The Real Cost of Popular Gaming Consoles Through the Years
John Stirzaker·Nov 5, 2020
After the next-gen consoles were announced, gamers were waiting with bated breath to see just how much of a dent they were going to leave in their pockets.
For the top-level consoles, families are going to have to shell out at least £500 for the system and a game which sounds extortionate – but looking at how much popular consoles have cost throughout the decades, we’re actually getting a pretty good deal!
To prove this, we’ve researched how much 33 classic consoles were when they launched and after adjusting the prices for inflation, it turns out that just over 30% of them would have cost more than the PS5 and Xbox Series X.
Console Launch Prices Adjusted for Inflation in 2020

We used digital Argos catalogues going back to 1977 to find the £RRP of the consoles at launch and worked out what they’d cost now using Bank of England’s inflation calculator.
One of the first video game systems to be brought into the home was the Atari 2600. In 1977 it would have cost families £199, which translates to a whopping £1246 in today’s money.
Other expensive consoles include the 1990 TurboGrafx 16 which cost the equivalent of £914, and the 1993 Panasonic 3DO that cost a staggering £600 at the time – around £1231 now.
This should be good news for gamers who are keen to get their hands on the new systems. The only question is which one do you choose? It’s worth taking into account the games that will be exclusive to each console, as well as subscription costs like Xbox Game Pass and PlayStation Plus.

Here’s the full data:-
amp3Code
Exclusive 10% off orders over £250 at amp3
Clifton CamerasDiscount
Up to £500 Student Cashback on selected Sony Equipment at Clifton Cameras
Tech TradeCode
10% off Orders at Tech Trade

The Latest Travel Scams and How to Avoid Them
May 21, 2025
The 2025 holiday season is in full swing, with many families jetting off for the May Half Term. But if you’re yet to book your summer getaway, we want to ensure you don’t fall victim to the latest scams circulating this summer. From AI-generated fake websites to clever twists on old tricks, scammers are becoming […]

How to Make Money from Car Boot Sales
May 20, 2025
Whether you’re a regular at your local car boot or just fancy seeing what all the fuss is about, there’s something so satisfying about spotting a little treasure among the clutter! And if you know what to look for, it’s not just about grabbing a great deal, but you could actually make a bit of […]

Top 10 UK Destination Dupes
May 15, 2025
Why travel abroad when these UK destinations offer the same scenery at a fraction of the cost? Get ready to explore breathtaking alternatives closer to home! Who says you have to break the bank to experience exotic locations? We’ve uncovered the best-kept secrets in the UK that are dupes for popular international destinations. From sun-soaked […]

20 Side Hustles You Can Start Today to Earn Extra Money in 2025
Apr 7, 2025
Looking for ways to boost your income without quitting your day job? You’re not alone. With the cost of living continuing to rise, more people than ever are turning to side hustles to top up their income, save for something big, or simply make ends meet. The good news is that there are loads of […]

How to Enjoy Easter Without Overspending
Apr 7, 2025
Easter is the perfect time to relax, get outdoors and spend time with family – but it’s easy for the costs to creep up. From Easter eggs and crafts to days out and entertaining the kids, expenses can quickly add up if you’re not careful! That’s why we’ve put together this ultimate Easter savings guide […]

The Real Cost of Glastonbury 2025 and How to Save Money This Festival Season
Apr 1, 2025
At £1,037.99 for the full five-day experience – Glastonbury 2025 is the most expensive in it’s history. Festival season is fast approaching, and for the lucky ones who managed to bag Glastonbury tickets, the countdown is officially on! But once the excitement fades, there’s one unavoidable truth – going to Glastonbury in 2025 isn’t cheap. […]

65 Quick Wins to Help Beat Awful April
Apr 1, 2025
Practical ways to save money across food, energy, bills, subscriptions and more. It’s 1st April – and for millions of UK households, ‘Awful April’ has officially arrived. From today, a wave of price rises is hitting everything from energy bills to council tax. Water bills are going up by an average of £10 a month […]

How Retailers Use Discounts to Make You Spend More
Mar 31, 2025
Retailers often rely on price drops to make customers feel excited, using ‘fake discounts’ as powerful psychological tools to drive spending. Oftentimes, discounts are genuinely good, but sometimes they’re engineered to make you buy more, even when you don’t need the item. Not only do discounts release dopamine, making shopping feel rewarding, but they also […]

Which UK Loyalty Cards Offer the Best Deals?
Mar 31, 2025
From discounts and special offers to cashback and free products – Loyalty Schemes can make a real difference to your shopping bill. Loyalty cards and reward apps have been around for years, but recently, more brands than ever have jumped on board, offering exclusive perks for customers who sign up. In some cases – like […]

Mother’s Day Gifts That Look Expensive (But Aren’t!)
Mar 24, 2025
Spring is officially in the air, meaning Mother’s Day is just around the corner for those who celebrate! Falling this year on Sunday 30th March, we’re sharing ways you can make Mum feel loved and appreciated without spending a fortune. You’ve probably already spotted the shelves packed with gifts and goodies in preparation for the […]