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Xbox Series X/S Price Will Remain Unchanged Following PS5 Increase
Microsoft has revealed that it has no plans to increase the price of the Xbox Series X/S, following Sony announcing that the price of the PlayStation 5 is going up. The PS5's price is going up in multiple regions worldwide, and fans have already let their displeasure be known on social media, considering how difficult it has already been to acquire a system since launch.
Sony announced today that the price of the PS5 is increasing in several key markets. It should be noted, however that the price of the PS5 will not be increasing in the United States of America. In Europe, the price of the digital/physical PS5 models is increasing to €449.99/€549.99. In the UK, the price of the digital/physical PS5 models is increasing to £389.99./£479.99. In Canada, the price of the digital/physical PS5 models is increasing to CAD $519.99/CAD $649.99, and in Australia, the price of the digital/physical PS5 models is increasing to AUD $649.99/AUD $799.95. The price of the PS5 will also be increasing in Japan, though that won't come into effect until September 15.
There were rumors of a PS5 price increase spreading online, so this news isn't exactly a surprise, but now that it's official, Microsoft has offered a response. Windows Central reached out to Microsoft for a statement about a price increase for the Xbox Series X/S systems. Microsoft didn't outright deny the possibility of a future price increase, but a representative from the company has confirmed that there are no plans to increase the prices of the current Xbox systems.
Quote:
“We are constantly evaluating our business to offer our fans great gaming options. Our Xbox Series S suggested retail price remains at $299 (£250, €300) the Xbox Series X is $499 (£450, €500).”
Microsoft Has No Plans To Increase Price Of New Xbox Systems
If Microsoft sticks to its guns regarding the price, then it could be a major point in the Xbox Series X/S' favor. Price is a huge concern when it comes to buying a new console, especially in the first few years of its release, when it's at its most expensive and has the least amount of content on offer. The Xbox Series S is a successful budget machine that is a great fit for Xbox Game Pass, and it's also easier to acquire than a digital PS5. A price increase for the PS5, even a relatively small one, coupled with the difficulty of actually acquiring a system, means that Sony runs the risk of turning people away.
It's rare for a console to see a price increase after launch, as it normally works the other way around. These aren't normal times, however, and the global economic situation has hit the video game industry as it has many others. Sony isn't willing to take the hit on new PS5s, but if Microsoft can keep the price of Xbox Series X/S systems low, then it might lead more people to check out the new Xbox systems. The PS5/Xbox Series X/S second-hand market is already expensive as it is, and fluctuating system prices would only make matters worse.
