If you’ve been considering getting an Xbox Series X, it’s advisable to do so before the end of July, unless you reside in the US, Japan, Chile, Brazil, or Colombia. Microsoft has confirmed that it will be raising the price of the console in most other countries.
Starting from August 1st, the Xbox Series X will be priced at $650 CAD in Canada, £480 in the UK, €550 in most European countries, and $800 AUD in Australia. These price increases are roughly in line with the adjustments Sony made to the PS5 prices in most markets last year.
According to Xbox communications chief Kari Perez, “We’ve maintained our console prices for many years and have now adjusted them to reflect the competitive conditions in each market.” She further clarified that these adjustments to the Game Pass prices are unrelated to the Activision Blizzard deal and are intended to align with local market conditions.
The pricing for the Xbox Series S will remain unchanged in all markets at $250 (or its equivalent in local currency). Additionally, Microsoft plans to introduce a new black model with 1TB of storage, priced at $349.
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It’s worth noting that Microsoft’s own studios will no longer be developing games for the Xbox One. However, if you prefer not to purchase a Series X or S, you can still stream upcoming games like Starfield and Fable to the older console through Game Pass Ultimate. But keep in mind that the price of this service will also increase, even in the US.
Xbox Game Pass will soon cost $11 per month, a $1 increase, while Game Pass Ultimate will see a larger jump from $15 to $17 per month. The Verge has compiled a list of price changes for other markets. The price of PC Game Pass will remain unchanged (it doubled from $5 to $10 per month in 2020), and Xbox Game Pass will not increase in Norway, Chile, Denmark, Switzerland, or Saudi Arabia.
For new Xbox Game Pass members, these price adjustments will come into effect on July 6th, while existing subscribers will not experience the changes until August 13th (September 13th in Germany). If you currently have access to Game Pass through an annual code, the price adjustments will only affect you upon renewal.
This marks the first time that Microsoft has increased Game Pass pricing since its introduction in 2017 as part of the transition away from Xbox Live Gold. However, it was inevitable that prices would rise at some point, considering the importance of Game Pass to Xbox’s business model.
Conversely, one might have expected the price of the Xbox Series X to decrease at this stage of its lifecycle, rather than increase. Microsoft cannot attribute this change to a shortage of consoles, as Xbox head Phil Spencer recently stated that the company had increased the supply of Xbox Series X/S. Instead, Microsoft suggests that the price increase for the Series X is influenced by market conditions such as inflation and currency fluctuations.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about Xbox Series X and Game Pass prices
Q: Why is Microsoft raising prices for Xbox Series X and Game Pass?
A: Microsoft is increasing prices to reflect competitive conditions in each market, including factors such as inflation and currency fluctuations. These price adjustments are not related to the Activision Blizzard deal and are intended to match local market conditions.
Q: When will the price changes for Xbox Series X and Game Pass take effect?
A: The price changes for new Xbox Game Pass members will come into effect on July 6th. Existing subscribers will not experience the changes until August 13th (September 13th in Germany).
Q: Will the price of Xbox Series S be affected by the price increase?
A: No, the pricing for Xbox Series S will remain the same in all markets at $250 (or its equivalent in local currency). Additionally, Microsoft will introduce a black model with 1TB of storage for $349.
Q: How much will Xbox Game Pass and Game Pass Ultimate cost after the price increase?
A: Xbox Game Pass will soon cost $11 per month, a $1 increase. Game Pass Ultimate will see a larger jump, from $15 to $17 per month.
Q: Are there any exceptions to the price increases?
A: The price of PC Game Pass will not change, while Xbox Game Pass will not increase in Norway, Chile, Denmark, Switzerland, or Saudi Arabia. It’s advisable to check the list of price changes for other markets as provided by The Verge.
5 comments
Can’t say I’m surprised by the price hike for Game Pass. It’s such a popular service, and Microsoft knows it. But come on, guys, give us a break! I’m already payin’ for other subscriptions, and now you wanna squeeze out a few more bucks? Not cool, Microsoft. Not cool at all.
It’s a bummer to see Xbox Series X prices on the rise, but I guess Microsoft is playin’ the market game. Gotta keep up with inflation and all that jazz. Still, I hope they’re not forgetting about us loyal gamers who’ve been here since day one.
Back in my day, consoles used to get cheaper as time went on, not more expensive! Microsoft, you’re breakin’ my heart. I was hopin’ to grab an Xbox Series X at a lower price, but now I gotta hustle before the increase hits. Sigh.
yo, wassup with Microsoft jackin’ up prices for Xbox Series X and Game Pass? Ain’t nobody got time for that! Like, seriously, who do they think they are? SMH.
So, let me get this straight. Xbox Series X prices goin’ up, Game Pass prices goin’ up, and we’re just supposed to be cool with it? Man, this is some shady stuff. Microsoft better have a good explanation for this.