Microsoft has raised Xbox prices in many countries. The move has upset many gamers. The company says the rise is due to high game-making costs and changes in the market.
Prices Go Up in Many Places
In the UK, the Xbox Series S now costs £299.99. That’s a £50 increase. In the US, the price of the Xbox Series X has gone up by $100 to $130, depending on the model.
European players also face higher prices. The cost of the Series S rose by €80. In Australia, the price went up by $50.
Gamers did not expect this. Usually, console prices drop over time. This move has surprised many.
Tariffs and Market Trouble
The rise comes as the US adds tariffs on goods. These tariffs may affect items made in other countries, like China. Parts used in game consoles often come from there.
Microsoft did not say the tariffs are to blame. But it did mention “market conditions” in its blog post. These include things like inflation and costs of making games.
Experts Speak Out
Gaming expert Christopher Dring spoke on the issue. He said tariffs and inflation have raised costs. Many game parts are made in China. Tariffs on these parts make consoles more costly to build.
He added that the gaming world has not seen a big rise in new users. But the cost of making games keeps going up. This makes it hard for companies to stay profitable. Even small cost jumps matter a lot.
Developers React
Kedhrin Gonzalez is the founder of Rip & Tear Studios. He said the price hike felt “unavoidable.” He pointed to tariffs as a key reason. Gonzalez added that gamers will suffer most. He also said that the chances of prices going down again are small.
Gonzalez worries that this could hurt Xbox sales. He said that this change may lead to more problems for the whole gaming world. He also warned that more price increases may come.
Gamers Not Happy
Many gamers have taken to social media. They say the price hike is unfair. They feel gaming is getting too costly.
Some say this change may push people toward cheaper options. Others think it may lead players to switch to other consoles, like PlayStation or Nintendo.
New Games, Higher Prices
Microsoft also plans to raise prices on new games. First-party titles coming in 2025 will cost $79.99. These include games made by Microsoft studios.
This matches the price of new Nintendo games like Mario Kart World. That game also caused a stir. Many players said $79.99 is too much.
But unlike Nintendo, Microsoft said the new price will be the same for digital and physical copies. It will not offer cheaper online versions.
The company said it will not raise prices on old games. But it has not said if prices will rise in places like the UK for new games.
A Look at Other Consoles
Other gaming companies are also raising prices. Sony, for example, sold the PlayStation 5 Digital Edition in the UK for £360 in 2020. Now it costs £429.99.
This shows that the whole industry is feeling the heat. Costs are rising for all companies, not just Microsoft.
What This Means for the Future
Gaming is no longer a cheap hobby. Prices are rising across the board. From consoles to games, players are spending more.
Experts say the changes are due to many things. These include tariffs, higher wages, and new tools needed to make games.
Some fear that high prices will scare away new players. Others think that only large companies will survive.
Microsoft Stands by Its Decision
Despite the anger, Microsoft stands firm. It says it looked at all the data before making the choice. The company says the new prices match the real cost of making and selling games today.
Still, players are not happy. Many feel the move was poorly timed. Some believe Microsoft should help gamers in hard times, not charge more.
The price hike has sent shockwaves through the gaming world. Microsoft says it had no choice. Experts point to tariffs, inflation, and other costs.
Gamers, however, feel left behind. They worry that prices will keep rising. As more companies raise costs, the future of gaming looks more costly.