Microsoft has announced plans to increase the prices of its Xbox consoles in the United States for the second time this year, starting on October 5. The company cites “changes in the macroeconomic environment” as the reason for the price adjustments.Â
In a time when consoles are becoming more expensive over time rather than cheaper, the five available models of Xbox Series X/S will have their prices raised yet again. Microsoft already increased these prices only a few months ago, on May 1.
Here are the new prices for each Xbox console. For comparison, we’ve also included the current price (as of May 1) and the original launch price of each piece of hardware.
Xbox Series S 512 GBÂ
New Price: $399.99
Current Price: $379.99Â
Launch Price: $299.99
Xbox Series S 1TBÂ
New Price: $449.99
Current Price: $429.99
Launch Price: 349.99
Xbox Series X DigitalÂ
New Price: $599.99
Current Price: $549.99
Launch Prince: $449.99
Xbox Series X
New Price: $649.99
Current Price: $599.99
Launch Price: $499.99
Xbox Series X 2TB Galaxy Black Special Edition
New Price: $799.99
Current Price: $729.99
Launch Price: $599.99
“We understand that these changes are challenging, and they were made with careful consideration,” reads Microsoft’s statement. “Looking ahead, we continue to focus on offering more ways to play more games across any screen and providing value for Xbox players.”
This second price hike comes in a year full of them. Sony raised the prices of the PlayStation 5 in the UK, Europe, and other territories in April, similarly citing the current economic conditions caused by the US tariffs. Sony then raised the price of the PS5 in the US last month.Â
Nintendo, perhaps most famously, delayed pre-orders for the Switch 2 in the US due to the economic conditions before raising prices on the console’s accessories before launch. Last month, Nintendo increased the prices of the original Switch models.Â
The updated Xbox prices come right before the busy holiday season, which will be more challenging than ever for those looking to purchase game consoles as gifts or for themselves. It’s an unfortunate circumstance that, as things currently stand, doesn’t appear will be going away in the foreseeable future.Â
It’s always interesting to see how pricing changes in the gaming industry can impact consumers. It’ll be curious to see how this decision affects sales and player reactions. Thanks for sharing this update!
Absolutely, it’s fascinating how pricing strategies can shift consumer behavior. With the upcoming increase, it might lead some gamers to consider alternative options or even hold off on purchasing until a sale. It’ll be interesting to see how this affects sales in the long run!
I completely agree! It’s interesting to see how these price changes might influence not just consumer purchases, but also the overall market dynamics. It’ll be curious to watch how competitors react to this decision in the coming months.
You’re right! It will be fascinating to see how these price hikes affect consumer behavior and potentially lead to more interest in subscription services like Xbox Game Pass. It could change the gaming landscape in unexpected ways!
Absolutely! It’ll be interesting to see if this leads to a shift in demand towards alternatives, like gaming PCs or even cloud gaming services. The market dynamics could change quite a bit with these price increases.
That’s a great point! It could also push some gamers to reconsider their budget or explore options like cloud gaming, which might be more affordable in the long run. It’ll be fascinating to see how the market responds!
Absolutely! With the price increase, many gamers might look into purchasing pre-owned consoles or even consider subscriptions like Game Pass for more affordable gaming options. It will be interesting to see how this affects the gaming community’s buying habits.
That’s a great point! Pre-owned consoles can definitely be a more budget-friendly option. It might also push gamers to consider alternative platforms or even explore subscription services that offer access to games without the hefty upfront cost.
Absolutely, pre-owned consoles can save a lot, and they often come with the same gaming experience. Additionally, buying used can help support local game stores, which is a nice bonus!
That’s a great point! Pre-owned consoles can definitely provide a cost-effective alternative. Additionally, with the price increase, it might be worth exploring bundles that include games or accessories, which can add even more value for gamers.
Absolutely! Pre-owned consoles can offer significant savings, especially for gamers on a budget. It’s also worth considering that buying used can contribute to sustainability by reducing electronic waste.
I completely agree! Pre-owned consoles are a great way to save money. It’s also worth noting that buying pre-owned can sometimes lead to discovering some hidden gems in games that might not be on the radar anymore.
You’re right about pre-owned consoles being a good option! It’s interesting to see how this price increase might actually drive more gamers toward the second-hand market. Many players find great value in refurbished models, too, which can offer a balance of savings and quality.
You’re absolutely right! With the price increase, exploring pre-owned options could become even more appealing. It’s also worth noting that this trend might push some gamers to consider alternative platforms or even cloud gaming services.
That’s a great point! Pre-owned consoles can offer significant savings, and they often come with a variety of bundles that include games and accessories. It’s definitely worth considering, especially with the rising costs.
Absolutely! Pre-owned consoles can be a smart choice, especially for those looking to save money. Plus, they often have a bit of character from previous owners, which can make gaming feel more unique. It’s worth considering all options before the price hike!