Console Pricing
Ongoing coverage on Console Pricing.
Latest coverage
Get A $50 Best Buy Gift Card When You Bundle GTA 6 And A New Console
Best Buy is offering a $50 gift card to My Best Buy members who bundle a preorder of Grand Theft Auto VI with an eligible PlayStation 5 or Xbox Series X|S console. This deal applies to new and refurbished models of the PlayStation 5 (standard, Pro, Slim) and Xbox Series X and Series S, including both disc and digital versions. The promotion aims to offset the recent price increases for consoles and the game's $80 standard edition price tag.
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.
'Above $1,000 Is the Floor': Analysts Predict PS6 Price, and It's Not Good
Industry analysts predict that the PlayStation 6 could launch at a price point exceeding $1,000 due to ongoing component shortages and market trends. While some believe Sony will maintain a price below $999 for marketing reasons, others foresee a significant increase, potentially delaying the console's release until 2028.
Opinion: The PS6 Cannot Come Out in This Era of $1,000+ Consoles
This opinion piece questions the viability of a PlayStation 6 launch in the current economic climate, citing rising console prices that could exceed $1,000. The author argues that increased costs of living, coupled with high hardware prices and PC component shortages, make it difficult for the average consumer to afford next-generation consoles. The article suggests Sony should delay the PS6 release to be closer to 2030 to ensure market success.
Games Inbox: When will the Zelda: Ocarina Of Time remake be shown again?
Readers discuss the Nintendo Switch 2's launch lineup and pricing, with some hoping for a The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time remake to justify a purchase. Other topics include the definition of 'roguelike' and 'roguelite' games, and potential new business models for consoles, such as installment payments.
Xbox CEO Believes Consoles Are Too Expensive And “Radically Different” Plans Are Needed
Xbox CEO Asha Sharma believes current console pricing is too high for mass audiences and that "radically different" business models are needed for the future. She acknowledged disappointing financial results and stated that Xbox will introduce exclusive content to improve its business health, citing Gears of War: E-Day and Clockwork Revolution as examples.
Xbox admits consoles are becoming unaffordable and hints at 'new business model'
Xbox CEO Asha Sharma has indicated that the company is exploring new business models for future consoles due to the current hardware crisis and rising component costs. She suggested that the next Xbox, codenamed Project Helix, may move away from a purely premium, high-performance focus to ensure affordability for a wider audience, potentially through flexible storage options or different pricing strategies.
XBOX CEO Says New Business Model is Needed “Rather Than Premium, High-Performance” Consoles
Xbox CEO Asha Sharma stated that the company is exploring new business models for consoles, moving away from solely focusing on premium, high-performance hardware due to rising costs. This approach contrasts with previous statements from Sarah Bond about a "very premium" next-gen console. Industry analysts suggest cloud gaming subscriptions as a potential alternative for budget-conscious gamers.
Nintendo Direct announced for tomorrow and it's the big one
Nintendo has officially announced a Nintendo Direct presentation scheduled for June 9th, focusing on games for both the Nintendo Switch and the upcoming Nintendo Switch 2, with a runtime of approximately 50 minutes. The showcase is expected to reveal new titles for the remainder of the year and potentially tease the Switch 2's launch lineup, including a rumored The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time remake. This Direct follows a period without major first-party game announcements and precedes a price increase for the Nintendo Switch 2.
Games Inbox: Will Modern Warfare 4 save Call Of Duty?
Readers discuss the upcoming Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 4, with concerns that Activision is not taking enough time to address player dissatisfaction. Other topics include the potential for Persona 6 leaks to be AI-generated, the quality of movie-licensed games, and the rising cost of next-generation consoles.
XBOX CEO Tells Employees There Will be “Hard Decisions” in Internal Memo – Rumor
Xbox CEO Asha Sharma has informed employees via an internal memo about upcoming "hard choices" and strategic shifts necessary to rebuild the brand. The memo touches on potential layoffs, the need for a better value proposition for Game Pass, and considerations for future console pricing and availability, while also noting a rebranding from Xbox to XBOX.
