Pricing
Ongoing coverage on Pricing.
Latest coverage
Games Inbox: Will Red Dead Redemption 3 be Rockstar’s next game?
Readers discuss Rockstar Games' next project, with speculation leaning towards Red Dead Redemption 3 over new IPs, despite a desire for experimentation. Other topics include the perceived high pricing of PlayStation Store digital games, the mismanagement of BioWare leading to the decline of franchises like Mass Effect and Dragon Age, and concerns about future online security threats and the impact of piracy on the games industry.
Hyrule Warriors: Age of Calamity needs a proper upgrade path on Nintendo Switch 2
The upcoming Nintendo Switch 2 release of Hyrule Warriors: Age of Calamity, titled Definitive Edition, is criticized for its $30 price point and lack of a traditional upgrade path from the original Nintendo Switch version. Despite save data compatibility, the decision by Koei Tecmo to make it a separate purchase is seen as a cash-grab, especially considering the game's age and existing DLC.
Amazon has the Nintendo Switch 2 for a bargain price right now, defying all 2026 norms
Amazon is currently offering the Nintendo Switch 2 at AU$699, a reduction from its current RRP of AU$769, reflecting a significant price increase since its initial launch. The article notes that games like The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time remake are also expensive, and expresses concern about future pricing due to supply chain issues.
Pokémon TCG: 30th Celebration Boosters Are Back in Stock, but Where’s the Best Price Right Now?
Amazon has restocked the 30th Celebration booster packs for the Pokémon Trading Card Game, but prices have significantly increased. The article discusses where to find the best current prices for these sought-after packs.
Forza Horizon 6 Launches on January 26th, 2027 for PS5 – Rumor
A rumor suggests Forza Horizon 6 will launch on January 26th, 2027, for PlayStation 5, with a reported price of $70 and a physical version. This contradicts the developer's previous statements and aligns with speculation of a delay. Details on DLC and a potential announcement this week are also mentioned.
State of Indie 2026 Part 2: Economics and Pricing
Indie games generated between $3 billion and $4 billion in revenue in 2025, a significant increase from previous years, though their growth rate lagged behind the overall industry. The article examines the evolving economics of indie development, highlighting the rise of mid-tier developers with games priced between $20 and $60, and the continued success of ultra-budget titles targeting younger audiences.
GTA 6’s Collectors Edition is $400+ and doesn’t come with the game
Rockstar Games has announced a $400+ collector's edition for Grand Theft Auto 6 that notably does not include a copy of the game itself, sparking significant backlash from fans. The "The Goodtime State – Vice City Collection" includes various themed merchandise, but the high price point and lack of the game, especially considering the game's already high cost and digital-only format, have drawn comparisons to the Grand Theft Auto 5 collector's edition and criticism regarding the trend of digital-only game sales.
Nintendo Switch 2 is at its lowest price ever but you better act fast
The Nintendo Switch is currently available at its lowest price ever, selling for £354.99 at retailers like Argos and Smyths, which is significantly cheaper than its recent increased price of £419.99. This makes it a more attractive option than the PlayStation 5 and Xbox Series X for holiday purchases, especially as those consoles are unlikely to see price cuts due to upcoming major game releases like Grand Theft Auto 6.
A leaker claims the PS6 and Xbox 'Helix' chips have been finalized, and that the Microsoft's console could be 40% more powerful than the PlayStation — and gamers are worrying about what the powerful news systems will cost
A leaker claims the chips for the PlayStation 6 and the next Xbox, codenamed 'Helix', have been finalized. The leaks suggest the Xbox console could offer 56 TFLOPS of power compared to the PlayStation 6's 40 TFLOPS, significantly more than current-generation consoles. Gamers are expressing concern over the potential high cost of these next-generation machines.
Valor Mortis Costs $40 Because of 'The Craziest Fall in the History of This Business'
The first-person action soulslike Valor Mortis will launch at $40, a price point set by its publisher due to the intense competition from Grand Theft Auto 6. This pricing decision reflects the publisher's concern about the crowded market.
