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Xbox announces another console price hike, this time $100 more for the 512 GB and $150 for 1TB
Microsoft is implementing another worldwide price increase for its Xbox consoles, effective August 1. The 512GB models will increase by $100, and 1TB models by $150, due to rising component and memory costs. The disc-equipped 2TB Xbox Series X is also being discontinued.
Xbox console prices to increase this August
Microsoft will increase the prices of its Xbox consoles starting August 1, 2026, due to rising component costs and the ongoing consumer electronics crisis. The 512GB models will increase by $100 and 1TB models by $150, while the 2TB model will be discontinued. This follows similar price hikes by Sony for the PlayStation 5 and an upcoming increase for the Nintendo Switch 2.
Microsoft raises price of Xbox consoles once again, sunsets 2TB model
Microsoft is increasing the prices of its Xbox Series S and Xbox Series X consoles globally starting August 1, 2026, citing a global memory hardware shortage driven by generative AI companies. The 512GB Xbox Series S will rise by $100 to $499.99, and 1TB models of both consoles will increase by $150, with the 2TB Xbox Series X being discontinued. This follows similar price hikes from Sony and Nintendo, with Microsoft explaining that consoles are typically sold at a loss, making them particularly vulnerable to component cost increases.
Microsoft Is Increasing The Cost Of Xbox Consoles, Again, Starting In August
Microsoft is increasing the price of its Xbox Series S and Xbox Series X consoles again, effective August 1. The 512 GB Series S will rise by $100 to $500, and the 1 TB Series X will increase by $150 to $800, attributed to rising component and memory costs. The company is also discontinuing 2 TB models and introducing new financing and refurbished options to improve accessibility.
Releasing The Elder Scrolls 6 and Fallout 5 faster risks "disappointing fans," Bethesda veteran says following reports that Microsoft wants to speed up development
A former Bethesda developer, Bruce Nesmith, suggests that rushing the development of The Elder Scrolls 6 and Fallout 5 could lead to fan fatigue. He emphasizes the balance between resources, time, and quality in game development, noting that excessively long or short development cycles can be detrimental. Nesmith believes a sweet spot of around three to five years between major releases is ideal for meeting fan expectations without burnout.
Xbox console prices are about to rise for the second time in a year, just before GTA VI launches — so you really don't want to miss this Xbox Series X deal at Walmart while it lasts
Microsoft has announced that the prices for Xbox Series X and Series S consoles will increase by $100 and $150 respectively, effective August 1, 2026. The company will also discontinue its 2 TB model. This price hike comes shortly before the launch of Grand Theft Auto VI, with a current Walmart deal offering a discount on the 1 TB Xbox Series X model.
Updated XBOX Console Prices
Microsoft is increasing the worldwide prices of Xbox consoles effective August 1, 2026, with 512 GB models rising by US$100 and 1 TB models by US$150, while the 2 TB model will be discontinued. This decision is attributed to rising storage and memory component costs. To mitigate the impact, Microsoft is also introducing enhanced Buy Now, Pay Later options, 0% APR financing through Amazon, and programs for previously played and certified refurbished consoles.
Amid reports Xbox is preparing for significant layoffs, a wave of staff at South of Midnight developer Compulsion Games announce their departure
Multiple employees have announced their departures from Compulsion Games, the developer of South of Midnight, amid reports of significant layoffs and potential studio closures within the Xbox division. These departures follow news that Microsoft is planning major restructuring across its gaming division, with Compulsion Games, Double Fine, and Ninja Theory reportedly among the studios at risk.
Xbox Layoffs Appear To Be Starting With South Of Midnight Dev Compulsion
Xbox Game Studios has reportedly begun layoffs, with developers at Compulsion Games, the studio behind South of Midnight, being affected. This comes as part of a larger restructuring under new CEO Asha Sharma, which may see several Xbox Game Studios closed or become independent. Other studios like Double Fine and Ninja Theory are also reportedly in talks with Xbox to avoid closure.
Leaks, price control, no second-hand sales: why Grand Theft Auto 6 physical editions won't come with a disc, according to experts
Grand Theft Auto 6 physical editions will not include a disc, instead featuring only a download code, a move experts attribute to Rockstar Games' desire for greater price control, elimination of the second-hand market, and prevention of game leaks. This approach, while a deviation from traditional norms, aligns with a growing trend in digital distribution and offers benefits for publisher cash flow and development timelines.
