consumers are already cautious about spending. The PS5 remains a powerful brand with a huge player base, but higher hardware costs could slow new console adoption if rivals offer better perceived value.
The UK market may not represent the entire global console race, but it is one of the most important gaming regions in Europe. A 50% month-over-month drop in PS5 sales is difficult to ignore, particularly when Xbox came so close to matching PlayStation sales in the same period.
Whether this marks the beginning of a wider Xbox comeback or simply a temporary reaction to Sony’s price hike remains to be seen. Still, May’s numbers show that pricing, availability, and exclusive games can quickly reshape the console market.
For now, the PS5 price increase has given Xbox a rare opening in the UK, and Microsoft appears to have taken advantage at exactly the right moment.
