Microsoft formally raised the price of their hotly requested gaming consoles, Xbox Series X and Series S. For UK users and users of the US and many other countries, this is a game-changing situation. The Xbox Series X with 1TB of storage now costs just £20 more than it did in the UK and £500 for a 512GB model. The Galaxy Black version of 2TB is now available for £589.99, a £40 increase. Similar to its more budget-friendly sibling, the Xbox Series S, which is also available, has seen a huge price hike as well. Jumped up £50 to cost £299.99 in the UK. That said, the US price for the Series X has increased by $100 and stands at $599.99.
Why Are the Xbox Series X Prices Going Up?
Rising production and development costs are the main reason for the price hikes. Thus, making consoles with Microsoft has become more expensive, as changes in the global market have made things more expensive. One of the big reasons is the tariffs placed on goods that are imported to the US from China, where most of the console parts are made. These tariffs have disrupted supply chains and increased these costs. In fact, inflation affects prices around the globe, including electronics. Mixing all these things has caused Microsoft to increase the retail price of its Xbox console.
Are Xbox Games Really Costlier As Well?
Sadly, yes, not only are the consoles getting more expensive, it is every day life itself. Secondly, Microsoft has also announced that some of its new Xbox games will be more expensive. Price for first-party Xbox titles — built by Microsoft studios — is going up to $79.99 in the US. The current price is $10 higher than the standard price of $69.99. Prices in the UK, although as yet unknown, should follow a similar increase. Wireless controllers and headsets may also be affected by price increases, though not as high.
What Does This Mean for Gamers?
This news isn’t easy coming to many gamers. Spending more on consoles and games is not good, with inflation and higher living costs already squeezing wallets. That said, the drop in sales of Xbox hardware is already 6% in the last quarter, a possible indication that people are waiting to buy. But overall, Microsoft’s gaming division is doing well because of the enduring appeal of games like Minecraft and Call of Duty, and the start of the year with a lot more Xbox Game Pass subscribers.
Should You Buy Xbox Series X Now or Wait?
If times force you to make a purchase a bit earlier just to avoid future price increases, this could be the perfect time to buy a console. If you’re buying a console, you’ll be paying more than you would before, but maybe just in time before the price increases. Or, others may wait to see if deals appear during big sales events such as Black Friday or holiday promotions. In either sense, why you want the latest console and your budget are the only reasons why you are going to make the same decision. For now there is no change to the price of Xbox Game Pass, which is a slightly happier place for those who desire a large library of access to games without trying to buy them all after all.
Final Thoughts
As is becoming more and more common in the tech and gaming industry, this rise in prices is simply a sign of things to come. The upcoming release of the Nintendo Switch 2 is going to be something to watch, as competitors watch, seeing how they respond. For them, carefully choosing purchases, buying bundles, and never missing a discount is more important than ever.
