In summer 2023, Microsoft is increasing prices for the Xbox Series X and Xbox Game Pass. Only PC Game Pass users are lucky and are not affected. You can find out what the price increase means for you.
In most countries, Microsoft is raising prices for the Xbox Series X in August, apparently following Sony’s price increase for the PS5.
The monthly subscription prices for the Game Pass and the Game Pass Ultimate will also rise – starting in July, at least if you don’t have an ongoing subscription.
In an interview with The Verge, Kari Perez, Head of Communications at Xbox, stated: “We have kept console prices stable for many years and adjusted prices to reflect competitive conditions in each market.”
Game Pass Ultimate increases by €2, Console by €50
This is what you will have to pay after the change:
| Product | Current Price | New Price |
|---|---|---|
| Xbox Series X | 499.99 | 549.99 |
| Game Pass for Consoles | 9.99 | 10.99 |
| Game Pass Ultimate | 12.99 | 14.99 |
| Game Pass for PC | 9.99 | 9.99 |
Thus, you will have to spend €50 more for the console starting in August. Regarding the Game Pass, it will be 1 – 2 € more monthly, depending on the subscription model.
This affects users who want to sign up for a new subscription already from July 6 (via The Verge). The new prices for existing monthly Game Pass subscribers will take effect only on August 13 or September 13.
If you have a yearly subscription, the new price will only take effect with the next renewal after the period.
Since its launch in 2017, Microsoft has not adjusted the prices for the Xbox Game Pass and emphasizes that this happens regardless of the planned acquisition of Activision Blizzard.
According to The Verge, Kari Perez stated that the price adjustments “are not related to the Activision Blizzard deal” and “are supposed to reflect local market conditions.”
The price increase will take place in July for the Game Pass and in August for the console. Following that, the release of Starfield is expected soon, which is said to be available on release in the Game Pass.
