Microsoft has made a bold and controversial move, announcing a significant price increase for its Xbox consoles and accessories, effective immediately worldwide. This decision follows closely on the heels of similar news from Sony regarding the PlayStation 5—just weeks after their announcement, Microsoft seems to be joining the fray.
Let’s break it down: the Xbox Series S 512GB model is now listed at $379.99, a substantial jump from its prior price of $299.99. The 1TB version now sits at $429.99, up from $349.99. Even more striking is the digital edition of the Xbox Series X, which has seen a staggering $100 increase. It now retails at $549.99, a significant leap from the original $449.99. The standard Xbox Series X is no longer at $499.99; it’s now selling for $599.99. And for the collectors out there, the Xbox Series X 2TB Galaxy Special Edition has taken a leap as well, soaring from $599.99 to an eye-popping $729.99.
For our friends across the pond in Europe and the UK, the new pricing looks like this: the 512GB model of the Xbox Series S will now cost £299.99 / €349.99—an increase of £50 / €50. The Xbox Series X is priced at £499.99 / €599.99, reflecting an adjustment of £20 / €50. If you’re eyeing the high-capacity 2TB Xbox Series X, be prepared to pay £589.99 / €699.99—up £40 or €50 from before.
And it’s not just the consoles feeling the squeeze in Australia, either. Here, gamers will see the Xbox Series S 512GB priced at AU$549.00, while the 1TB variant rises to AU$599.00. The digital edition of the Xbox Series X jumps to AU$749.00, with the standard version hitting AU$849.00, and the 2TB Galaxy Black Special Edition skyrocketing to AU$1,049.00.
As if that’s not enough, Microsoft is also raising the price of Xbox games to $80. They’ve emphasized that existing titles will remain unaffected, but this new pricing will apply to both physical and digital game sales. We can expect some Xbox accessories—think controllers and headsets—to follow suit shortly.
In a statement to IGN, Microsoft acknowledged the challenges these price hikes might present to consumers, assuring that such decisions weren’t taken lightly. They cited market conditions and the rising costs of development as the backdrop for these changes. They aim to remain committed to delivering more gaming options across various platforms while reinforcing value for Xbox users.
However, this announcement has sparked considerable frustration among gamers. Many feel it’s misguided for Microsoft to raise prices on hardware that’s been around for five years, especially given that Xbox sales lag behind the PlayStation brand. On top of this, there’s speculation that Nintendo’s upcoming Switch 2 titles might also see price tags climbing to $80 or even $90, compounding concerns in the gaming community.
Ultimately, it’s the consumers who carry the brunt of these price hikes. Once prices rise, they seldom return to their former levels, leaving many gamers feeling like they’re stuck in an endless cycle of escalating costs. It’s a difficult situation, and many are left wondering how long the gaming industry will continue to push these limits before they push consumers too far.
