Microsoft raises Xbox console price to $200
Price increases in the tech world have now reached the gaming industry. This was reported by Zamin.uz.
After Apple raised the prices of its devices, Microsoft followed suit by announcing a new pricing policy for its Xbox gaming consoles. These changes are not only affecting consumers but also highlighting serious issues in the global electronics market.
This is reported by Techcrunch.com. According to the company’s official statement, starting August 1, Xbox console prices will rise significantly worldwide.
Specifically, models with 512 gigabytes of storage will become $100 more expensive, while 1-terabyte versions will increase by $150. Additionally, Microsoft has decided to completely discontinue production of the 2-terabyte model.
Such sharp increases are being implemented for the second time in the past year. Microsoft attributes this decision to rising memory costs and the impact of artificial intelligence, citing a sharp global increase in the prices of memory chips and data storage devices.
It is reported that component prices have become more than 2.5 times higher than before. Experts predict that by autumn 2027, these indicators could double again.
The main cause of this situation is cited as the rapid development of artificial intelligence technologies. Apple also cited this factor when raising prices for its Mac and iPad devices.
The explosive demand for AI infrastructure and large data centers has created a bottleneck in the supply chain for memory chips, which directly affects the pricing of everyday electronics.
Amid rising Xbox prices, it is worth recalling that Sony, Microsoft’s main competitor, also increased the price of the PlayStation 5.
The PlayStation 5 Digital Edition model rose from $499 at launch to $599. Meanwhile, Nintendo has kept Switch 2 prices relatively moderate for now, but future price revisions cannot be ruled out under market pressure.
In the Uzbek market, Xbox and PlayStation consoles are widely sold through both official and unofficial dealers. The rise in global prices is expected to affect prices in local stores as well.
This will make purchasing new-generation consoles even more difficult for gamers. To ease the situation, Microsoft is offering a range of benefits to customers.
The company announced the following measures:
Launching programs to sell used consoles at lower prices.
Offering “Buy now, pay later” options when purchasing through the Microsoft Store.
Providing interest-free installment plans for up to 12 months on partner platforms such as Amazon.
Thus, the AI-driven pressure in the tech world is not only affecting software and device prices but also significantly shaping the future of the entire gaming industry. Users and industry experts are now forced to develop new strategies to adapt to these changes.
