Xbox Console Prices Increase Again in the US
▼ Summary
– Microsoft is increasing Xbox Series S and X console prices in the US starting October 3rd, with the Series X rising to $649.99 and the Series S to $399.99.
– The company attributes the price hikes to changes in the macroeconomic environment, while prices outside the US and for accessories remain unchanged.
– Specific increases include $20 for the Series S, $50 for the Series X, and $70 for the 2TB Galaxy Black Special Edition, bringing it to $799.99.
– This is the second price increase in 2023, following a previous hike in May that raised the Series X by $100 and the Series S by $80.
– Combined with the earlier increase, the Series X has risen by $150 and the Series S by $100 in just six months.
Microsoft has announced another round of price increases for its Xbox Series consoles in the United States, set to take effect next month. The company cites changes in the broader economic environment as the driving force behind these adjustments. While international pricing remains steady, US customers will soon pay more for both the Series S and Series X models.
Starting October 3rd, the Xbox Series X will see a $50 increase, bringing its retail price to $649.99. The standard Xbox Series S model will now cost $399.99, up $20 from its previous tag. The premium 2TB Galaxy Black Special Edition Xbox Series X will experience the steepest climb, rising by $70 to a new total of $799.99. Accessories like controllers and headsets, however, will retain their current pricing.
This marks the second price hike for Xbox hardware this year alone. Back in May, Microsoft raised global prices on consoles and peripherals, adding $100 to the Series X and $80 to the Series S in the US. Combined with the latest announcement, the Series X has climbed by $150 and the Series S by $100 in just half a year. The Special Edition model has seen the most dramatic surge, jumping $200 since its debut nearly twelve months ago at $599.99.
Microsoft had also considered raising the cost of some first-party game titles to $80 for the holiday season but reversed that decision in July. For now, only hardware is affected by these latest increases. The full updated US pricing is as follows:
- Xbox Series S (512GB): $399.99 (was $379.99)These adjustments reflect ongoing economic pressures influencing production and distribution costs. While disappointing for consumers, the move aligns with broader industry trends where manufacturing and logistics challenges continue to affect pricing strategies.
(Source: The Verge)
