PS4 up 50.00 for Canadian Retailer

Many years ago when there was a huge discrepancy between the value of the Canadian and US dollar, games and consoles in Canada were significantly more expensive then the United States.  However, over the last generation, the Canadian-US dollar has almost been at par because of a failing US economy coupled with a strong Canadian economy.

Unfortunately for Canadians, a resurgence in the US economy has once again created a gap between prices in Canada and the United States.  New games now retail in Canada for 69.99 instead of the usual 59.99.  Sony released a statement last week informing Canadian retailers and consumers that the PS4 will receive a price increase, from 399.99 to 449.99.

What will be interesting to see in the coming weeks is if Microsoft, who has not announced a price increase in Canada, can increase console sales as they now potentially have the cheaper install base.

With a 13% tax in Ontario, the price of a PS4 is now 508.50.  If you were to include one of the popular Sony exclusives such as a copy of Infamous: Second Son for 79.08, you would have a retail install base of roughly 588.00.  An Xbox One with Titanfall in Ontario would cost 565.00.

If Microsoft decides to leave their console price where it is in Canada, perhaps the Xbox One can catch up in nationwide sales.  I also wonder if we will see similar increases around the world.