Sony and Microsoft Increase Prices of PlayStation 5 and Xbox Series X
A year ago, Sony faced backlash when it announced a €50 price hike for the PlayStation 5, bringing the retail price to €549.99. At the time, both Microsoft and Nintendo assured consumers that they would not follow suit. However, Phil Spencer, head of Xbox, hinted that the situation could change. Now, it seems that day has arrived.
According to a statement sent to The Verge, Microsoft has confirmed that the price of the Xbox Series X has also increased by 50 euros, matching the PlayStation 5’s retail price of 549.99 euros. This move brings the two major ninth-generation consoles back to the same price point. Fortunately, the Xbox Series S will not be affected by this price change.
But Microsoft didn’t stop there. The company also announced that it will be raising the prices of its Xbox Game Pass and Game Pass Ultimate subscription services starting from July 6 next year. However, the PC Game Pass subscription will remain at its current price. For the main console, the subscription will cost an additional euro, amounting to 10.99 euros per month. Meanwhile, Game Pass Ultimate will see a two-euro increase, maintaining a monthly price of 14.99 euros in Europe.
It is important to note that these price changes will only apply to new subscriptions or renewals starting on July 6th. Existing subscribers will not have to deal with the price difference until August 13th, except for users in Germany who will have until September 13th.
This news is certainly disappointing for gamers, and many are curious about the reasoning behind these price increases for both hardware and online services. As the gaming community awaits further explanations from Sony and Microsoft, it remains to be seen how these changes will impact the market and consumer sentiment.
Sources:
– Sony PlayStation 5 price increase: [link]
– Microsoft Xbox Series X price increase: [link]
What is the rationale behind Microsoft’s decision to increase the prices of their Xbox Game Pass and Game Pass Ultimate subscription services
Article Rewritten:
Sony and Microsoft Shake Up Prices for PlayStation 5 and Xbox Series X
In a surprising turn of events, Sony and Microsoft have announced price increases for their respective ninth-generation consoles. Last year, Sony faced criticism for raising the price of the PlayStation 5 by €50, bringing it to a retail price of €549.99. At the time, both Microsoft and Nintendo assured consumers that they would not follow suit. However, Xbox head Phil Spencer hinted that this stance could change, and now it seems that day has come.
Microsoft has confirmed that the price of the Xbox Series X will also increase by €50, matching the PlayStation 5’s retail price of €549.99. This brings the prices of the two major consoles back to an even playing field. Thankfully, the Xbox Series S will not be impacted by this price change.
But Microsoft didn’t stop there. The company has also announced upcoming price increases for its Xbox Game Pass and Game Pass Ultimate subscription services, beginning on July 6th next year. However, the price of the PC Game Pass subscription will remain unchanged. The main console subscription will cost an additional euro, totaling €10.99 per month. Meanwhile, Game Pass Ultimate will see a two-euro increase, maintaining its current monthly price of €14.99 in Europe.
It is important to note that these price changes will only affect new subscriptions or renewals starting on July 6th. Existing subscribers will not experience the price difference until August 13th, except for users in Germany, who will have until September 13th.
These price increases have disappointed many gamers, who are now eager for more information about the reasoning behind these changes for both hardware and online services. As the gaming community awaits further explanations from Sony and Microsoft, it remains to be seen how these adjustments will impact the market and consumer sentiment.
Sources:
– Sony PlayStation 5 price increase: [link]
– Microsoft Xbox Series X price increase: [link]
The escalating price war between PlayStation 5 and Xbox Series X is discouraging for consumers hoping for affordable gaming experiences. The continuation of price increases only adds to the controversy surrounding these highly anticipated consoles.