Sony Offers PlayStation 5 Console Rentals in the UK

We're over four years into the current console generation (which is probably past the halfway point), and while Sony is still selling boatloads of PlayStation 5 consoles, the price of the system is still unaffordable to many. In an attempt to make it more affordable, Sony has teamed up with a leasing company called Raylo to offer a PS5 rental solution in the UK via the country's PlayStation Direct website.

Sony has agreed with UK rental firm Raylo to rent PS5, PS5 Pro, and bundles of PlayStation accessories. The move follows the Japanese firm's struggle with distribution issues, such as PS5 disc drive shortages. Yet perhaps this new service could provide many future UK gamers with a new means of playing current-gen games without incurring a large initial cost.

As part of one of Sony's new partnerships, Raylo, a UK rental company, will rent out all variants of the PlayStation 5, the PlayStation VR2, and the PlayStation Portal. The contracts last between 12 and 36 months, while the price starts at £8.99 ($11.60) and can reach £22.49 ($29), depending on the package and contract terms. Lessees will not own the console or accessory because the transaction is for a while, but they will have the option of upgrading, renewing, or terminating the contract. Raylo also allows customers to purchase the rented device at the end of the contract, but conversion rates and charges have yet to be announced.

One of the best Raylo rent offers is the 36-month deal for the PS5 Pro, which begins at £18.99 ($24.45) a month. That adds up to £683 over three years, which is lower than the retail price of the console, £699.99, in the UK. This is a good choice for those who wish to upgrade to the PlayStation 6 when it is released because rumors have suggested that Sony's new console could be released in 2027.

It should be noted, however, that all gaming consoles come with additional costs. For the PlayStation 5, PS Plus membership and game costs could make the overall cost a few thousand pounds for a three-year contract.

One downside of Sony's new renting program is that the title of the console does not transfer to the lessee after the contract has expired. Others might argue that Microsoft did a superior job of making its console more affordable with the Xbox All Access plans, which are $40 a month for outright device ownership and a Game Pass subscription.

Nevertheless, Microsoft's All Access is not widely supported in the US and UK and is only available in certain locations. Therefore, it is still possible that Sony's new rent program could prove to be a good business move, drawing additional players to the current-gen user base for PlayStation.