June 22, 2023, 11:36 am | Read time: 3 minutes
After a price increase had already been hinted at, it is now becoming a reality. The Xbox console and the accompanying Game Pass are getting more expensive–and noticeably so.
After Sony already raised prices for its PlayStation, Microsoft is now following suit with its console. The Xbox and the accompanying subscription, the Xbox Game Pass, are thus becoming more expensive. This had already been indicated last fall when, among other things, Microsoft Xbox chief Phil Spencer expressed corresponding considerations. TECHBOOK provides an overview of the new prices and when they will take effect.
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Microsoft Raises Prices for Console and Subscription
First of all, the price increases do not apply to all Xbox products. Affected are the Xbox Series X and the Game Pass for console players. The Xbox Series S and the subscription for PC players are not affected. Since the release of the Game Pass in 2017 and the launch of the Xbox Series X in 2020, prices have remained the same.
- Xbox Series X: from 500 to 550 euros (+10 percent)
- Xbox Game Pass: from 10 to 11 euros (+10 percent)
- Xbox Game Pass Ultimate: from 13 to 15 euros (+15 percent)
Thus, the Xbox Series X is making the same price jump as Sony’s PlayStation 5 did last year. Due to their performance, the two consoles are often compared.
The price increase applies to Germany, Switzerland, Austria, and other European countries. In the U.S., Japan, and some other countries, the price will not rise–for now. In Germany, existing customers can still sign up for a Game Pass subscription at the old rates until September 13, which will then remain cheaper until the end of the regular term. In other countries, this deadline already expires on August 13. For new customers, July 6 is the cutoff date. The Xbox console will become more expensive starting August 1.
Why Are Xbox and Game Pass Getting More Expensive?
Microsoft cites competition as the reason for the price increase. “We have held our console prices for many years. We have adjusted the prices to reflect the competitive conditions in each market,” said Kari Perez, the company’s head of communications. It is explicitly stated that the price increase has nothing to do with the planned acquisition of Activision Blizzard by Microsoft. Recently, the EU gave the green light for this major step after the competition authority initially raised concerns.
While the fact that Xbox products are now more expensive is not met with enthusiasm, many people understand. On social media, it is often said that the price-performance ratio is still acceptable. What do you think? Do you find the new prices justified?