Game Consoles Are Pricing Themselves Out of Relevance
The increasing price of game consoles like the PlayStation 5 and Xbox Series X is making them less relevant to a growing audience, especially younger gamers who are accustomed to more affordable or free-to-play experiences on PC and mobile. Analysts predict future consoles could cost as much as $900, a price point that, combined with stagnating graphical advancements and the increasing availability of games on PC, may alienate consumers. This trend is further exacerbated by declining hardware sales and rising component costs due to factors like inflation and supply chain issues.
Nintendo Confirms It Has Under-Wraps Switch 2 Games Due Later This Year, as Share Price Drops Following Console Price Hike
Nintendo has confirmed that several unannounced games for the Nintendo Switch 2 are planned for release later this year. This announcement comes as the company faces scrutiny for its decision to increase console prices.
Nintendo promise better Switch 2 games line-up as boss apologises for price hike
Nintendo president Shuntaro Furukawa has apologized for an upcoming price hike on the Nintendo Switch 2, citing rising manufacturing costs and the impact of AI data centers on RAM chip prices. He promised a robust software lineup to justify the increased cost, with rumors circulating about a "The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time" remake and a new "3D Mario" game. Nintendo has also been criticized for the lack of major first-party game announcements this year.
I worry the PS6 is going to be cancelled and the games industry with it - Reader's Feature
A reader expresses concern that the PlayStation 6 might be delayed or even cancelled due to rising costs and potential memory shortages, impacting the future of the games industry. The author notes that similar concerns exist for Microsoft's next-gen console and Nintendo's price increases, suggesting a potential 'death cycle' for the industry where only a few companies and games remain.
Talking Point: Will You Be Getting A Switch 2 Before The Price Goes Up?
Nintendo is increasing the price of the Nintendo Switch 2 by $50 USD / €30 starting September 1st, bringing the new RRP to $499.99 USD / €499.99. This follows a previous price hike for the original Switch in the US and Sony's recent PlayStation 5 price increases. Despite the higher cost and lack of a major exclusive title, the Switch 2 has sold nearly 20 million units in its first 10 months.
Nintendo sold over 8 million Pokémon games in 2026 as Pokopia proves a big hit
Nintendo reported strong sales for its Pokémon titles in 2026, with Pokémon Pokopia selling over four million units on the Nintendo Switch 2 in its first five weeks. Ports of Pokémon FireRed and LeafGreen also exceeded four million sales. Pokémon Legends: Z-A has sold 12.79 million copies across both Switch and Switch 2, while Tomodachi Life: Living The Dream sold 3.8 million units in two weeks.
GamesStop wants eBay, Nintendo confirms Switch 2 price hike, and union boss says EA buyout is a national security risk - Patch Notes #51
This week's gaming news roundup covers GameStop's $55.5 billion takeover bid for eBay, Nintendo's confirmation of price hikes for the Nintendo Switch 2, and concerns raised by a union boss regarding the potential Saudi Arabian buyout of Electronic Arts, citing national security risks. The article also touches on internal leadership changes at Xbox, layoffs at 2K, and the rebranding of CCP Games.
Nintendo reportedly pressured to raise Switch 2 price as $450 console is sold at a loss
Nintendo is reportedly facing pressure from investors to increase the price of its upcoming Switch 2 console, which is rumored to launch at $450 and be sold at a loss. This comes as Nintendo's stock has fallen significantly, with investors drawing parallels to Sony's strategy of raising PlayStation 5 prices to improve profitability. Factors such as supply chain issues and global economic pressures are contributing to higher manufacturing costs for the console.
Now Even Refurbished PS5 Consoles Cost a Fortune
Sony has increased the price of refurbished PlayStation 5 consoles by $100 through its PlayStation Direct store. This price hike means a refurbished disc-based PS5 now costs $549.99, and the Digital Edition is $499.99, making affordable options for the console increasingly scarce amidst global economic challenges.
