Global Xbox Series X Price Hike Amid Rising Costs 

The PS5 Pro is Now More Affordable Than the Xbox Series X 2TB

Along with a significant Xbox Series X price increase, Microsoft announced yesterday that it is increasing the price of most Xbox products. This includes consoles, controllers, headsets, and video games. Most of the prices, including markups, were updated yesterday. Microsoft blames market conditions and the rising cost of development as the primary reasons for the price increase of the Xbox Series X. 

How Much is the Xbox Series X Price Jump?

The global price hikes include a substantial price hike for the Xbox Series X and Xbox Series S. The Xbox Series X price jump is the most significant, with a $100 increase for both the digital and standard models. The Xbox Series X 2TB model’s price has surged by $130, making it more expensive than the PS5 Pro. As of now, Sony has not increased the cost of the PS5, but considering the macroeconomic conditions, it is not out of the question. 

The Xbox Series X now costs %599.99 in the US, while the Xbox Series S (512GB) costs $379.99. The limited 2TB Galaxy Black Series X hits $729.99. Prices have increased similarly in Europe as Microsoft works towards standardized global Xbox pricing. 

Along with the price increase for the Xbox Series X, Microsoft has also raised the cost of Xbox accessories and games. Wireless headsets are priced at $119.99, and controllers start at $64.99. As a relief to users, the Xbox Game Pass remains unaffected by the price increase. Xbox games will be priced around $80, reflecting a price alignment across the industry. 

Why Has the Xbox Series X Price Increased?

The new trade tariffs are a big contributor, along with the ongoing inflation. The economic pressure has impacted production costs, which is why Microsoft had to revise the Xbox Series X price. Sony is also expected to make similar forced adjustments to pricing soon, as the Xbox vs PlayStation price debate intensifies. 

The gaming industry has shown a mixed response to the Xbox Series X price increase. Some understand the financial pressure, while others are worried about the gap the price change will create between casual and hardcore gamers. 

Economic uncertainty due to the ongoing tariff wars has affected several industries, including the tech sector. The price of the Nintendo Switch 2 has recently drawn criticism, but the company maintained that such a high price was unavoidable amid current economic conditions. 

The Xbox Series X price increase aside, the Series S price hike is the first since the console launched in 2020. Microsoft was then committed to maintaining prices, even back in 2022 when Sony raised prices on the PS5. The Xbox Series X price was increased in 2023 for many countries but not the US. 

Conclusion

While the price hike is astonishing, it’s not surprising. Sony did exactly this in the US, Europe, Australia, and New Zealand last week, marking the second time in three years. The Xbox Series X price increase signifies a major shift in the brand’s strategy to avoid being affected by global economic uncertainty. 

Despite major price adjustments, Microsoft remains committed to value, innovation, and delivering high-end performance with the Xbox Series X and Xbox Series S. The gaming industry’s inflation is hitting consumers the hardest, and it’s an expensive time to be a gamer, regardless of which console you use. 

About the Author: Sarah Zimmerman is a seasoned crypto and Web3 news writer passionate about uncovering the latest developments in the digital asset space. With years of hands-on experience covering blockchain innovations, cryptocurrency trends, and decentralized technologies, she strives to deliver insightful and balanced news that empowers her readers. Her work is dedicated to demystifying complex topics and keeping you informed about the ever-evolving world of technology.