Xbox Series S/X price increases are not coming anytime soon as the head of the renowned console maker, Phil Spencer, rules it out.
The confirmation from the Xbox boss comes after its close-rival, Sony, hiked the cost for PlayStation 5 (PS5) in various parts of the world.
(Photo : Kevork Djansezian/Getty Images)
LOS ANGELES, CA - JUNE 10: Phil Spencer, vice president of Microsoft Game Studios at Microsoft Corp. speaks during Microsoft Xbox news conference at the Electronic Entertainment Expo at the Galen Center on June 10, 2013 in Los Angeles, California.
LOS ANGELES, CA - JUNE 10: Phil Spencer, vice president of Microsoft Game Studios at Microsoft Corp. speaks during Microsoft Xbox news conference at the Electronic Entertainment Expo at the Galen Center on June 10, 2013 in Los Angeles, California.
Xbox Series S/X Price Increase: Phil Spencer Rules it Out
As per the recent report by NME, the Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of Sony Interactive, Jim Ryan, blamed the "current global economic environment" on the price bump of its sought-after PS5 gaming console.
And as such, some gaming folks have been wondering whether other console makers like Microsoft and Nintendo are also planning to update the Xbox and Switch pricing.
Shortly after the price increase of the PS5, a spokesperson from Microsoft responded right away, saying that the tech giant is not looking to make the Xbox consoles more expensive.
And this time, the Xbox boss has spoken about it for the first time since Sony raised the PS5 price tag.
(Photo : CHARLY TRIBALLEAU/AFP via Getty Images)
Microsoft's Xbox Series X (L, in black) and series S (R, in white) gaming consoles are seen on display during its worldwide release at an electronics store in Tokyo on November 10, 2020.
Microsoft's Xbox Series X (L, in black) and series S (R, in white) gaming consoles are seen on display during its worldwide release at an electronics store in Tokyo on November 10, 2020.
According to a news story by Kotaku, Spencer took time to speak with CNBC. He discussed the future gaming acquisitions of the giant console maker as he flew to Japan for the ongoing Tokyo Game Show 2022.
The interview also allowed the Xbox boss to address the anticipated price increase of its consoles amid the recent hike of PS5.
He finally ruled out the feared price hike of Xbox Series X and Series S consoles. "We have no plans today to raise [the prices] of our consoles," the head of Xbox assures.
He also adds that he believes it is not the right time for the tech giant to raise the prices of its gaming consoles. It essentially means that we are not seeing any cost hike for now.
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Xbox Series S Success Amid Economic Challenges
He went on to be empathetic with consumers' struggles these days, noting that they are "more economically challenged and uncertain than ever."
Before addressing the price increase, Spencer highlighted the success of its cheaper Series S console. He could not help but note that "over half of our new players that we're finding are coming in through Series S."
It is worth mentioning that the pricing of the Xbox Series S in the United States is more on the budget side as it only retails for $299.
On the other hand, the Xbox Series X sells for $499, similar to the pricing of the standard PS5. However, the latter is now more costly in other parts of the world.
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Written by Teejay Boris
