An Xbox Series X console now costs $50 more in Australia, following Microsoft’s decision to increase the price of its gaming hardware around the world.
Now carrying an $849 recommended retail price, the Xbox Series X is even more expensive than its direct competitor, the PS5. Microsoft’s price increase follows Sony’s similar move last month that saw the disc drive version of the PS5 hit $829.95.
Via a notice published on the Xbox support page, Microsoft also confirmed that some of its upcoming first-party games will be more expensive, costing US$79.99 at launch. That’s roughly $125 in Australia, close to what Nintendo’s charging for some of its Switch 2 games.
Microsoft described the changes as “challenging” and that “they were made with careful consideration given market conditions and the rising cost of development.”
Microsoft’s sweeping price changes impacted more than just the Series X console. Its lower-spec digital-only Series S console also costs more, in addition to Xbox controllers.
| Device | Old price | New price |
|---|---|---|
| Xbox Series S (512GB) | $499 | $549 |
| Xbox Series S (1TB) | $549 | $599 |
| Xbox Series X (Digital) | $699 | $749 |
| Xbox Series X | $799 | $849 |
| Xbox Series X (2TB Galaxy Black Special Edition) | $999 | $1,049 |
| Xbox Wireless Controller (Core) | $89.95 | $99.95 |
| Xbox Wireless Controller (Colour) | $94.95 | $104.95 |
| Xbox Wireless Controller – Special Edition | $99.95 | $119.95 |
| Xbox Wireless Controller – Limited Edition | $109.95 | $129.95 |
| Xbox Elite Wireless Controller Series 2 (Core) | $189.95 | $229.95 |
| Xbox Elite Wireless Controller Series 2 (Full) | $249.95 | $279.95 |
As pointed out by GamesHub, local specialist retailers like EB Games haven’t changed prices yet. It’s possible the retailer could offer a similar grace period to when the PS5 price increase happened.
Either way, video games aren’t getting any cheaper in the foreseeable future. It could present an opportunity for alternative technologies, like Xbox’s continued push into cloud gaming.
The post Xbox consoles cost $50 more in Australia, pricier games on the way appeared first on GadgetGuy.
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