Xbox Series X and S – Microsoft has reportedly hiked the prices of the Xbox Series X and Xbox Series S in some European markets, putting further strain on gamers who are already facing higher costs for software, subscriptions and accessories. The change could also increase the price of entry for new customers into the Xbox ecosystem, especially in countries where taxes and currency factors already inflate prices on hardware.

The reported Xbox Series X and S price hike in Europe could be for different versions of the console, and different amounts. Final prices may vary depending on storage capacity, local taxes, seller’s policy or whether the console is sold solo or in a bundle.

European Xbox Prices Increase

The changes reported affect the two current-generation console families from Microsoft.

The Xbox Series X is the more powerful of the two, and offers more performance, larger storage options and support for physical game discs on some versions. The Xbox Series S is a cheaper, all-digital way to get into current-gen gaming, but it’s also got less storage and lower graphical targets.

An increase in both systems could close the gap between Xbox hardware and competing products.

Currency and Production Costs Could Be Factors

Microsoft has not confirmed the reason behind each reported regional adjustment based on the information available here.

The cost of a console may change depending on the exchange rate, the cost of manufacturing, shipping, tariffs, taxes and the cost of components changing. Companies also compare prices regionally to keep similar revenue levels in different markets.

On the flip side, consumers are not inclined to swallow higher costs when the underlying console hardware is several years old.

Game Pass prices ratchet up pressure

Hardware is not the total cost of ownership of an Xbox.

A lot of players also purchase Xbox Gamepass, Online Multiplayer, More Storage, and new games as they come out. The long-term cost of getting onto the platform becomes more apparent when console and subscription prices rise together.

Game Pass still offers a big catalogue but how much value is there depends on how often each customer plays.

Retail discounts may soften the blow

Just because prices officially go up doesn’t mean all retailers will immediately charge the max.

The stores could keep the old stuff and sell it at the old prices or they could put up a “sale” sign for a while to bring in some customers. If new consoles become less affordable, there also could be increased interest in used consoles and refurbished consoles.

Buyers should check warranty coverage and seller reliability before buying from unofficial sources.

PlayStation Competition Still Counts

Raising Xbox prices could hurt Microsoft’s competitiveness with Sony in Europe.

Playstation has also been traditionally strong in many European countries. If Xbox is no longer the cheapest console, Microsoft will have to rely more on Game Pass, exclusive games, backwards compatibility and cross-platform services.

The final impact will depend on how prices of rival consoles change over the same period.

Sources

• Xbox Official Website – Official console pricing, specs & region availability.
• Microsoft Store – Xbox Series X and Series S prices today in supported markets.
• Xbox Wire – Official company news and updates on the platform
• European Retailers – Local stock, bundles & promotional pricing
• Eurogamer – European gaming industry news and analysis.
• GamesIndustry.biz – Console market and business coverage.