Microsoft has officially announced that all Xbox consoles will see a price increase starting August 1, continuing a trend of rising hardware costs across the industry. The price adjustments will affect various models, with some seeing an increase of up to $150.
Ahead of these upcoming hikes, retailers like Walmart and Target are offering discounts on the Xbox Series X. Currently, the console is available for $573.99 at these retailers, a reduction from its current MSRP of $649.99 and significantly lower than the projected $799.99 price post-August 1. The price changes are as follows:
Xbox Series S 512GB: $399.99 to $499.99 Xbox Series S 1TB: $449.99 to $599.99 Xbox Series X 1TB Digital: $599.99 to $749.99 Xbox Series X 1TB: $649.99 to $799.99
Microsoft attributes these price increases primarily to the ongoing components crisis. The company stated that the cost of console storage and memory has already more than doubled and is expected to increase further. This situation mirrors similar price adjustments made by other console manufacturers. Sony raised PlayStation 5 prices earlier this year, citing global economic pressures, and Nintendo has confirmed a $50 increase for the Switch 2 in September. Valve's Steam Machine also faced a significant price increase due to component supply issues.
Concerns about hardware availability are also mounting for the upcoming holiday season, particularly with the release of Grand Theft Auto 6. One major games retailer has indicated that expected hardware allocations may not meet anticipated demand, warning that supply could fall short of consumer needs, especially around the year-end period.
In light of these developments, purchasing a console before the August 1 price increase is advisable for those considering an upgrade. The current deal at Walmart offers the Xbox Series X at its lowest point before the price adjustment. For those looking for alternative options, Best Buy is offering bundles that include a $50 reward certificate with the pre-order of Grand Theft Auto 6 alongside an eligible PlayStation 5 or Xbox console. This offer extends to various models, including the Xbox Series X and S, and several PS5 variants. A refurbished PS5 bundled with the reward certificate and the game could represent a cost-effective solution for many.
Other deals include refurbished PS5 consoles from PS Direct, and a "Free Game Bundle" promotion for the Switch 2, which is available until September.