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PlayStation's Days of Play sale kicks off today, the brand's annual discount season that typically sees pretty decent savings applied to everything from consoles to games. 2026 isn't your typical year, though, and amongst PS5 price increases, the one deal I was waiting for has failed to materialize.
While we normally see PS5 bundles throwing in the game-du-jour with an extra discount applied (typically $50 to $100), Sony isn't including any of its consoles in its 2026 Days of Play event. That means you're still paying $600 for the cheapest option. But hold on. Anyone looking to dive into the PS5 ecosystem this week shouldn't even be looking at new devices in the first place.
That's because, ever since the PS5 price went up earlier this year, the best value sits with the brand's own certified refurbished models. Unfortunately, my go-to has been swept off the shelves already (the OG console was available for just $399), but you'll still find the Slims back at their previous MSRPs. That means $499 for a Digital Edition (now $599 new) and $549 for the Disc Edition (now $649 new).
Of the two, I'd always recommend hitting the disc version. You should already be looking at this model if you have any old physical PS4 games you're still playing, but opting for the full console means you're not locked into Sony's own digital storefront. With second-hand game prices and physical game sales at your disposal, there's plenty more room to save on expensive titles.
Sony's Certified Refurbished devices come with a 12-month warranty and still include a DualSense controller and all the necessary cables in the box, so you're all set up to get going with extra peace of mind as well.
- See the full Sony Days of Play event at PS Direct
Why are there no PS5 deals in Sony's Days of Play sale?
Simply put, because they only just raised the price of the damn thing. Component shortages have hit the entire industry with cost increases in the last year, with the RAM crisis having fuelled surging rates on everything from individual components to PS5 consoles (and the Switch 2's price is set to rise in September).
It's far more expensive to manufacture PS5 consoles these days, a cost that's been transferred onto the consumer since April 2026. That's why renewed models can still go for their previous MSRPs - Sony hasn't had to pay inflated RAM and SSD costs for these units, they were already in the market.
These consoles aren't technically in Sony's Days of Play sale, but if you're doubling down on discounts the brand is dropping $20 off a range of DualSense controllers with $30 off the DualSense Edge, kicking $100 off the PlayStation VR 2, and $40 off the Pulse Elite headset.
On top of that, Ghost of Yotei and Death Stranding 2 Collector's Editions are $100 off right now, and prospective PS Plus members can scoop up to 33% off 12-month subscriptions as well.
Days of Play Controller deals
Days of Play headset deals
When does Days of Play end?
Sony's Days of Play sale is running until June 10 this year, which gives us just over two weeks to make the most of the sale. That's inline with previous years, when we've had a solid couple of weeks in discount territory. Of course, we've always had console bundles and savings to take advantage of during that time as well as the controller, game, and headset offers available today.
For more console offers, check out the best Nintendo Switch bundle deals or take a look at the latest gaming laptop deals for something more PC-focused.
