Console Pricing
Ongoing coverage on Console Pricing.
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Ex-Blizzard boss says an $1,800 Xbox "will never sell" and current-gen consoles are "fine for 99% of the…
Former Blizzard president Mike Ybarra believes a next-generation Xbox console priced between $1,200 and $1,800 would be a commercial failure. He argues that consoles are mass-market devices requiring a low entry price, suggesting manufacturers should instead focus on optimizing current-generation hardware like the PlayStation 5 and Xbox Series X.
Next gen Xbox console out in 2028 and more expensive than PS6 claims report
A report suggests Microsoft's next Xbox console, codenamed Project Helix, will launch by Christmas 2028 and may cost between $1,200 and $1,800, significantly more than the anticipated PlayStation 6. This comes amid ongoing component shortages and a reported failure of the current Xbox Series X/S. The report also indicates a new next-generation handheld device will be released by Christmas 2027.
Games Inbox: What is the best Nintendo game of 2026?
Readers discuss the best Nintendo games of 2026, with Fire Emblem: Fortune's Weave emerging as a strong contender. Concerns are raised about the high cost of current-generation consoles like the Xbox Series X and PlayStation 5, and their potential impact on the industry's future. The discussion also touches on the evolution of graphics, digital versus physical media, and the ongoing debate about console generations.
The best early Black Friday PS5 deals in Australia for 2026: the biggest Sony savings so far
This article discusses the upcoming Black Friday deals for the PlayStation 5 in Australia, noting that Sony's move towards digital-only games starting in 2028 and recent price hikes may dampen enthusiasm. The author emphasizes the importance of these sales for acquiring physical games before they become obsolete and highlights potential discounts on major titles and accessories like headsets and controllers.
Nintendo Switch 2 is currently going cheap at JB Hi-Fi, despite everything
Despite the upcoming release of The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time remake, the Nintendo Switch 2 is currently on sale at JB Hi-Fi for its launch price of AU$699.95, a AU$70 discount from its current RRP of AU$769.95. This price is also available at Big W and Officeworks, though Amazon is currently sold out. The article notes that console prices have increased due to AI industry demand for memory, making this discount noteworthy.
PS6 cost will be worse than you think as memory shortage set to increase prices
The upcoming PlayStation 6 and other next-generation consoles are predicted to be significantly more expensive due to an ongoing memory shortage expected to worsen through 2027 and 2028. Micron CEO Sanjay Mehrotra stated that demand will exceed supply, leading to much higher prices. This situation, exacerbated by demand from AI data centers, suggests console prices could exceed £1,000, potentially impacting mass-market appeal.
Sony’s Revised PS5 Slim Could Be Getting Cheaper To Make, But Not To Buy
Sony has reportedly made internal revisions to the PlayStation 5 Slim console, focusing on longevity, repairability, and reduced manufacturing costs with a new motherboard and HDMI retimer chip. Despite these internal changes, the retail price of the PlayStation 5 consoles has increased since their launch.
As GTA 6: An Extended Look sends hype into overdrive, PS5 Pro prices surge as high as €1,400 in Europe as stock…
Following the extended look at Grand Theft Auto 6, prices for the PlayStation 5 Pro have surged dramatically in Europe, with some listings reaching €1,400 due to stock shortages. This demand-driven price increase is exacerbated by a recent official price hike from Sony, making it difficult for fans to acquire the console before the game's November release.
GTA 6 extended reveal caused a surge in PS5 and Xbox Series X sales, analysts say – now imagine the response if…
The extended reveal of Grand Theft Auto 6 on Netflix led to a significant surge in PlayStation 5 and Xbox Series X/S sales in the US and UK. Analysts noted a 14% increase in combined console hardware unit sales in the US following the presentation, though the article speculates that higher console prices and RAM shortages may have limited an even larger sales jump.
The Witcher 4 Studio Co-CEO Says Console Prices Are “An Objective Challenge,” But “Content is King”
CD Projekt RED co-CEO Michał Nowakowski acknowledges that rising console prices present an "objective challenge" but believes content remains king and players will find ways to access games. He expressed confidence that consoles are essential for reaching a broad audience and that the company will adapt its business models regardless of future hardware generations.
