After Sony, Microsoft is also raising prices. Xbox head of communications Kari Perez announced today that the company is increasing the price of the Xbox Series X console and the Xbox Game Pass subscription.
The price increase for the Xbox Series X will take effect in most countries, excluding the US, Japan, Chile, Brazil, and Colombia. In most European markets, the console will be sold for 549.99 euros. However, the price of the Xbox Series S will remain unchanged.
This price increase puts the Xbox Series X at a 50 euro higher price point compared to its competitor, the PlayStation 5, which has been sold at a lower price since last summer. In Czech stores, the PS5 with a Blu-ray drive is sold for 13,390 CZK, while the Xbox Series X is normally priced at 12,591 CZK. With discounts, the Xbox Series X can be purchased for 11,990 CZK. Considering this, the new price of the Xbox Series X is expected to be around 13,390 CZK.
Kari Perez, head of Xbox communications, stated, “We have held the price of the console for many years and adjusted it to reflect competitive conditions in individual markets.”
In addition to the console price increase, the Xbox Game Pass subscription will also see a price hike starting from July 6th. For Czech and Slovak players, the Xbox Game Pass Ultimate (including EA Play) will be sold for 389 CZK instead of 339 CZK, and the Game Pass for consoles will be sold for 269 CZK instead of 259 CZK. The price of the PC Game Pass will remain the same at 259 CZK. However, there is no mention of the Ultimate membership for family and friends in the statement.
Current subscribers will experience the price increase from August 13th, while new members will be affected from July 6th. The console subscription price will remain the same in Norway, Chile, Denmark, Switzerland, and Saudi Arabia.
Comparatively, Sony’s PS Plus Extra subscription costs 365 CZK per month, 1,040 CZK for three months, and 2,600 CZK for a year, with the possibility of purchasing it at a discount. The PS Plus Premium subscription is priced at 445 CZK, 1,300 CZK, and 3,120 CZK.
This price increase by Microsoft follows Sony’s recent decision to raise prices, indicating a trend in the gaming industry.
What factors influenced Microsoft’s decision to raise the prices of the Xbox Series X and Xbox Game Pass subscription, and how will the company ensure value for its customers despite the price hike
St countries, the price of the Xbox Series X will be raised by around 20%, reflecting the rising costs associated with production and components.
Furthermore, the Xbox Game Pass subscription will also see a price increase in certain regions. The new pricing structure will vary depending on the country and the subscription plan chosen by users.
According to Kari Perez, the head of communications at Xbox, this decision was not taken lightly. She explained that the company is committed to delivering exceptional gaming experiences and ensuring the sustainability of the Xbox platform in the long run. The price adjustment is necessary to continue investing in new technologies, content, and services that enhance the overall gaming experience for users.
It is worth noting that this price increase follows a similar move by Sony, the competitor behind PlayStation. Sony had recently announced a rise in the prices of its PlayStation 5 console and its PlayStation Plus subscription.
While the news may come as a disappointment to some gamers, Microsoft assures that it remains focused on providing value to its customers. The Xbox Series X continues to be packed with cutting-edge features, including faster load times, improved graphics, and immersive gameplay. Additionally, the Xbox Game Pass offers an extensive library of games that can be accessed by subscribers.
Furthermore, Microsoft has emphasized its commitment to ensuring inclusivity and accessibility within the gaming community. This includes features such as Xbox Adaptive Controller, which enables gamers with disabilities to enjoy gaming on an equal footing.
The price increase for the Xbox Series X and the Xbox Game Pass subscription will take effect in the coming weeks. Customers who wish to purchase the console or subscribe to the service at the current price are advised to do so before the price adjustment is implemented. Microsoft will continue to provide updates and information to its customers throughout this process.
Microsoft’s decision to raise prices for the Xbox Series X and Xbox Game Pass may disappoint some gamers. It’s important for potential buyers to weigh the increased costs against the value they will get from these gaming experiences.