Microsoft has just announced another price increase for the Xbox Series X in many markets. In France and several other countries, the next-gen console will now be offered at €550. The prices of several Xbox Game Pass plans are also increasing.
In October 2022, Phil Spencer, the boss of Xbox, warned gamers: expect price increases in 2023. Microsoft laid the first foundations by raising the prices of first-party games on Xbox Series to €80 in December 2022. Since November 2020, Sony has applied the same pricing policy on PS5 exclusives.
In August 2022, remember that Sony was the first to announce a €50 price increase for the PS5. Previously offered at €500, the next-gen console from the Japanese firm is now displayed at €550 in France (€450 for the Digital Edition).
The Xbox Series X goes to 550 € in France this summer
As expected, Microsoft has decided to align itself with its main competitor. As reported by our colleagues from The Vergethe American company has just announced an increase in the price of the Xbox Series X in many markets, including France.
Now, Microsoft’s console will trade at €549.99 in the vast majority of European countries from from August 1, 2023. Regarding the Xbox Series S, its price remains unchanged, still set at € 249.99. “We have maintained our console prices for many years and adjusted them to reflect competitive conditions in each market.” said Kari Perez, head of communications at Xbox, in a statement sent to The Verge.
Xbox Game Pass prices are also climbing
But that’s not all since the prices of Xbox Game Pass Ultimate and Xbox Game Pass for consoles will also increase from July 6, 2023. Here is the new fee schedule:
- Xbox Game Pass Ultimate: €14.99/month instead of €12.99/month
- Xbox Game Pass for console: €10.99/month instead of €9.99/month
Regarding the Xbox Game Pass for PC, no price change to be expected at this time. The bill remains at €9.99 per month. If you are already subscribed to Game Pass Ultimate or console via a monthly offer, the new prices will not take effect until August 13. Concerning the annual formulas, the new price list will apply when renewing your subscription.
Note that this is the First-ever Xbox Game price hike pass since the launch of the service in 2017. In this regard, the Redmond firm made it clear that this increase is not linked to its proposed acquisition of Activision-Blizzard, for a staggering amount of $ 68 billion. “These Game Pass price adjustments are unrelated to the Activision-Blizzard operation and are intended to reflect local market conditions.” assures Kari Perez.
From now on, Nintendo is therefore the only manufacturer not to have yet revised upwards the prices of the Switch, the Switch OLED and the Switch Lite. But who knows, the Japanese firm might be tempted to do so after Microsoft’s announcement.
