Xbox Prices Could Go Up Again, Brace Yourselves

A new report suggests that the price of Xbox consoles could go up again, which would be the third time in a year if true.

Xbox consoles received a price hike back in May, as well as another one in the United States in September.

It seems as though things may not stop there though, as market conditions and stock shortages could mean the price of hardware will go up once again.

As leaker Moore’s Law Is Dead reports (thanks, The Game Post), Microsoft is allegedly warning about an ongoing RAM shortage that could result in higher prices put onto customers.

“[Microsoft] didn't plan ahead at all, apparently,” Moore's Law is Dead says in the video. “If you still want an Xbox for some reason at their current pricing, those prices could go up soon, or supply could just entirely dry up because multiple sources of mine have apparently been warned by sales reps at Microsoft that this is going to affect the Xbox Series consoles very, very soon. Sooner rather than later.”

That should spell trouble for anyone interested in new Xbox hardware, particularly as we come within just a couple of years of seeing the next-gen Xbox release.

Microsoft has also come under fire recently for its price hike to Xbox Game Pass subscriptions, which saw some tiers increase in price by as much as 50%. In the United States, the top-tier Xbox Game Pass Ultimate has jumped from $19.99 to $29.99 per month.

Microsoft

This won't affect everyone

Despite these price increases and stock shortages hitting Microsoft, Moore’s Law Is Dead says this won’t necessarily apply to all tech companies.

“From what I’ve heard, Sony planned ahead, bought up gobs of RAM near the bottom of the pricing, and thus they should be fine for months,” he added.

“They have plenty of GDDR6, at least that’s what I’m told. Prices could go up eventually; I could see that happening next year… but there is a reason Sony is cutting PlayStation 5 pricing for Black Friday.

“They aren’t just doing this as some extreme move or because sales are bad. They can afford to do it; apparently, they are not worried about the RAM shortage, at least in the short to mid term.”

So, it seems that those wishing to buy a PlayStation or Nintendo Switch 2 in the next few months may be safe for now. However, be aware that market conditions can change rather rapidly, so never say never.