Phil Spencer has hinted that Xbox consoles as well as the Game Pass subscription price could increase at some point in the future.
Back in August 2022, prices of the PlayStation 5 consoles increased globally. Well, apart from the United States for some reason. As you could imagine, various parts of the world that were impacted by the price increase weren’t best pleased.
PS5 increased in price globally, mostly
At the time of the increase, SIE President and CEO, Jim Ryan claimed global inflation as well as currency trends were to blame. Adding that the global economy is “impacting consumers and creating pressure on many industries.”
Many PlayStation fans weren’t happy with an £82 billion company pleading poverty, not to mention that PS5 stock shortages are still a global issue.
Xbox wasn’t increasing its prices, yet
In response to the PlayStation 5 price increase, Microsoft suggested to Windows Central that an Xbox increase isn’t likely, at least for the time being.
Furthermore, the following month, Xbox chief Phil Spencer said: “In a time when our customers are more economically challenged and uncertain than ever, we don’t think it’s the right move for us at this point to be raising prices on our consoles.”
Phil Spencer hints at Xbox price increase
However, just this week when speaking during Wall Street Journal Live, Spencer suggested that Xbox consoles as well as the Game Pass subscription service could get a price hike. Thankfully, Microsoft, a $1.73 trillion company won’t be increasing the prices before this Christmas.
“I do think at some point we’ll have to raise the prices on certain things, but going into this holiday we thought it was important to maintain the prices,” explained Spencer.
He continued: “We’ve held price on our console, we’ve held price on games… and our subscription. I don’t think we’ll be able to do that forever. I do think at some point we’ll have to raise some prices on certain things…”
An Xbox Game Pass increase has been likely
As with Sony’s price hike, I’m sure an increase on Xbox Series X|S consoles won’t sit well with many. Moreover, Xbox Game Pass offers great value for money. That being said, as with Netflix, an increase in the subscription model is always likely. Let’s just hope that when that increase happens, it’s only by a little.
Finally, what are your thoughts on the potential Xbox price increases? Let us know across our social media channels.
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Featured Image Credit: Microsoft/Source: MP1ST