Xbox Series X Price Hike in Europe Stuns Gamers as PS5 Looks Like the Better Deal
Microsoft’s latest Xbox price increase has landed, and for many gamers in Europe, the new prices are far higher than expected. While players already knew that Xbox consoles would become more expensive from August 1, the full scale of the increase in Europe and Japan was not clearly revealed in advance.
Now that the updated prices are visible, the reaction has been swift. The disc-based Xbox Series X has climbed to €799.99 in Europe, putting it in a much more expensive category than many buyers anticipated. With Sony’s PlayStation 5 now looking significantly more affordable by comparison, Microsoft may face a tougher challenge convincing new customers to invest in Xbox hardware.
The biggest surprise is how sharply several Xbox Series X and Series S models have risen in Europe. The Xbox Series S 512 GB model has increased from €349.99 to €499.99, while the 1 TB Xbox Series S has jumped by €200, bringing it to €599.99.
The Xbox Series X has also seen a steep rise. The 1 TB digital Xbox Series X now costs €749.99, while the disc-based Xbox Series X has reached €799.99. For many players, that puts the console well above the price range traditionally associated with mainstream gaming hardware.
The situation is similar in the United Kingdom, where Xbox console prices have increased by roughly £130 to £170 depending on the model. Japan has been hit even harder in some ways, with Xbox consoles receiving a flat ¥30,000 price increase.
In the United States, Microsoft had already confirmed the impact earlier. Xbox Series S and Xbox Series X models rose by $100 to $150, pushing the most expensive disc-based Xbox Series X to $799.99, up from its previous $649.99 price point.
The timing of the Xbox price hike could be a major issue for Microsoft. Console buyers are highly sensitive to value, especially when choosing between Xbox Series X and PS5. With the PlayStation 5 now appearing more affordable in several regions, Sony may benefit from Microsoft’s pricing decision.
The increase also raises questions about the future of Xbox hardware. Microsoft is believed to be working on its next-generation gaming plans, including the rumored Project Helix strategy. However, if current Xbox consoles are already approaching premium PC-like prices, some gamers may wonder how affordable future Xbox devices will be.
For now, the price jump creates a difficult choice for anyone looking to buy into the Xbox ecosystem. Game Pass remains one of Microsoft’s strongest advantages, and Xbox Series X is still a powerful console. However, at €799.99 for the disc model in Europe, many shoppers may hesitate before making the purchase.
The new Xbox pricing could reshape the console market in the coming months. If Microsoft wants to keep hardware sales competitive, it may need to rely heavily on bundles, discounts, or subscription-based value. Otherwise, the PS5 may become the easier recommendation for gamers who simply want the best console deal.
