Microsoft
Microsoft business and news from across the web.
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Evening Consolidation
Microsoft has significantly increased Xbox prices globally and discontinued the 2TB model due to a component crisis. Separately, the game Abyssus has received its 1.3 update and launched on consoles.
Evening Tech Bits
Microsoft will extend security updates for Windows 10 users by an additional year. This extension aims to provide continued protection for users who have not yet upgraded to newer operating systems.
OpenAI GPT-5.6 access will be approved on a customer by customer basis by the Trump administration
The Trump administration has requested OpenAI to stagger the release of its new GPT-5.6 model, approving access on a customer-by-customer basis during the preview period. This decision comes amid ongoing concerns about artificial intelligence security and follows the White House's release of stricter AI guidelines. OpenAI and Microsoft are also facing a lawsuit from newspaper publishers over alleged copyright infringement.
Xbox Is Raising The Price Of Its Consoles Again, While Also Announcing New Ways To Buy Them
Microsoft is increasing the prices of its Xbox consoles starting August 1st due to rising storage costs and ongoing losses. The company is also introducing new purchasing options to help consumers manage the price hikes.
Skyrim Lead Designer Says Rushing The Elder Scrolls 6, Fallout 5 Could Result in Disappointing Fans
Former Bethesda lead designer Bruce Nesmith believes that rushing the development of The Elder Scrolls 6 and Fallout 5 could lead to fan disappointment. He explained that balancing resources, time, and quality is crucial in game development, and that shortening schedules often compromises features, polish, or leads to bugs. Nesmith also noted that while frequent releases can be beneficial, too much time between titles can cause fan fatigue.
May 2026 US Console Sales Marked The Worst May Ever for Xbox, Worst May for PlayStation Since 2000
May 2026 saw the worst US hardware sales for Xbox and the worst May since 2000 for PlayStation, attributed to significant price increases across consoles. While Xbox unit sales declined, revenue grew due to higher prices, whereas PlayStation experienced drops in both units sold and revenue. Nintendo's Switch 2 continued to sell well, though future price hikes may pose a challenge. In software, IO Interactive's 007 First Light topped the charts, followed by Forza Horizon 6 and LEGO Batman: Legacy of the Dark Knight.
Prime Cardholders Can Get A 25% Discount On A PS5 Digital With This Prime Day Deal
Amazon Prime cardholders can receive a 25% discount on the PlayStation 5 Digital Console, reducing its price to $449 during Prime Day. This deal, ending June 27, also offers an additional 10% off DualSense controllers for eligible cardholders. The article also notes upcoming price increases for Xbox consoles and a bundle deal for Grand Theft Auto VI preorders.
This Is Could Be Your Last Chance To Get An Xbox Series S This Cheap
Microsoft is increasing the prices of Xbox Series X and Xbox Series S consoles starting August 1, with the Xbox Series X rising to $800 and the Xbox Series S to $500. A limited-time deal offers the Xbox Series S 512GB for $380 at Amazon as part of its Prime Day sale, which ends June 26.
As Steam Machine and Xbox are latest to fall to the RAMpocalpyse, Micron CEO says RAM shortages won't ease until…
Micron CEO Sanjay Mehrotra predicts that global RAM shortages, exacerbated by AI demand and economic factors, will persist until at least 2028, leading to continued price hikes for gaming hardware. This situation has already caused price increases for platforms like Steam Machine, Xbox, Nintendo Switch, and PlayStation 5, with future consoles like the PlayStation 6 and Xbox Project Helix expected to be significantly more expensive.
Xbox Series S Has Gone From No-Brainer To No Thank You
The Xbox Series S, once a compelling budget option for current-gen gaming and Game Pass, has lost its appeal due to significant price increases for both the console and the subscription service. Coupled with technical limitations that have impacted game development, such as the exclusion of local co-op in Baldur's Gate 3, the Series S is no longer considered an affordable or clear choice for consumers.
