Microsoft has officially increased Xbox console prices across Europe and the UK, with hikes reaching €200 in the Eurozone and £170 in Britain. The news, reported by Video Games Chronicle, follows similar increases announced in the United States effective August 1. This latest round of price rises is another symptom of the so-called RAMpocalypse, the global shortage of RAM and other hardware components that is driving up production costs for everything from consoles to PCs.
The Series X takes the biggest hit with a €200 increase in Europe
The flagship model, the Xbox Series X with a disc drive and 1TB storage, now costs €799 in Europe, £669 in the UK, and $799 in the US. Compared to its launch price in 2020, that is an increase of about $300, highlighting how the industry is facing unprecedented cost pressures. Digital editions and the Series S see smaller but still significant increases, with the 512GB Series S rising from €349 to €499 in the Eurozone.
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RAMpocalypse and AI data center demand are inflating prices
The main driver behind these hikes is the rush to secure components for AI data centers. Soaring demand for RAM and SSDs has driven up prices for these parts, which are also essential for consoles. This has created a paradoxical situation where console prices rise as their life cycle progresses, instead of falling as they traditionally did. The same trend is affecting the PC market, with price increases seen on Steam Deck and Steam Machine.
Comparison with Sony and future outlook
Sony already raised PlayStation 5 prices in April, with $100 increases across all models. Now Microsoft is following suit, and further adjustments may come soon. The situation remains fluid and will depend on raw material costs and manufacturers' ability to absorb increases. Meanwhile, European consumers are facing higher prices in an already challenging economic climate.
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For those considering buying an Xbox, it is important to weigh options and consider that prices may rise further. Our analysis of cost-saving strategies, such as planning purchases, can be helpful. Additionally, gamers interested in upcoming releases will find our article on September launches insightful. Finally, it remains to be seen how the market reacts and whether Sony will revise its pricing again.
