August 8, 2026, 2:29 pm | Read time: 3 minutes
Anyone considering buying an Xbox Series S or Xbox Series X will have to dig much deeper into their pockets. Microsoft has significantly raised the prices of its current consoles in Europe. Depending on the model, the price increases by up to 200 euros compared to previous sales prices. Compared to the recommended retail prices at market launch, the price hike is even more pronounced.
What’s particularly unusual is that the consoles have been on the market for several years now. Normally, the prices of a generation decrease as they age. However, the situation with the Xbox is now developing in the opposite direction.
Price Increases Affect All Models
All variants of the current Xbox series are affected by the adjustments.
- Xbox Series S (512 GB): 499.99 euros (previously 349.99 euros, original price: 299.99 euros)
- Xbox Series S (1 TB): 599.99 euros (previously 399.99 euros, original price: 349.99 euros)
- Xbox Series X (1 TB, Digital): 749.99 euros (previously 549.99 euros, original price: 499.99 euros)
- Xbox Series X (1 TB, Disc): 799.99 euros (previously 599.99 euros, original price: 499.99 euros)
This means the current prices are between 200 and 300 euros above the original launch prices from 2020, depending on the console. Such a significant price increase within an ongoing console cycle is almost unprecedented in the industry.
Memory Crisis Continues to Cause Problems
The main reason is once again the sharply increased costs for essential hardware components. Memory chips, in particular, have seen significant price increases in recent years, according to industry reports. As a result, consumer electronics manufacturers are under pressure to pass on the higher production costs to customers.
Additionally, experts do not expect any relief in the coming months. If the trend continues, hardware products could remain expensive, even though they are technically several years old.
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Used Market Benefits from the Situation
Owners of an Xbox looking to sell their console could particularly benefit from the rising prices. As new devices become more expensive, the demand for used models often increases. Those who bought their Xbox at the original launch price could achieve significantly better resale prices today than a few years ago.
For buyers, however, the situation is less favorable. They have to pay significantly more for the same hardware than shortly after the market launch.
Also interesting: These are the new features of the Xbox Games Showcase 2026
Next Xbox Generation Already in Sight
Despite the price increases, the current console generation is unlikely to remain the focus for much longer. According to industry reports, Microsoft is already working on a successor, which is said to be developed internally under the codename “Helix.”
When the new console will be released and at what price it will hit the market is currently unknown. Given the developments with the current Xbox models, the price question is likely to be particularly intriguing for many players.