Microsoft is raising the prices for Xbox Series S and Xbox Series X consoles by $100 to $150, effective August 1, 2026. This price adjustment directly impacts buyers looking to purchase current-generation hardware, as the cost of entry and mid-tier models increases significantly. The changes reflect a broader trend in the console market where manufacturers are passing on rising component costs to consumers. Gamers planning to upgrade their setup will need to account for these higher retail prices starting next month.
Microsoft cites storage and memory costs for the increase
The price hikes apply to specific configurations of the Xbox Series S and Xbox Series X. Microsoft is discontinuing the 2TB model consoles, shifting the lineup to focus on 512GB and 1TB storage options. The Series S 512GB model now costs $499.99, while the 1TB version is priced at $599.99. For the Xbox Series X, the 1TB model without a disc drive is $749.99, and the version with a disc drive is $799.99. These adjustments represent a $100 increase for 512GB models and a $150 increase for 1TB models compared to previous pricing.
- Xbox Series X 1TB (No Disc Drive) Price: $749.99
- Xbox Series X 1TB (Disc Drive) Price: $799.99
- Xbox Series S 512GB Price: $499.99
- Xbox Series S 1TB Price: $599.99
- Xbox Series S/X 2TB Model Status: Discontinued
Microsoft attributes these price increases to a sharp rise in the cost of console storage and memory. The company stated that storage and memory prices have increased by more than 2.5 times. Microsoft also warned that these costs could double again by the fall of 2027. The company noted that consoles are typically sold for less than they cost to make, unlike phones or computers. This financial reality forces Microsoft to adjust retail prices to maintain its business model.
These updates follow previous price hikes by Microsoft, Sony, and Nintendo in the console market. The changes affect the US market starting August 1, 2026. Buyers should expect to pay higher prices for all current Xbox Series S and X configurations. The discontinuation of the 2TB model simplifies the lineup but removes the highest storage option. Consumers will need to choose between the 512GB and 1TB models at the new price points.
Source: VideoGameChronicles
