Microsoft Increases Xbox Series Prices in UK and Europe
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What Are the Xbox Series X and Xbox Series S?
The Xbox Series X and Xbox Series S are ninth-generation home video game consoles developed by Microsoft. The Series X is a high-performance 4K gaming system with a custom AMD Zen 2 processor and RDNA 2 GPU, while the Series S is a lower-cost, all-digital console targeting 1440p resolution. Both consoles are part of the Xbox family and compete with Sony’s PlayStation 5 and Nintendo Switch. They solve the problem of delivering fast-loading, high-fidelity gaming experiences with backward compatibility across four generations of Xbox titles.
Key Facts
| Attribute | Value |
|---|---|
| Product | Xbox Series X and Xbox Series S |
| Manufacturer | Microsoft Corporation |
| Original UK Price (Series X) | £449 |
| New UK Price (Series X) | £479 (increase of £30) |
| Original UK Price (Series S) | £249 |
| New UK Price (Series S) | £259 (increase of £10) |
| Original EU Price (Series X) | €499 |
| New EU Price (Series X) | €549 (increase of €50) |
| Original EU Price (Series S) | €299 |
| New EU Price (Series S) | €309 (increase of €10) |
| Price Increase Effective Date | August 1, 2023 (as reported by Kotaku) |
| Reason for Increase | “Changing market conditions” (Microsoft spokesperson) |
Why Did Microsoft Increase Xbox Series Prices?
Microsoft raised the prices of the Xbox Series X and Series S in the UK and Europe to reflect “changing market conditions,” including inflation and currency fluctuations. The company stated that the adjustments were necessary to maintain competitive pricing across different regions.
According to a Microsoft spokesperson quoted by Kotaku:
“We have adjusted the prices of the Xbox Series X and Xbox Series S in the UK and Europe to reflect the changing market conditions.” — Microsoft spokesperson, as reported by Kotaku
Microsoft increased the Xbox Series X price by £30 in the UK and €50 in Europe, and the Xbox Series S by £10 in the UK and €10 in Europe, effective August 1, 2023.
How Much Did the Xbox Series Prices Increase?
The Xbox Series X saw a £30 increase in the UK (from £449 to £479) and a €50 increase in Europe (from €499 to €549). The Xbox Series S increased by £10 in the UK (from £249 to £259) and by €10 in Europe (from €299 to €309).
These increases represent a 6.7% rise for the UK Series X, a 10% rise for the EU Series X, a 4% rise for the UK Series S, and a 3.3% rise for the EU Series S. The Kotaku article noted that the total price of the Series X in some regions now exceeds $580 when converted from euros, though the increase itself is not $230.
The largest absolute increase was €50 for the Xbox Series X in Europe, while the smallest was £10 for the Xbox Series S in the UK.
Who Is Affected by the Xbox Price Increase?
Consumers in the United Kingdom and European Union who purchase new Xbox Series X or Series S consoles are directly affected. Existing owners are not impacted unless they buy additional units. The price change does not apply to other regions such as the United States, Japan, or Australia.
Microsoft has not announced similar increases for other markets. The company’s decision follows a trend of hardware price hikes across the gaming industry, including Sony’s PlayStation 5 price increase in several regions in 2022.
Only UK and EU customers face the new prices; US and other markets remain unchanged as of the announcement date.
Common Questions
Will the Xbox Series X price increase affect the United States?
No. Microsoft confirmed that the price adjustment applies only to the UK and Europe. US prices for the Xbox Series X remain at $499 and the Series S at $299 as of August 2023.
Why did Microsoft raise prices in the UK and Europe but not elsewhere?
Microsoft cited “changing market conditions,” which analysts attribute to higher inflation and unfavorable currency exchange rates in those regions. The company did not specify why other markets were excluded.
Is the Xbox Series S still a budget option after the price increase?
Yes. At £259 in the UK and €309 in Europe, the Series S remains the most affordable current-generation console, undercutting the PlayStation 5 Digital Edition and the Xbox Series X by a significant margin.
Sources and Methodology
This article is based on a single primary source: a Kotaku report published on August 1, 2023, titled “Microsoft Increases Prices Of Xbox Series Consoles By Upwards Of $230 In UK And Europe.” The report includes direct quotes from a Microsoft spokesperson and lists specific price changes in GBP and EUR. Currency conversions mentioned in the original article (e.g., “upwards of $230”) are reproduced as reported; no independent conversion was performed. All prices are as stated by Microsoft and Kotaku. This article was last updated on August 2, 2023.