{"id":6509,"date":"2026-06-26T14:57:21","date_gmt":"2026-06-26T11:57:21","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.gamermarkt.com\/blog\/?p=6509"},"modified":"2026-06-26T14:58:19","modified_gmt":"2026-06-26T11:58:19","slug":"xbox-console-price-increase-august-2026","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.gamermarkt.com\/blog\/xbox-console-price-increase-august-2026\/","title":{"rendered":"Xbox Consoles Hit With Massive Price Hike Starting August 2026"},"content":{"rendered":"\n
\n

Microsoft announced its third Xbox price hike in just over a year. Starting August 1, 2026, the Series S starts at $499 and the Series X tops out at $799. The 2TB model is being discontinued entirely.<\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n\n\n\n

Microsoft is raising Xbox console prices worldwide for the third time since May 2025. Starting August 1, 2026, the 512 GB models will increase by $100 and the 1 TB models by $150, pushing the flagship Xbox Series X to $799.99. The 2 TB Galaxy Black Special Edition is being discontinued entirely, and the era of consoles getting cheaper over time appears to be over.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

New Xbox Prices: The Full Breakdown<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Microsoft confirmed the updated pricing through Xbox Wire. Here is how every current model is affected:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Model<\/th>Old Price (USD)<\/th>New Price (USD)<\/th>Increase<\/th><\/tr><\/thead>
Xbox Series S 512 GB<\/td>$399.99<\/td>$499.99<\/td>+$100<\/td><\/tr>
Xbox Series S 1 TB<\/td>$449.99<\/td>$599.99<\/td>+$150<\/td><\/tr>
Xbox Series X 1 TB Digital<\/td>$599.99<\/td>$749.99<\/td>+$150<\/td><\/tr>
Xbox Series X 1 TB Disc<\/td>$649.99<\/td>$799.99<\/td>+$150<\/td><\/tr><\/tbody><\/table><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

The entry-level Xbox Series S now costs what the Series X used to cost just a year ago. The disc-equipped Series X at $799.99 sits at the same price the discontinued 2 TB model held before this announcement, meaning buyers now pay the same for half the storage.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Why Is Microsoft Raising Prices Again?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Microsoft pointed to a deepening global memory and storage crisis. According to the company, console storage and memory component prices have risen by more than 2.5 times and could double again by the fall of 2027. The company said it had “hoped another price increase would not be necessary” and had spent months working with suppliers before concluding that the hike was unavoidable.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The root cause is the massive expansion of AI data centres, which compete for the same memory and storage chips used in consumer electronics. Apple made the same argument on the same day when it announced price increases on Mac computers and iPads. Microsoft specifically noted that consoles are hit harder than phones or PCs because they are “typically not sold at a profit, but instead for less than they cost to make.”<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Why the 2 TB Model Is Being Discontinued<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

The 2 TB Galaxy Black Special Edition, currently priced at $799.99, would have crossed the $1,000 threshold after a $150 increase. Rather than sell a four-figure console, Microsoft chose to discontinue the model entirely. Existing stock will remain available until it sells through, but no new units will be produced.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Three Price Hikes in 15 Months<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

This is not an isolated adjustment. Microsoft first raised Xbox prices in May 2025 across most regions, then again in October 2025 for the US market. The August 2026 increase is the steepest yet and applies globally. Together, these three rounds have pushed Xbox hardware pricing far beyond what consumers expected when the Series X launched at $499 in late 2020.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The pattern is not unique to Microsoft. Sony raised PlayStation 5 prices multiple times, with the PS5 Slim now at $549.99 for the disc model in the US. Nintendo priced the Switch 2 at $499.99, above initial expectations. Dell, Lenovo, HP, and other PC makers have signalled 15 to 20 percent price hikes heading into the second half of 2026.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

How Xbox Now Compares to PlayStation 5<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

The price gap between Xbox and PlayStation has flipped dramatically. Before this latest increase, the Xbox Series X and PS5 sat in a similar range. After August 1, the comparison looks like this:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Console<\/th>US Price (Post-Hike)<\/th><\/tr><\/thead>
Xbox Series S 512 GB<\/td>$499.99<\/td><\/tr>
PS5 Digital Edition<\/td>$499.99<\/td><\/tr>
Xbox Series S 1 TB<\/td>$599.99<\/td><\/tr>
PS5 Slim Disc<\/td>$549.99<\/td><\/tr>
Xbox Series X 1 TB Digital<\/td>$749.99<\/td><\/tr>
Xbox Series X 1 TB Disc<\/td>$799.99<\/td><\/tr>
PS5 Pro<\/td>$899.99<\/td><\/tr><\/tbody><\/table><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