CD Projekt Red Boss 'Isn't Worried' About Delays for Next-Gen Consoles as RAM Prices Soar
CD Projekt Red joint CEO Michał Nowakowski stated the company is not concerned about potential delays for next-generation consoles, despite rising RAM prices. The executive addressed the developer's perspective on current hardware market conditions.
This is your last chance to buy a Switch 2 before Nintendo raises prices to $500
Nintendo is set to increase the price of the Nintendo Switch on September 1, with the baseline price rising to $499.99 in the US. This price hike places the Switch closer to current pricing for the PlayStation 5 and Xbox Series X, which have also seen increases.
Xbox CEO Reacts To The Irony Of Rising Console Prices Being An Issue That Microsoft Itself Contributed To
Xbox CEO Asha Sharma acknowledged the irony of rising console prices, partly caused by Microsoft's own AI investments. She stated that future console generations, codenamed Helix, will prioritize efficiency and affordability alongside performance, potentially as a family of devices rather than a single unit. This comes as Xbox Series S prices have increased significantly, and Sony has also raised PlayStation 5 prices.
PS5 Pros all but vanish after GTA 6 reveal, going for up to $1,300 at the few stores with stock
The reveal of Grand Theft Auto 6 has caused a surge in demand for the PlayStation 5 Pro, leading to stock shortages at major retailers and inflated prices from third-party sellers, with some consoles listed for up to $1,300. While PlayStation Direct still offers the console at its $899 MSRP, availability is limited. This heightened demand suggests players are willing to pay a premium for the best possible experience for Rockstar's upcoming title, despite uncertainties about its performance on the Pro model.
CEO Asha Sharma says Xbox needs to be thinking about affordability in its next console
Xbox CEO Asha Sharma stated that the company must prioritize affordability and efficiency for its next-generation console, Project Helix, due to rising hardware component costs. She highlighted the industry-wide challenge of "Rampocalypse" and the need for innovation in providing consumers with more choices in how they purchase and play their consoles. This comes as Xbox announced a $900 USD 25th Anniversary Series X, and other consoles like the PlayStation 5 and Nintendo Switch also face price increases.
The Biggest Gaming Stories That Happened Since GTA 5 Came Out 13 Years Ago
Since Grand Theft Auto 5's release in September 2013, the gaming landscape has seen significant shifts, including the rise of live-service games like Fortnite and the eventual decline of E3. Major events include numerous Skyrim ports, the expansion of the Watch Dogs franchise, Halo appearing on PlayStation, and Grand Theft Auto 5 itself releasing on multiple new platforms. The period also saw the rise of Andrew Wilson at EA, the entire Phil Spencer era at Xbox, the successful launch and dominance of the Nintendo Switch, and a significant increase in console prices.
PlayStation 6 Price Could Be A Lot Higher Than Gamers Thought, But There’s Hope — Report
A report from Ampere Analysis suggests the PlayStation 6 could launch at a significantly higher price, potentially reaching $1,000, due to increased technology and hardware costs. This could lead to a 38% lower adoption rate compared to the PlayStation 5. However, Sony has options, including hardware subsidies, new revenue streams, or rethinking the console's form factor, to keep the price more accessible.
Leaked Xbox Series X25 Price Would Make It the Costliest Xbox Ever
A leaked report suggests Microsoft's 25th-anniversary Xbox Series X25 console will be priced at $899.99, making it the most expensive Xbox ever. The translucent green console is reportedly launching on November 27, Black Friday, and will feature the same internal specifications as the standard Xbox Series X.
Microsoft’s 25th Anniversary Xbox Series X Could Be Its Most Expensive Console Yet
Microsoft is releasing a limited-edition Xbox Series X to celebrate the 25th anniversary of Xbox, reportedly costing around $900 and launching on November 27. This special edition features a translucent green finish with hidden Easter eggs and a controller with nods to Xbox's history. Sony has also released a special edition PlayStation 5 inspired by Marvel's Wolverine.
The 25th Anniversary Xbox Series X is rumored to cost as much as the PS5 Pro, and I'm not surprised in the…
A leak suggests the upcoming 25th Anniversary translucent green Xbox Series X console will retail for $899.99, matching the price of the PlayStation 5 Pro. This rumored price follows recent price increases for Xbox consoles in August 2026. The console is expected to launch on November 27.
