Microsoft announced price increases on Thursday for Xbox consoles, controllers and some games.
Affected consoles, including Xbox Series X and Xbox Series S models, will increase in prices between $80 and $100, respectively, depending on the console.
These consoles were first released almost five years ago, with basic Xbox Series S and Series X models costing $299.99 and $499.99 respectively. Currently, Microsoft recommends that retailers increase the price to $379.99 for the most basic Xbox Series S models and $599.99 for the Xbox Series X.
The standard Xbox wireless controller costs $64.99, while the Elite Series 2 controllers can rise to up to $149.99 and $199.99 depending on the model. Xbox is also increasing the prices of first-party games. The company says some games will cost $79.99 starting this holiday season.
The Xbox appears to be following in the footsteps of Nintendo. This hiked the standard price for first-party games for upcoming Switch 2 console titles from $59.99 to $79.99.
Microsoft did not provide much information on the reasons behind the price rise, but said that the choice was made through careful consideration given the market conditions and rising development costs.
This is probably a reference to President Donald Trump’s administration’s plan to collect steep tariffs on goods from other countries, which also affected the pre-order process for the Nintendo Switch 2. Like the Xbox, Nintendo chose to raise the prices of some accessories, but maintained plans to release the console for $449.99.
TechCrunch Events
Berkeley, California
|
June 5th
Book now