'Nobody was buying them so it doesn't really matter' — Xbox console price hike hits the UK

Microsoft recently announced a price hike for its Xbox consoles, effective in August, and the reactions in the UK have been overwhelmingly negative. The increase in console prices follows a global trend driven by a sharp rise in RAM costs, which have skyrocketed due to a global shortage. The price of the Xbox Series S has risen by £130 to £429.99, making it more expensive than the Nintendo Switch 2, which retails for £395.99.

The 1TB version of the Xbox Series X has increased from £499.99 to £669.99, close in price to the PlayStation 5 Pro, priced at £789.99. The UK prices for Xbox consoles are as follows: the Xbox Series S 512GB is now £429.99, the 1TB version is £519.99, the Xbox Series X 1TB All-Digital is £619.99, and the 1TB Disc version is £669.99.

In contrast, the US prices remained unchanged, with the Series S 512GB at $499, the 1TB at $599, the Series X All-Digital at $749, and the Disc version at $899.

The raised prices are a result of the global RAM shortage, which has caused the cost of key components to soar. Analysts also predict that the ongoing US-Israel war with Iran could further exacerbate the issue. Other electronic devices like laptops, phones, and tablets have also seen price hikes, but video game consoles are particularly vulnerable due to slim margins.

Sony also increased the price of its PlayStation 5 consoles by $100/£100 in April, citing global economic pressures. Nintendo, however, has not increased the cost of its hardware.

The response to the new Xbox prices has been largely negative. Gaming forum users have called the price hike the "final nail in the coffin" for Xbox, which has been struggling with declining sales. Many commenters expressed frustration about the high prices and difficulty finding Xbox products in stores. Even users who purchased systems at lower prices are concerned about potential breakdowns and the inability to afford replacements.