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Things have been weird for the Distinguished Competition Xbox the past few years. Microsoft is ostensibly a video game console manufacturer, but the way Xbox games have been getting passed around on every platform under the sun, you’d be mistaken for thinking otherwise. While Game Pass has been seeing gains recently, the hardware side of things has been stagnant for Xbox, with its Series X and S consoles sitting firmly in third place in the current console wars. With today’s news it isn’t clear if that’s going to be changing anytime soon, as Xbox consoles and games will be seeing a significant price increase. Here’s the breakdown for consoles and controllers:
This is what pricing was previously for the consoles:
- Xbox Series S 512 GB – $380 (formerly $300)
- Xbox Series S 1 TB GB – $430 (formerly $350)
- Xbox Series X Digital – $550 (formerly $450)
- Xbox Series X – $600 (formerly $500)
- Xbox Series X 2TB – $740 (formerly $600)
Games, meanwhile, will eventually rise to $80 come the Christmas shopping season. Here’s the statement from Microsoft on its support page:
As of May 1, we have adjusted recommended retailer pricing for our consoles and controllers worldwide. We also expect to adjust the pricing of some of our new, first-party games starting this holiday season to $79.99. Those titles purchased on the Xbox Store have the benefit of Xbox Play Anywhere, allowing players to buy once and play on console and PC at no additional cost.We understand that these changes are challenging, and they were made with careful consideration given market conditions and the rising cost of development. Looking ahead, we continue to focus on offering more ways to play more games across any screen and ensuring value for Xbox players.
“Market conditions” is likely a euphemism for tariffs, which impacted the pre-order window for Nintendo Switch 2. Indeed, it’s possible (and likely) that Nintendo’s aggressive price increases with Switch 2 also had an impact. Nintendo Switch 2 has a base price of $450, while many games are $70 and $80 a pop. It wouldn’t crazy to think that Microsoft and Sony both started licking their collective chops in reaction to what they considered to be Nintendo setting the new standard. Note that PlayStation 5 has seen price increases in other parts of the world in recent months, as well.
It’s all rather disheartening for consumers. Prices go up, while no discernible increase in quality seems to justify the price hike. Meanwhile, studios like Sandfall Interactive can put out premium-quality games like Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 for $30. It’s a dangerous game of chicken that the industry is playing with consumers. As Pepper Brooks once said, “It’s a bold strategy, Cotton. Let’s see if it pays off for them.”
What say you, readers? How are all these price increases impacting your spending as a consumer? Share with us in the comments and on social media!
Source: Xbox Support Page
