After Sony with the PS5, it is now Microsoft’s turn to increase the price of its latest generation console, as well as the Xbox Game Pass subscription service. Starting this summer, players should expect a significant increase.
A general price increase
Xbox Series X suggested retail price increased by 10% from €499 to €549. The move comes after Sony increased the price of its PlayStation 5 last year. Microsoft told The Verge that this increase was due to rising production and logistics costs.
New prices for Xbox Game Pass in France
- Xbox Game Pass: The price of the monthly subscription increases from €9.99 to €11.99, an increase of 20%.
- Xbox Game Pass Ultimate: For the monthly subscription, which includes both Game Pass and Live Gold, the price increases from €12.99 to €15.99, which is also a 20% increase.
These new tariffs will come into effect next August.
A decision expected by the players
Gamers were not surprised by the announcement as many of them expected a price increase from Microsoft after the PlayStation 5 price increase. The video game market is indeed experiencing widespread inflation, particularly due to the shortage of electronic components and rising production and logistics costs.
Potential impact on sales
This price increase could Have an impact on Xbox Series X sales And game pass. Gamers may be less inclined to invest in this console or Sign up for a monthly subscription more expensive. Still, the quality of the games offered by the service and the improvements made to the console could offset this price increase.
The other countries are affected by the price increase
With the exception of the US, Japan and Brazil, all other countries in the world must comply with these new tariffs. Microsoft has planned to increase the prices of its Xbox Series X console and Xbox Game Pass and Pass Ultimate subscriptions next August.
Microsoft therefore joins Sony’s decision to increase the prices of its flagship products in the video game market, in this case the Xbox Series X and Game Pass. Players will need to adapt to these new terms, but it remains to be seen whether this price increase will have a significant impact on subscription service sales and membership. The integration of Activision Blizzard into Microsoft’s offering allows users to be offered more exclusive content, thereby mitigating the effect of this increase.