Xbox Price Increase Announced, Effective August 1
While the longer a console generation gets, the cheaper consoles usually become, that hasn’t been the case this gen.
Both Microsoft and Sony have increased their prices for their hardware that’s been out in the market for years, and it seems we’re due for another one.
Microsoft has announced today that the Xbox Series console will be getting price hikes of $100 to $150 each!
Xbox Price Increase Set for August
Starting August 1, 2026, the price of Xbox consoles will increase for the following:
Series S 512GB: $399 to $499
Series S 1TB: $449 to $599
Series X 1TB Digital: $599 to $749
Series X 1TB: $649 to $799
The 2TB Xbox model is being discontinued.
According to Microsoft, they hoped another price increase was not necessary, and have spent the last several months working with suppliers on options. Adding to it, they state, “console storage and memory prices have increased by more than 2.5x and we expect another doubling by the fall of 2027. The entire consumer electronics industry is struggling with the current components crisis, but the effects are particularly hard on consoles. Unlike phones, computers, speakers, and other consumer devices, consoles are typically not sold at a profit, but instead for less than they cost to make.”
To help consumers, Microsoft has shared programs to make owning an Xbox console more accessible.
- Buy Now, Pay Later: We’ve made it easier for players to use Buy Now, Pay Later options on eligible XBOX hardware purchases through Microsoft Stores, making it possible to break up your payment into predictable short-term, interest-free installments.
- Interest Free Financing: We are working with partners to let players purchase eligible XBOX hardware at 0% APR financing for up to 12 months, giving players more flexibility with lower monthly payments and more budgeting control.
- Previously Played Consoles: We are working with retail partners on new programs to provide previously played consoles at lower prices. Players who are ready to upgrade or no longer use their console will be able to trade it in with participating retail partners for cash or store credit. Those consoles will then be made available at lower prices for players.
- Certified Refurbished Consoles: XBOX Certified Refurbished Consoles are available at Microsoft Stores for up to US$100 off MSRP.
This is hard to take since the PS5 increased its prices last year, and the Steam Machine’s price was just revealed, and it’s very expensive.
With the rising cost for components, it seems like this isn’t anything ending anytime soon. Buckle up, people! It’s going to be expensive to be a gamer.
In related news when it comes to rising costs in gaming, GTA 6’s price has been revealed, and it’s the first PS5 and Xbox Series game that costs $80.
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