The disc-based Xbox Series X is now $250 more than the disc-based PS5 Slim. Even comparing the cheapest models, the Xbox Series S 512 GB matches the PS5 Digital Edition at $499.99 but offers significantly less graphical power. Xbox Game Pass remains a strong value proposition, but the hardware price gap alone could push many buyers toward PlayStation this holiday season, especially with GTA 6 launching on November 19.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

European Pricing Still Pending<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Microsoft has not yet announced specific post-hike prices for Europe or the UK. Before this latest increase, the Xbox Series X sold for around \u20ac600 in most European markets and \u00a3499.99 in the UK. Given the scale of the US increase, European gamers should expect substantial jumps as well, though the exact figures may vary by region due to local taxes and currency adjustments.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

What Microsoft Is Doing to Soften the Blow<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Alongside the price increase, Microsoft announced several accessibility measures aimed at keeping consoles within reach:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    \n
  • Buy Now, Pay Later:<\/strong> Interest-free instalment plans for eligible hardware at Microsoft Stores.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
  • Amazon financing:<\/strong> 0% APR financing for up to 12 months on Xbox consoles.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
  • Trade-in programmes:<\/strong> Partnerships with retailers to accept used consoles and resell them as lower-priced “previously played” units.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
  • Certified Refurbished:<\/strong> Xbox Certified Refurbished consoles available at Microsoft Stores for up to $100 off MSRP.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n

    These measures are currently confirmed for the US market. Whether similar programmes roll out in Europe remains to be seen.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    GTA 6 Timing Makes This Worse<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

    The price increase lands less than four months before the launch of Grand Theft Auto VI on November 19, 2026. Rockstar Games set GTA 6’s standard edition at $79.99, making it the first major title to adopt the new $80 pricing tier. For someone buying a new Xbox Series X with a disc drive plus GTA 6, the total cost will exceed $880 before tax.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    Microsoft appears aware of the timing pressure. The company name-dropped GTA 6 alongside Halo: Campaign Evolved, Gears of War: E-Day, Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 4, and other major 2026 releases when promoting the Series S as the most affordable way to access the Xbox ecosystem.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    The Bigger Picture: AI Is Reshaping Consumer Pricing<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

    This wave of price increases across gaming hardware is a direct consequence of the AI infrastructure boom. Data centres operated by companies like Microsoft, Google, Amazon, and Meta are consuming memory and storage chips at an unprecedented rate, creating intense competition with consumer electronics manufacturers for the same components.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    Microsoft’s own estimate that component costs could double again by late 2027 suggests this is not a temporary spike. The traditional console pricing model, where hardware launches at an accessible price and gets cheaper over time, may be fundamentally changing. Gamers should prepare for the possibility that sub-$500 flagship consoles are no longer the norm.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    Questions Gamers Are Asking<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

    Should I buy an Xbox before August 1?<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

    If you are planning to buy any Xbox console in 2026, purchasing before August 1 is the most straightforward way to avoid the higher prices. Retailers like Walmart have already begun offering pre-hike deals, with the Xbox Series X 1 TB available at $573.99 at the time of this writing.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    Are Game Pass prices going up too?<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

    Microsoft did not announce a Game Pass price increase alongside this console hike. However, Game Pass has been adjusted multiple times in recent years, so future increases cannot be ruled out. Game Pass Ultimate currently costs $19.99 per month in the US.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    Will Xbox first-party games also cost more?<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

    Yes. Microsoft confirmed that new first-party titles releasing during the 2026 holiday season will be priced at $79.99, up from $69.99. Franchises like Halo, Gears of War, and Forza are affected. These games will still be available on Game Pass from day one.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    Can I still find the 2 TB model?<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

    Only while existing stock lasts. Microsoft is discontinuing the 2 TB Galaxy Black Special Edition and will not produce additional units. If you want that model, checking retailers immediately is advisable.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    Is this happening only in the US?<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

    No. Microsoft stated the increases will apply worldwide. Specific regional pricing for Europe and the UK has not yet been confirmed but is expected to follow.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

    Microsoft announced its third Xbox price hike in just over a year. Starting August 1, 2026, the Series S starts at $499 and the Series X tops out at $799. The 2TB model is being discontinued entirely.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":5,"featured_media":6510,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[322],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-6509","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-general"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.gamermarkt.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/6509","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.gamermarkt.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.gamermarkt.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.gamermarkt.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/5"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.gamermarkt.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=6509"}],"version-history":[{"count":1,"href":"https:\/\/www.gamermarkt.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/6509\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":6511,"href":"https:\/\/www.gamermarkt.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/6509\/revisions\/6511"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.gamermarkt.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/6510"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.gamermarkt.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=6509"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.gamermarkt.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=6509"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.gamermarkt.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=6509"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}