Microsoft Xbox Series X is increasing its price tag in various countries across the globe starting this August.
The Redmond tech giant confirmed the price hike alongside the Xbox Game Pass subscription fee increase.
Microsoft Xbox Series X Price Increase
Microsoft's Xbox Series X (L, in black) and series S (R, in white) gaming consoles are seen on display during its worldwide release at an electronics store in Tokyo on November 10, 2020.
You might want to act fast if you have been waiting to buy an Xbox Series X. According to The Verge, Microsoft announced that the price of its flagship gaming console is going up in August. Although the price tag for games based in the United States will remain the same, customers in other countries must pay more in the coming months.
The Xbox communications head, Kari Perez, justified the looming price hike to The Verge. She stressed that they "held on [to] our prices for consoles for many years." And with that, the tech juggernaut is now adjusting the prices "to reflect the competitive conditions in each market.
The Verge points out that the upcoming price hike mirrors Sony's PlayStation 5 (PS5) increase last year or in 2022, which skipped the US market.
If you are from Canada, the Xbox Series X will cost $649.99 starting this August. Gamers in the United Kingdom (UK) must pay £479.99, whereas, in the rest of Europe, it sells for €549.99. Meanwhile, Australian peeps will start seeing a $799.99 price tag once the hike rolls out in August.
On the other hand, as Engadget reports, the US is keeping the roughly $250 pricing alongside Japan, Chile, Colombia, and Brazil.
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How About the Xbox Game Pass?
Microsoft's Xbox Series X (black) and series S (white) gaming consoles are displayed at a flagship store of SK Telecom in Seoul on November 10, 2020.
In addition to the price hike for the Xbox Series X, Microsoft is also increasing the price of the Xbox Game Pass. Xbox communications head assures everyone that "These Game Pass price adjustments are not related to the Activision Blizzard deal and are intended to match local market conditions."
Polygon reports that Xbox boss Phil Spencer said last October that they have "held our price on our console, [we have] held price on games and our subscription. I [do not] think [we will] be able to do that forever."
The monthly Xbox Game Pass Ultimate price inflates from $14.99 to $16.99. The standard Xbox Game Pass is getting a one-dollar increase. From $9.99, gamers will soon have to pay $10.99 per month.
Engadget notes that the new pricing for new subscribers kicks off on July 6. On the flip side, existing members must pay a higher price starting August 13. But in Germany, users have a little more time to enjoy the current fee since it takes effect on September 13.
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