Xbox Console Prices See Another Increase in the US
Microsoft has officially announced a new round of price increases for its Xbox Series consoles in the United States, set to take effect on October 3rd. This adjustment comes just months after a previous price hike, raising concerns among gamers and consumers.
The company attributes the decision to “changes in the macroeconomic environment.” Despite the console price changes, Microsoft has confirmed that the cost of Xbox accessories, such as gamepads and headsets, will remain the same.
The new pricing structure for Xbox Series consoles in the US is as follows:
- Xbox Series S (512GB): Will increase by $20, from $379.99 to $399.99.
- Xbox Series S (1TB): Will increase by $20, from $429.99 to $449.99.
- Xbox Series X Digital: Will increase by $50, from $549.99 to $599.99.
- Xbox Series X: Will increase by $50, from $599.99 to $649.99.
- Xbox Series X (2TB) Galaxy Edition: Will see the steepest rise, going up by $70, from $729.99 to $799.99.
To put these changes into perspective, the Xbox Series X launched at $499.99 in 2020, while the Series S was $299.99. Over approximately five years, the price of the standard consoles has climbed by 30-33%. The special Galaxy Edition, introduced more recently, has seen a significant $200 price increase in just one year.
This latest announcement has sparked considerable debate within the gaming community. Many players are expressing frustration, especially in light of Microsoft’s recent financial successes. The company’s latest financial report highlighted an 18% increase in quarterly revenue, reaching $76.4 billion, with Xbox content and services revenue also seeing a 13% boost.
For potential buyers, this means weighing their options carefully as the consoles become more expensive. Those looking to purchase an Xbox Series X or S before the holiday season might consider doing so before the October 3rd deadline to avoid the increased prices.
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