Xbox Prices Increase in Europe
A significant price increase for Xbox Series X and S consoles has been observed at a major European retailer, leading to speculation about broader price adjustments across the continent. The price jumps, reportedly €50 across the board, were first noticed at Micromania in France. This unexpected move suggests a potential preemptive price hike by the retailer, anticipating an official announcement from Microsoft.
Price Increases Across the Board
The Xbox Series X now reportedly costs €599.99, a €50 increase from its previous price of €549.99. Similarly, the 512GB Xbox Series S has risen from €299.99 to €349.99, and the 1TB model from €349.99 to €399.99. These substantial increases follow recent price hikes for the PlayStation 5 in several regions, attributed to economic factors such as inflation and currency fluctuations.
The timing is notable, coming shortly after Microsoft reported a decline in Xbox hardware sales but a rise in overall gaming revenue, driven by the success of titles like Call of Duty, Minecraft, and the Game Pass subscription service. The situation underscores the complex economic pressures impacting the gaming industry and its console manufacturers.
Source: EuroGamer