The price changes became visible on Microsoft's UK website over the weekend, with no formal announcement or grace period for buyers. In June, Microsoft confirmed that console price increases were coming but had not specified the UK amounts.
New UK Xbox prices
The updated prices, which are already in effect, are:
- Xbox Series S 512GB: £429.99 (was £299.99)
- Xbox Series S 1TB: £519.99 (was £349.99)
- Xbox Series X Digital 1TB: £619.99 (was £449.99)
- Xbox Series X Disc 1TB: £669.99 (was £499.99)
The disc-based Xbox Series X has risen by £170, as has the digital version and the 1TB Series S. The 512GB Series S has gone up by £130.
Reasons behind the rise
In June, Microsoft cited the "current component costs crisis" as the reason for the increases, the same explanation given for the PlayStation 5's £90 price rise in March. The component crisis is attributed to AI data centres consuming large amounts of RAM and hard drives, a trend Microsoft as a whole has encouraged.
The increase arrives at a time when Xbox console sales are already low. Microsoft is also reportedly still selling the consoles at a loss even after the price rise, leaving open the possibility of further increases. The company has also faced criticism over layoffs and its approach to multi-format releases, which has added to a poor reputation.
No discount for older hardware
At launch, almost six years ago, the Xbox Series X cost £449.99 and the Xbox Series S cost £249.99. The Series S was intended as a cheaper, lower-powered alternative to undercut competitors, but it proved less popular than expected and was criticised by some for holding back Xbox Series X game development.
The price rise also comes amid growing concerns about the cost of future consoles. With the next generation of hardware, including the PlayStation 6 and the next Xbox, prices are expected to be significantly more expensive and potentially not a mass-market proposition, raising questions about the future of console gaming.
Switch 2 warning
The situation is similar for Nintendo's upcoming Switch 2 price increase, which is due to take effect on September 1. No grace period is likely, meaning those planning to buy one as a Christmas present may need to act before then.
This is not the first time Xbox consoles have become more expensive. Like the PlayStation 5, both consoles are now considerably more expensive than they were at launch, a reversal of the traditional trend for hardware prices to decrease over time.
