Microsoft is raising the prices of Xbox Series X and Game Pass in most countries

If you’re interested in getting one, it might be wise to do so by the end of July, unless you’re in the US, Japan, Chile, Brazil or Colombia. Microsoft confirmed to Engadget that it is raising the console’s price in most other countries.

Starting August 1, the Xbox Series X will cost $650 CAD in Canada, £480 in the UK, €550 in most European countries, and $800 AUD in Australia. The increase is roughly in line with the PS5 price changes.

“We’ve held our prices for consoles in check for several years and have adjusted prices to reflect competitive conditions in each market,” said Kari Perez, Head of Xbox Communications. The edge “These Game Pass price adjustments are not related and are intended to match local market conditions.”

Pricing for the Xbox Series S remains the same in all markets at $250 (or local equivalent). Microsoft will introduce soon.

Microsoft has its own studios. If you don’t want to buy a Series X or S, you can still stream upcoming games star field And fable On older consoles via Game Pass Ultimate. but guess what? The cost of that service is also increasing, including in the US.

Xbox Game Pass will soon cost $11 per month, a $1 increase. Game Pass Ultimate is making the big jump from $15 a month to $17. ledge There is a list of price increases for other markets. The price of PC Game Pass (that is, in 2020) is not changing, while Xbox Game Pass will not increase in Norway, Chile, Denmark, Switzerland or Saudi Arabia.

The price changes will go into effect for new Xbox Game Pass members on July 6th. This will not apply to existing members until 13 August (13 September in Germany). If you have access to Game Pass through an annual code, the price changes won’t affect you until it’s time for your renewal.

This is the first time that Microsoft has increased Game Pass pricing since it introduced the service in 2017 as part of a transition away from Xbox Live Gold. Still, it was inevitable that prices would rise at some point. The importance of Game Pass to Xbox’s business model was undoubtedly a factor in the decision.

Contrary to what you would have expected for the Xbox Series X’s price drop At this point in its lifecycle, not for boosting. Microsoft can’t blame the console shortage — Xbox head Phil Spencer recently said that the company has increased supply of the Xbox Series X/S. Instead, Microsoft suggested that the Series X growth is due to market conditions such as inflation and currency fluctuations.