Look Sports Media – Microsoft has dropped a bombshell on gamers worldwide, announcing significant price increases for its Xbox consoles, controllers, and games. Effective May 1st, the recommended retail prices for Xbox consoles and controllers have been adjusted globally. This follows a statement on Microsoft’s QnA page, citing "market conditions and the rising cost of development" as the primary drivers behind the increase. But the impact is far from subtle.
The UK is experiencing some of the most dramatic increases. The Xbox Series X now commands £499.99, a £20 jump. The 512GB Xbox Series S has seen a staggering £50 price hike, reaching £299.99. The 2TB Xbox Series X model isn’t faring any better, with a £40 increase bringing its price to a hefty £589.99.
Across the pond, US gamers are facing even steeper climbs. The Xbox Series X has received a $100 price increase, the Xbox Series S a $80 increase, and the 2TB Xbox Series X a staggering $130 increase, pushing it to a jaw-dropping $729.99 – exceeding even the price of Sony’s PlayStation 5 Pro.
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The pain doesn’t stop with hardware. Microsoft confirmed that the price of some new first-party games will rise to $79.99 (physical and digital) starting this holiday season. This follows a similar move by Nintendo earlier this year, which sparked considerable backlash. While Microsoft hasn’t specified which titles will be affected, or if the UK will see similar increases, the news casts a long shadow over the gaming community. One silver lining: Xbox Game Pass pricing remains unchanged, for now.
Rumors of three new Xbox controllers in development, each targeting different price points, offer a glimmer of hope for budget-conscious players. However, with these substantial price increases, even the most affordable option may be out of reach for many. The future of affordable gaming on Xbox remains uncertain, leaving gamers wondering if the price of play has finally become too high.
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