Xbox has announced significant price hikes across its consoles and accessories, with games set to reach $80 USD later this year. This move is likely to have far-reaching consequences for the gaming industry, including PlayStation consoles.
The new prices are particularly notable given Nintendo’s Switch 2 announcement, which saw a console price of $450 and some first-party games priced at $80. Xbox has now followed suit with its lowest-tier console, the Xbox Series S, now costing $380 USD, slightly more expensive than a PlayStation 5 Slim Digital Astro Bot bundle.
The trend is expected to continue, with Sony likely to follow Xbox’s lead on price hikes for its consoles and first-party games. This shift towards higher prices reflects an opportunity for companies to promote digital services and subscription-based models, which are already earning more revenue than physical media sales.
The impact of these price increases will be felt throughout the industry, particularly with the highly anticipated release of Grand Theft Auto 6 in 2026. Analysts had previously predicted that GTA 6 could cost upwards of $100, given its high development costs and the game’s expected commercial success. With first-party companies firmly raising prices, it is likely that Rockstar will also increase the price of GTA 6 to at least $80.
The shift towards higher prices marks a significant change in the gaming industry, with consumers likely to become more selective about which games they purchase and play. As digital services continue to grow in popularity, it is essential for gamers to be aware of these changes and plan accordingly.
Source: https://www.ign.com/articles/will-playstation-follow-xboxs-price-increase-and-what-does-it-mean-for-gta-6