Xbox Series X/S to get second price increase in less than a year
Microsoft is increasing the prices of the Xbox Series S by $100 USD and the Xbox Series X by $150 USD, effective August 1st, 2026, due to a global memory shortage driven by AI data center demand. The company is also discontinuing the 2TB Xbox Series X model. This follows a previous price hike in October and comes amid reports of studio closures and other gaming systems, like Valve's Steam Machine, also facing increased component costs.
It's not layoffs, but you can see them from here: Numerous Compulsion Games employees are looking for new jobs
Numerous employees at Microsoft-owned Compulsion Games are reportedly looking for new jobs, with some indicating they have been given permission to do so due to impending layoffs. While not officially confirmed as layoffs by studio leadership, the situation mirrors reports of potential closures and job cuts at other Xbox studios like Double Fine and Ninja Theory. These expected layoffs are anticipated to occur in early July, following the end of Microsoft's fiscal year.
Xbox Series S, The “Cheap” Option, Now Costs As Much As Series X Did Six Years Ago
The Xbox Series S, initially launched at $300, will increase to $500 on August 1, matching the original launch price of the Xbox Series X. This price hike, attributed to AI-driven chip shortages and Microsoft's role in AI product proliferation, marks a significant departure from historical console pricing trends. The move makes the once budget-friendly option considerably more expensive for consumers looking for affordable next-generation gaming.
Microsoft announces even more Xbox Series price increases for 1st August
Microsoft is increasing the prices of Xbox Series X and Series S consoles globally starting August 1st, with some models seeing a 33% hike. The company cites rising component costs, particularly for SSDs and memory, as the primary reason for the price adjustments. This follows similar price increases last year and affects consoles worldwide, with specific US pricing detailed.
Valve has "a nice thing going on on PC," Epic Games boss Tim Sweeney says, but "they're missing out on a lot of opportunity" without the likes of Fortnite and Genshin Impact
Epic Games CEO Tim Sweeney believes Valve's Steam platform is missing significant opportunities by not including popular games like Fortnite and Genshin Impact. He argues that Steam's closed ecosystem limits its reach compared to more open platforms like the Epic Games Store and Microsoft Store, suggesting Valve could benefit from a more collaborative approach to digital distribution on PC.
Microsoft significantly increases Xbox prices worldwide and withdraws 2TB model citing "components crisis"
Microsoft is significantly increasing the prices of its Xbox consoles worldwide starting August 2, citing a "components crisis" that has driven up the cost of storage and memory. The 512GB and 1TB models of the Xbox Series S and Xbox Series X will see price hikes of $100 and $150 respectively, while the 2TB model will be discontinued. The company also highlighted programs to make consoles more accessible, such as financing options and refurbished units.
Xbox May Have Another Price Hike Up Its Sleeve In 2027
Microsoft is reportedly planning another price increase for Xbox consoles, potentially in late 2027 or 2028, citing rising storage and memory costs. This follows recent price hikes implemented in May and October 2025, and a prior increase in October 2024. The company attributes these adjustments to significant increases in component prices, which have more than doubled.
Xbox prices are rising again after Microsoft helped drive up component costs
Xbox prices are reportedly increasing due to Microsoft's influence on component costs. The article humorously seeks the individual responsible for this trend.
Buying GTA 6 And A New Console This Fall? You Better Be Rich
The article analyzes the increasing cost of gaming hardware, particularly the PlayStation 5 and Xbox Series X/S, in anticipation of Grand Theft Auto 6's November 2026 release. It contrasts current pricing trends with historical console price drops and attributes the rise to factors like the AI industry's demand for chips, suggesting that gaming may become a luxury hobby.
Xbox Console Prices Raising By $100+, 2TB Model Sunsetting
Microsoft is increasing the prices of its Xbox Series X and Series S consoles by up to $150, with the 2TB model being retired. These price hikes, effective August 1, are attributed to rising component costs, particularly for SSDs, and are the third increase in 13 months. The company also mentioned the impact of AI data centers on component prices and is offering financing options and encouraging trade-ins.
