PS5 Pro Deal Offers Console for £17 a Month - But You'll Never Actually Own It
Sony has partnered with the tech rental subscription service Raylo to launch PlayStation Flex, a leasing programme that offers the PS5 Pro from as little as £16.99 per month. However, the scheme has faced significant backlash from gamers who have discovered they will not own the console at the end of the agreement, sparking outrage across online communities.
How PlayStation Flex Works
The PlayStation Flex initiative is promoted as a 'limited time only' proposition, providing various fixed-term agreements of 12, 24, and 36 months, along with a rolling monthly option for what is described as 'ultimate flexibility'. Beyond consoles, the programme includes peripherals such as DualSense controllers and the PSVR2 headset, offering a comprehensive gaming setup without the need for a large upfront payment.
For the most affordable rates, the PlayStation 5 Digital Edition with 825GB of storage starts at £9.95 monthly, while the disc-equipped PS5 with 1TB memory begins at £11.59 per month. Packages that combine these consoles with two DualSense Wireless controllers cost just £1 extra monthly. However, the PS5 Pro arrangement carries a heftier price tag, starting from £16.99 monthly, as reported by All Out Gaming. It is important to note that these lowest prices require a commitment to a 36-month agreement.
The Catch: No Ownership After Payments
Upon completing the monthly instalments over the agreed duration, users are presented with three options: they can retain the console while continuing monthly payments, exchange it for an upgraded device without additional charges, or terminate the subscription and return their PS5. This means that fans paying £16.99 monthly over three years will fork out a total of £611 without actually owning the console at the end.
While Flex does offer a purchase option, the terms are subjective to each agreement, requiring customers to contact Raylo at the end of the contract to discuss a purchase payment for the console they chose. This lack of guaranteed ownership has led many to criticise the scheme as misleading or exploitative.
Gamer Backlash and Criticism
The scheme has sparked fury among PlayStation enthusiasts, with Reddit users expressing unanimous disdain. One user pointed out that the PS5 Pro's retail price is around £700 from Sony, but can be found for less at other retailers, such as Argos at £670 or Amazon sellers at £630 on sale. They argued, 'It's not that much of a saving for something you'll never own. And that's just at face value. I'd not be shocked if there's some language around fees etc if it's not returned in a particular condition.'
Another user declared, 'IMO it's a scam. I can see a lot of hard up parents falling into to get their kids a PS5 for Christmas but that's nothing new sadly.' A third chimed in, 'Of course, it's a scam, leasing, renting or taking credit on something always make you pay more in the end. It only makes sense for essential purchases too big to be paid directly like a house.' Others referenced the saying, 'You'll own nothing and you'll be happy!' highlighting broader concerns about consumer ownership trends.
Alternative Perspectives and Company Response
Despite the criticism, some users presented an alternative view. One commenter noted, 'I don't think it's a bad deal. Get it now, play all the games you want over 3 years and by then next gen is probably out. Resell value is a trade off vs being able to own it and play it now + full insurance.' They added that if one could secure the three-year price for a one-year term, it might be a fantastic deal for temporary access.
A Raylo spokesperson defended the scheme, stating, 'PlayStation Flex, offered through Raylo, is a subscription service - not a way to own a console outright. It is designed for people who want flexible access to premium consoles without committing to long-term ownership. Subscribers pay a low monthly subscription instead of a large upfront cost and can return their console at any time or upgrade when new products are released - which is why customers love it.' PlayStation has been contacted for further comment on the matter.
