Buying an Xbox has become significantly more expensive, with Microsoft quietly updating prices across the EU and the UK following the US price increases that took effect on August 1.
The new pricing means an entry-level Xbox Series S now starts at €499.99 in Europe. In the UK, it starts at £429.99.
While Microsoft confirmed in June that US Xbox prices would rise by between $100 and $150, the increases for European buyers are even steeper. Depending on the model, prices in the EU have climbed by €150 to €200, while those in the UK are paying £130 to £170 more than before.
The updated pricing sees the Xbox Series S (512GB) rise to €499.99 / £429.99, while the 1TB Series S now costs €599.99 / £519.99. Meanwhile, the Xbox Series X Digital has climbed to €749.99 / £619.99. The flagship Xbox Series X now carries a retail price of €799.99 / £669.99.
The changes leave European gamers paying substantially more than before. In fact, based on current exchange rates, the entry-level Series S now costs roughly $575 in Europe, considerably higher than its US price.
Unfortunately, prices may not have reached their peak. When announcing the original US increases, Microsoft warned that ongoing supply chain pressures could continue to affect hardware costs. The company also noted that storage and memory prices are expected to rise again. Those higher component costs are already being felt across the wider consumer electronics market.
Microsoft isn’t alone in passing those costs onto buyers. Both Sony and Nintendo have also announced price increases for some of their hardware in recent months. This comes as manufacturers continue to grapple with rising memory prices and component shortages.
For anyone considering an Xbox purchase in Europe or the UK, the latest increases make the decision considerably more expensive. Unless retailers offer discounts or bundle deals, buyers now face the highest official Xbox console prices the region has seen.
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