Microsoft has confirmed there are currently no plans for an Xbox price increase for the Xbox Series S and Xbox Series X. Fans have been concerned that these two consoles would see a price hike following today’s announcement from PlayStation that the PS5 would cost more in many countries outside of the US. Sony cited high global inflation rates and challenging economic conditions as the causes behind its console’s price increase, which in some regions was a bump of around 20% in the suggested retail price.
Microsoft keeping the retail price of Xbox Series consoles the same (for now)
Since inflation and the semiconductor shortage also impact Microsoft, it would fall to reason that we could see the Xbox Series consoles cost more in the near future, but a Microsoft spokesperson speaking with Windows Central has assured that this isn’t the case:
We are constantly evaluating our business to offer our fans great gaming options. Our Xbox Series S suggested retail price remains at $299 (£250, €300), the Xbox Series X is $499 (£450, €500).
That said, while Microsoft isn’t raising the prices for these two consoles now, we could see it eventually. The Xbox Series S only costs $299 and multiple retailers have discounts and deals, either cutting that suggested price or giving consumers free games as a bundle. So if Microsoft wanted to make the console a little bit more expensive, it wouldn’t be out of step.
That said, the Xbox brand prides itself as being the best deal in gaming particularly with the Xbox Series S along with Xbox Game Pass. Microsoft has the ability to spend $600,000 on getting an indie game like Cooking Simulator on Xbox Game Pass, so losing some money upfront on the Xbox Series consoles is just a blip on a spreadsheet and strategically worth getting new users into the Xbox ecosystem at an affordable entry point.
In other news, Wolverine was subtlety introduced in She-Hulk Episode 2, and Fortnite Late Game Arena mode will be returning later this month.