Few things get me excited like these big GTA 6 moments, but we need to talk about digital game ownership - and fast
The author expresses excitement for Grand Theft Auto 6's upcoming release, particularly its promotional screenshots, but pivots to discuss concerns about digital game ownership and pricing. The article critiques the move away from physical discs, the potential for revoked licenses, and the increasing cost of games, arguing for a consumer right to true ownership rather than just a license.
Former Halo art director who complained about "fraud" and "cronyism" warns looming Xbox layoffs are a chance for bosses to settle scores
Former Halo art director Glenn Israel warns that impending Xbox layoffs could be used by executives to retaliate against employees who have raised complaints about misconduct. Israel, who claims he was driven out of his job after reporting alleged fraud and cronyism, advises current staff to seek legal counsel and document evidence before potential job cuts occur.
As Xbox studios brace for a "reset," South of Midnight developers from Compulsion Games begin looking for work
Developers from Compulsion Games, the studio behind South of Midnight, are leaving en masse as parent company Xbox Game Studios undergoes a significant business 'reset'. Multiple reports indicate potential layoffs or closures across several Xbox Game Studios, with Compulsion Games reportedly in talks to spin off independently. Several employees have publicly announced they are seeking new opportunities after years with the studio.
Analysts attempt to make sense of Xbox's latest exclusivity pivot
Xbox is undergoing another strategic shift regarding game exclusivity, moving from a multiplatform approach back towards select console exclusives. This pivot, occurring under new leadership, aims to re-establish reasons for consumers to invest in the Xbox ecosystem, balancing a console business with a platform-agnostic publishing strategy.
Microsoft (MSFT) and OpenAI are being sued by nearly 400 newspapers
Nearly 400 newspapers have filed a lawsuit against Microsoft and OpenAI, alleging that their generative AI products have scraped copyrighted content without permission or compensation. The suit claims that Microsoft "secretly crawled" websites, including paywalled content, to train AI models. OpenAI CEO Sam Altman has previously stated the company would cover legal costs for copyright infringement claims, and this lawsuit follows similar actions by authors and publishers against AI companies.
Xbox Series X/S Prices Will Increase Again From August 1st
Microsoft's Xbox division has announced another price increase for the Xbox Series X and Series S consoles, effective August 1st. The company cited rising component and storage costs, which have more than doubled for consoles, as the primary reason for the hikes. To mitigate the impact, Xbox is introducing new Buy Now, Pay Later financing options and promoting trade-in programs for previously played consoles.
Former Xbox Employees Warn of Retaliation From Studio Leadership Ahead of Rumored Layoffs
Former Xbox employees have spoken out about alleged toxic behavior from studio leadership, warning that speaking out against superiors or filing complaints can lead to retaliation, including termination or being pressured to leave. Glenn Israel, former art director at Halo Studios, shared his experiences and advised current employees to be aware of their labor rights and to consult legal counsel if facing layoffs or disputes.
This Deals Returns To A Simpler Time When The Xbox Series X Was Less Than $600
Walmart is offering the Xbox Series X for $574, down from $650, as part of its Deals & More Sale. The console, despite being a few years old, still offers high-resolution gaming, fast frame rates, and features like Quick Resume. The deal is available through June 28 and comes with a wireless controller.
You can finally turn Riot's Vanguard anti-cheat off when you're not playing a game
Riot Games is updating its Vanguard anti-cheat system to an 'on demand' model, meaning it will only run when playing League of Legends or Valorant and will shut down afterward. This change requires modern PC hardware and specific Windows security features like UEFI Secure Boot and TPM 2.0 to be enabled. The update aims to reduce the intrusiveness of the kernel-mode software while maintaining its effectiveness against cheaters.
Tim Sweeney on the future of games, AI, and whether Valve will ever join forces with Epic: 'It's now clear that nobody's going to end up with an absolute monopoly'
Epic Games CEO Tim Sweeney discusses the future of gaming, emphasizing interoperability and AI integration in Unreal Engine 6 to foster "Team Open." He addresses concerns about AI's creative impact and criticizes Valve's stance on AI disclosures, advocating for tools that improve developer efficiency and player experience across platforms. Sweeney also touches on the challenges of AAA development and the importance of economic interoperability for games like Fortnite.
