Sony has quietly increased the price of the original game on its PlayStation Store, and it is now much higher than many had expected.
Since 2018, Horizon Zero Dawn: Complete Edition has been sold online for US$20. However, Sony bumped the price to US$40 on September 25, a day after announcing the upcoming remastered version. The change didn't go unnoticed, with gaming site @GamePittReviews spotting the difference first.
Oh PlayStation... I enjoy your platform but why do you have to counter good things with really bad ones??
They've secretly raised the price of Horizon Zero Dawn on PS4 from £15.99 to £34.99 - so you dont grab the PS5 version for £25.99 once the upgrade goes live.
Why @Guerrilla pic.twitter.com/EthlUAUC2d
— GamePitt - Detailed Game Reviews (@GamePittReviews) September 25, 2024
For those who already own the game's original version, there's still a chance to upgrade to the remastered edition for an additional US$10. This applies whether you have a disc or digital copy of the game on PlayStation or PC. However, for new players, the remastered version will cost US$49.99 if purchased digitally on the PlayStation Store, Steam, or the Epic Games Store.
Sony hasn't tried to keep this new pricing structure under wraps. In fact, in their blog post, they clearly state, “For new fans, the game can be purchased for US$49.99 on the PlayStation Store, Steam, or Epic Game Store.”
Cheaper options are still available
If paying US$50 for the remastered version feels too steep, you have some options to lower the cost. Players might be able to find a physical disc copy of the original game or purchase a key for the PC version at a lower price from third-party sellers.
For those who own the PlayStation 4 version, the original disc copy will still work with the remastered edition. Sony confirms that even the standard PS4 disc version will allow you to play the remastered game if the disc is left in the drive. This, of course, assumes that you own a PlayStation console that has a disc drive.
What's new in the remastered edition?
The remastered version promises “stunning new visuals and enhanced features” to the game. Sony has released an announcement trailer showing players what to expect in this upgraded edition. Improved graphics and better performance are among the features that will make the remastered edition stand out from the original version.
However, with the higher price point, many players are still determining whether these enhancements are enough to justify the cost. If you're on the fence about upgrading or purchasing the remastered version, you might want to wait for more in-depth reviews or gameplay videos after its release on October 31.
Whether or not you decide to invest in the remastered edition, it's clear that Sony is banking on the popularity of Horizon Zero Dawn to draw in both new players and returning fans.
