Following news of a price hike for PlayStation 5 consoles in certain territories, Microsoft has confirmed that Xbox Series X and Xbox Series S consoles will remain at their current retail price for the moment.
In a statement to Windows Central, a Microsoft spokesperson confirmed that the current generation of Xbox consoles won't see a change in prices any time soon. Per the spokesperson, "We are constantly evaluating our business to offer our fans great gaming options. Our Xbox Series S suggested retail price remains at $299 (£250, €300) the Xbox Series X is $499 (£450, €500)." What that means, basically, is that anyone looking to purchase a new Xbox console -- either the flagship Series X or its less powerful, digital-only companion, the Series S -- will be able to pick one up at the same price they've been retailing for since 2020.
Microsoft's statement comes in response to a recent price hike for all PlayStation 5 consoles in most markets outside of the United States. In Australia, Canada, China, Europe, Japan, Mexico and the United Kingdom, the recommended retail price of both PS5 models (the standard model, which includes a UHD Blu-Ray disc drive, and the digital-only edition) has increased by approximately $50 USD across the board.
Sony cites "high global inflation rates, as well as adverse currency trends" as reasons for the PS5's surprise price hike. Sony Interactive Entertainment CEO Jim Ryan says "challenging economic conditions" made the decision to raise the price of the PS5 a difficult but necessary call. Microsoft doesn't seem to be as adversely affected, given that the prices of its current-generation consoles haven't changed at all.
While the PS5 is undergoing a price hike in most markets and Xbox series consoles are staying at their usual recommended retail prices, snagging either console usually isn't as simple as walking into a store and buying one at its anticipated retail price. For the most part, every time Xbox Series consoles and PS5 consoles have been in stock at a retailer since 2020, they've sold out in a matter of minutes. Sony says it wants to address that stock issue by continuing to dramatically increase PS5 production throughout 2022. At the time of writing, Microsoft seems to be doing a bit better in terms of sustaining supply, as the Xbox Series line of consoles has outsold the PS5 in North America for three consecutive fiscal quarters.
The PlayStation 5 and the Xbox Series X|S consoles can be purchased at most electronics retailers.
Source: Windows Central