Hardware Pricing
Ongoing coverage on Hardware Pricing.
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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.
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 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.
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 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.
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.
Apple hikes prices for most of its hardware
Apple has increased the prices for most of its hardware products, including Macs and MacBooks. The price hikes affect a wide range of the company's consumer electronics.
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.
Morning Tech Bits
SpaceX's upcoming Initial Public Offering is reportedly causing issues for retail investors. Separately, the article questions the high price point of the Steam Machine, suggesting Valve faced challenges with RAM manufacturers.
The one thing Valve would change about the Steam Machine? 'Make it cheaper'
Valve engineers Yazan Aldehayyat and Pierre-Loup Griffais admitted that the primary thing they would change about the Steam Machine is its high price, with the cheapest model costing $1,049. They attributed the cost to difficulties in securing components like RAM due to market conditions. Valve also confirmed that users can now install SteamOS on non-Valve hardware, including PCs with AMD GPUs.
Well, that explains the expensive Steam Machine: Valve can't negotiate with RAM companies for better prices because "if we say no, then they never talk to us again"
Valve engineer Pierre-Loup Griffais explained that the high price of the Steam Machine is due to RAM manufacturers refusing to negotiate, leaving Valve with limited options. This issue is exacerbated by generative AI companies consuming large amounts of RAM, driving up prices for all consumers and leading console manufacturers like Microsoft, Sony, and Nintendo to increase their own hardware prices.
Valve Admits That it Didn’t Have Bargaining Power With RAM Companies for Steam Machine
Valve engineer Pierre-Loup Griffais revealed that the high cost of the Steam Machine was partly due to a lack of bargaining power with memory manufacturers. These companies dictated prices with no room for negotiation, a situation exacerbated by the demand from AI data centers. Griffais also explained Valve's commitment to an open PC ecosystem, which prevented them from subsidizing the hardware cost like a console.
Steam Machine Price in the Philippines: PHP Cost Breakdown — Too Much Gaming | Video Games Reviews, News, & Guides
This article analyzes the potential cost of Steam Machines in the Philippines, converting US prices to Philippine Pesos and estimating them to range from ₱64,000 to ₱87,100. It highlights that these prices are higher than current PlayStation 5 systems and discusses factors like supply chain issues and the overall value proposition compared to building a custom PC or buying existing consoles.
Valve is Getting a “Fat” Profit Margin on Steam Machine – Rumor
Industry insiders Kepler and Moore's Law is Dead suggest Valve may be taking a significant profit margin on the Steam Machine, potentially higher than admitted. This speculation arises from the device's high price point, which some argue is not justified by its performance compared to custom-built PCs. Valve has stated they cannot subsidize hardware costs due to the open nature of the PC platform.
Steam Machine Could Have Been Significantly Cheaper, Reveals Valve
Valve engineers revealed that the Steam Machine could have been priced up to 33% cheaper, potentially around $750, similar to the Steam Deck OLED before its recent price increase. Despite higher costs, the Steam Deck OLED sold out quickly, and Valve is implementing randomized reservations for the Steam Machine to combat bots and scalpers.
Steam Machine Couldn’t be Subsidized Because Valve Values PC’s Openness
Valve explained that the Steam Machine could not be subsidized due to Valve's commitment to PC's open ecosystem, preventing them from recouping costs through game sales or subscriptions. The company emphasized that the PC platform's strength lies in its openness, allowing users to choose hardware based on their personal tradeoffs, contrasting with the more closed console model. Factors like ongoing memory and storage shortages also contributed to the higher price point.
The Steam Machine's price has finally been revealed, and it's not cheap
Valve has revealed the pricing for the Steam Machine, with the cheapest 512GB model costing $1,049 and the 2TB model with a controller priced at $1,428. Valve engineer Yazan Aldehayyat stated the price is significantly more than initially planned, attributing it to rising component costs, similar to recent Steam Deck price increases.
Steam Machine price announced and even Valve admit it’s too expensive
Valve has announced the pricing for its Steam Machine console, with the cheapest model costing £879. The company attributes the high price to increased costs of memory and storage components, exacerbated by AI data center demand. This price point is significantly higher than anticipated and even surpasses the PlayStation 5 Pro, potentially limiting the Steam Machine's appeal to enthusiasts.
