The PS5 price barrier has become a major headache for game developers, and Capcom just dropped some eye-opening insights about how console costs are affecting Monster Hunter Wilds sales. Despite selling 10 million units, the game fell short of expectations, and the reasons might surprise you.
The Shocking Reality Behind PS5 Price Barrier
Capcom President Haruhiro Tsujimoto recently revealed that the PS5 price barrier is “unexpectedly large” when it comes to reaching potential players. In Japan, a PS5 costs around 80,000 yen (roughly $540). But here’s where it gets interesting – when you factor in games and monthly subscriptions, that number jumps to about 100,000 yen ($675).
That’s not pocket change, especially for younger gamers who make up a huge chunk of the Monster Hunter fanbase. Tsujimoto pointed out that this pricing challenge isn’t just a Japanese problem – it’s happening worldwide.
Why Console Pricing Matters More Than Ever
Think about it this way: Monster Hunter World, which has been around for seven years, now sells for just $9.90. Meanwhile, Monster Hunter Wilds launched at $70. That’s a massive price jump that makes many potential players think twice before hitting the buy button.
The PS5 price barrier becomes even more significant when you consider that there are roughly 80 million PS5 consoles out there – similar to PS4 numbers when World launched. Yet sales still fell short of expectations. This suggests the problem isn’t console availability, but affordability.
The Nintendo Switch 2 Advantage
Here’s where things get really interesting. Nintendo’s Switch 2, released in June 2025 at 49,980 yen ($335), received a much better response than Capcom expected. That’s nearly half the cost of a PS5, making it significantly more accessible to casual gamers and younger audiences.
This price difference highlights how the PS5 price barrier extends beyond just the console itself. It’s about creating an ecosystem that everyday consumers can actually afford.
The Real Impact on Game Sales
What makes this situation particularly frustrating for developers is that they’re dealing with multiple pricing hurdles simultaneously:
- High console entry costs
- Premium game pricing ($70 for new releases)
- Ongoing subscription fees
- Additional accessory costs
These combined factors create what industry insiders are calling the “console barrier effect” – where potential customers get priced out before they even start gaming.
How Developers Are Adapting
Capcom isn’t just complaining about the PS5 price barrier – they’re actively working on solutions. Tsujimoto mentioned that the company is developing strategies to leverage future sales and discounts throughout the year.
This approach makes sense when you consider that many successful games today rely on long-term sales strategies rather than just launch week numbers. The key is finding ways to reach price-conscious consumers when the barriers become more manageable.
The Broader Industry Response
Other developers are watching Capcom’s situation closely. The PS5 price barrier issue affects everyone, from small indie studios to major publishers. Some are exploring alternative platforms, while others are reconsidering their pricing strategies entirely.
The success of more affordable gaming options like the Steam Deck and upcoming Switch 2 suggests that consumers are increasingly prioritizing value over cutting-edge graphics.
What This Means for Gamers
For players, the PS5 price barrier conversation reveals some important trends. Gaming is becoming more expensive, but it’s also becoming more diverse in terms of platform options. Smart consumers are weighing their choices more carefully than ever.
The good news? Competition between platforms usually leads to better deals and more consumer-friendly policies over time. As companies recognize these pricing challenges, we’re likely to see more flexible approaches to both hardware and software pricing.
Looking Ahead
The PS5 price barrier situation with Monster Hunter Wilds serves as a wake-up call for the entire gaming industry. While 10 million sales would have been considered incredible just a few years ago, today’s market demands are different.
Companies that can solve the accessibility puzzle – whether through smarter pricing, better payment plans, or alternative platforms – will likely dominate the next phase of gaming growth.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why is the PS5 price considered a barrier for Monster Hunter Wilds?
The PS5 costs around 80,000 yen in Japan, and when combined with games and subscriptions, the total reaches about 100,000 yen – an amount that’s difficult for many consumers, especially younger players, to afford.
How does the PS5 price barrier compare to other consoles?
The Nintendo Switch 2, priced at 49,980 yen, costs roughly half as much as a PS5, making it significantly more accessible to budget-conscious consumers and contributing to better-than-expected sales response.
Did Monster Hunter Wilds sell poorly because of console pricing?
While the game sold 10 million units, it fell short of Capcom’s expectations. The company attributes this partly to the PS5 price barrier limiting access to potential players who want the game but can’t afford the console.
Is the PS5 pricing issue only affecting Japan?
No, Capcom’s president confirmed that the PS5 price barrier exists not just in Japan but also in overseas markets, making it a global challenge for game sales and console adoption.
How is Capcom planning to address the PS5 price barrier?
Capcom is developing strategies to leverage future sales and discount opportunities throughout the year, aiming to reach more players when pricing becomes more manageable through promotions.
Will console pricing affect future Monster Hunter games?
Given the positive response to the more affordable Switch 2, Capcom may consider platform strategies that prioritize accessibility, potentially influencing where future Monster Hunter titles are released or how they’re priced.
Final Thoughts
The PS5 price barrier issue highlights a fundamental shift in gaming economics. While technology advances, making consoles more powerful and expensive, consumer purchasing power hasn’t kept pace. Companies that recognize and adapt to this reality will be best positioned for long-term success.
For Monster Hunter Wilds and similar big-budget games, the challenge isn’t just creating great content – it’s ensuring that content can reach players regardless of their economic situation. The industry’s response to this challenge will likely shape gaming for years to come.