After the blows to manufacturing & production due to the pandemic years before, plentiful product is now becoming the norm for current-generation Xbox Series X|S & PlayStation 5. However, the new adversary in all this is inflation. As global prices begin to climb, product cost will follow alongside. Already, Sony Interactive Entertainment pulled the trigger on select regions for PlayStation 5 in 2022.
Additionally, Microsoft has already followed this trend with the Xbox Series X|S in Japan as well at the same time. But as more and more territories face growing prices, Microsoft previously pledged that Xbox will not fall victim to this across the globe. Even more, Microsoft Gaming CEO Phil Spencer elaborated that Xbox Game Pass is deemed safe as well – especially with the ongoing Activision Blizzard battle in the courts.
Howbeit, The Verge reports on Wednesday that the previous statements are now voided as Xbox Series X and the complimenting Xbox Game Pass are both to increase in more markets. Noted, this does not include United States, Japan, Chile, Brazil, and Colombia. Starting August 1st, Xbox Series X is to bump up to £479.99 in the U.K., €549.99 across most European markets, CAD $649.99 in Canada, and AUD $799.99 in Australia.
“We’ve held on our prices for consoles for many years and have adjusted the prices to reflect the competitive conditions in each market,” Xbox head of communications Kari Perez writes in a statement to The Verge on the new development for increased pricing for Xbox. In regards to Xbox Series S, it is ensured that there will be no increased pricing – for now at least.
Regarding Xbox Game Pass, the service will cost users $10.99 rather than the original $9.99 starting July 6th. Simultaneously, Xbox Game Pass Ultimate is also facing climbing prices now asking for $16.99; originally priced at $14.99. Despite the recent adjustments for cost across the board, PC Game Pass remains at its $9.99 a month price currently.
As noted prior in the article, prices catching up to the manufacturer is also guaranteed in the current market. Previously, Microsoft disclosed that producing a console of the Xbox Series X|S family leaves the team at a loss of $200 per each assembly. You can read the full report by heading here.
What is your take on the increased pricing from Microsoft?
Source: The Verge