Microsoft has enacted substantial price hikes for its Xbox Series X and Series S consoles in Europe and the UK, with some models increasing by over a third. This follows an announcement in June regarding upcoming price adjustments, but the exact figures for mainland Europe and the UK were only recently revealed.
In the UK, the 512GB Xbox Series S has risen from £299 to £429, a jump of £130. The 1TB Series S model has seen a similar increase, going from £349 to £519. For the Series X, the 1TB Digital Edition is now £619, up from £449, while the 1TB Disc model has climbed from £449 to £669, representing a 48% increase and a £220 difference.
Across mainland Europe, the 512GB Series S now costs €499.99, an increase from €349.99. The 1TB Series S is priced at €599.99, up from €399.99. The Series X 1TB Digital Edition is €749.99, an increase from €549.99, and the 1TB Disc model is now €799.99, up from €599.99.
These price adjustments in Europe are notably steeper than those in the U.S., where the 512GB Series S increased by $100 and 1TB Series models saw a $150 rise. The 2TB Xbox Series X model has been discontinued. The price increases have drawn criticism from fans, with many expressing shock and dismay on online forums.
Microsoft has attributed these price rises to increased costs for console storage and memory, which have reportedly more than doubled. The company stated that the consumer electronics industry is facing component shortages, making it difficult for consoles, which are typically sold at a loss, to remain at their previous price points.
This move comes ahead of the anticipated surge in demand for current-generation consoles due to the release of Grand Theft Auto VI. Industry concerns remain about the ability of manufacturers to meet demand and maintain affordable prices amid the ongoing AI boom and component scarcity. Xbox CEO Asha Sharma has previously indicated a need for "radically different business models" to address the rising costs of consoles in the future, suggesting that future generations may become prohibitively expensive for mass audiences.
Microsoft is not alone in adjusting prices; Sony also raised the price of its PlayStation 5 consoles in March, citing global economic pressures. Nintendo has also acknowledged plans to increase the price of its Switch 2, and Valve faced challenges in pricing its Steam Deck at its initially intended cost.