Steam Frame price blamed on memory crisis but Steam Deck 2 plans unaffected
Valve's new VR headset, the Steam Frame, is launching at a high price point of £889 for the 256GB model and £1,089 for the 1TB model, significantly higher than originally intended due to global memory shortages. Hardware engineer Joy Lyons stated the RAM crisis impacted their pricing targets. Despite these issues, Valve's plans for a Steam Deck successor remain unaffected, according to software developer Pierre-Loup Griffais.
Xbox Game Pass Data Shows Price is The Main Cancellation Cause
A recent survey indicates that cost is the primary reason for cancellations of Xbox Game Pass, PlayStation Plus, and Nintendo Switch Online, with price increases being a significant factor. While overall cancellation rates haven't necessarily increased, the data suggests consumers are becoming more sensitive to subscription costs. The industry is exploring alternative monetization models like advertising to maintain sustainability.
Steam Frame Price Announced And It’s Bloody Nuts
Valve has announced the pricing for its new Steam VR headset, which starts at £889. The headset has received mixed reviews, with its high cost being a significant point of contention among PC gamers.
More than 40% of people cancelling Xbox Game Pass, PlayStation Plus and Nintendo Switch Online subscriptions blame rising costs
Rising costs are increasingly cited as the primary reason for cancellations of Xbox Game Pass, PlayStation Plus, and Nintendo Switch Online subscriptions in the US. According to analyst Mat Piscatella, over 40% of users cancelling these services now blame cost, a higher figure than earlier in the year. This trend aligns with general price increases across gaming hardware and software.
After $300 million in tariff refunds, Nintendo won't give players cash back but you will get "30% off" in…
Nintendo received $300 million in tariff refunds but will not pass the money directly to consumers. Instead, the company is offering a two-week "Customer Appreciation Sale" with 30% off dozens of digital Nintendo Switch games and bundles, plus discounts on other items. The article notes that while tariffs were a factor in pricing, global RAM shortages also contributed to the higher cost of the Switch 2.
Until Dawn 2 Isn’t A Full-Price Game, Surprisingly
Until Dawn 2 has been listed for pre-order at a surprising price of £44.99, which is lower than expected for a PlayStation exclusive title. This pricing suggests a different approach to its release compared to typical full-price games.
Until Dawn 2, PlayStation’s Next PS5 Exclusive, is Only $50 as Pre-Orders Open
Pre-orders for Firesprite Games' Until Dawn 2 have opened on PlayStation 5 with a $49.99 price tag for the Standard Edition, which is $10 less than the remake of the original. This pricing is unconventional for PlayStation's first-party single-player titles, which typically launch at $70. The game is set to release on January 28th, 2027.
iPhone Duo's 2TB model starts at $3,199 USD
Apple has announced the pricing for the 2TB model of its new foldable smartphone, the iPhone Duo, which starts at $3,199 USD. The device features Apple's latest technology and a unique book-like folded shape. Pre-orders are now open for various storage configurations.
"We are committed to passing on savings whenever we can" - Framework rolls out refunds and price reductions on some of its laptops after securing a cheaper supply of memory to make them with
Laptop manufacturer Framework is passing on savings from a cheaper supply of RAM to its customers. The company is issuing price reductions and retroactive refunds for both new orders and existing pre-orders. This move is highlighted as a significant win for consumers amidst current PC market volatility and RAM shortages.
Corsair's new "budget" gaming chair costs $199, and it speaks to a larger pricing problem in the desk…
Corsair's new TC80 gaming chair, priced at $199, is criticized for its budget design and lack of features, especially when compared to Corsair's own TC100 Relaxed model which is often available at a similar or lower price. The article argues that the TC80's pricing reflects a broader issue in the gaming chair market where costs are inflated for entry-level products.
