Xbox Consoles and Games Hit with Price Hikes: What You Need to Know
Microsoft has dropped a bombshell on gamers, announcing hefty price increases for its Xbox Series consoles and some first-party games. The new console prices are effective immediately, while the game price bumps will kick in this holiday season. If you’ve been eyeing a new Xbox or some big releases, here’s the rundown on what’s changing.
Console Prices Are Climbing
The price tags on Xbox Series S and X models are jumping across the board, with the US and Europe seeing significant hikes. In the US, the increases range from 20% to over 26%, while Europe’s bumps are a bit less steep, hovering between 9% and 16.67%. Here’s how it breaks down:
US Price Changes
Product | Old Price (USD) | New Price (USD) | Increase (%) |
---|---|---|---|
Xbox Series S 512GB | $299.99 | $379.99 | 26.67% |
Xbox Series S 1TB | $349.99 | $429.99 | 22.86% |
Xbox Series X Digital | $449.99 | $549.99 | 22.22% |
Xbox Series X | $499.99 | $599.99 | 20.00% |
Xbox Series X 2TB Galaxy Black Special | $599.99 | $729.99 | 21.67% |
Europe Price Changes
Product | Old Price (EUR) | New Price (EUR) | Increase (%) |
---|---|---|---|
Xbox Series S 512GB | €299.99 | €349.99 | 16.67% |
Xbox Series S 1TB | €349.99 | €399.99 | 14.29% |
Xbox Series X Digital | €499.99 | €549.99 | 10.00% |
Xbox Series X | €549.99 | €599.99 | 9.09% |
Xbox Series X 2TB Galaxy Black Special | €599.99 | €699.99 | 16.67% |
The US is getting hit harder, percentage-wise, which some are chalking up to factors like tariffs. Meanwhile, Europe’s increases, while still painful, are a bit more restrained.
Games Are Getting Pricier Too
On the software side, Microsoft has confirmed that some of its new first-party games will jump to $79.99 starting this holiday season. This applies to both physical and digital versions. Which titles are affected? They’re keeping that under wraps for now, so we’ll have to wait and see. That said, they’ve promised that “different games and expansions will continue to be offered at a variety of price points,” suggesting not every release will hit that $79.99 mark right away.
Why the Increases?
Microsoft’s pointing to “market conditions and the rising cost of development” as the culprits. It’s not a solo act either—Sony and Nintendo have pulled similar moves recently. With development budgets ballooning and economic pressures mounting, it seems price hikes are becoming the new normal in gaming.
Community Buzz
The news hasn’t gone down quietly. Over on X, reactions range from frustration to begrudging acceptance. Some fans are irked by the timing, especially with holiday shopping around the corner, while others note the US increases sting more than those in other regions. Still, there’s a sense that these adjustments might be inevitable given the state of the industry.
What’s Next?
If you’re planning to grab an Xbox or some new games, you might want to act fast—or lean on Xbox Game Pass, which still offers first-party titles day-and-date. These hikes aren’t exactly a festive gift, but they’re here, and gamers will have to roll with them. Stay tuned for more on which games will carry that $79.99 tag as the holiday season nears.