Oh for fuck’s sake. I know that’s not a very professional way to begin an article, but really, it’s the only way to begin this one because Xbox is raising the prices of its consoles. Again.

Effective from August 1st, here are the new US prices:

• Xbox Series S 512GB — $499.99 ($100 increase)
• Xbox Series S 1TB — $599.99 ($150 increase)
• Xbox Series X 1TB Digital — $749.99 ($150 increase)
• Xbox Series X 1TB — $799.99 ($150 increase)

No UK pricing or other regional price has been confirmed yet.

Xbox also announced they are sunsetting the 2TB Xbox model.

The Xbox Series S launched as the cheap way into the new console generation. Five-and-a-half years later, the cheapest Xbox now costs the same, in the US at least, as the flagship Xbox Series X did on day one. What a world we live in.

“Last October, we increased XBOX console price by $20-$70 in the U.S. We hoped another price increase would not be necessary, and we have spent the last several months working with suppliers on options,” says Xbox. “Unfortunately, console storage and memory prices have increased by more than 2.5x and we expect another doubling by the fall of 2027.”

Xbox notes that unlike many other devices, consoles are typically sold at a loss. However, Xbox seems to be particuilarly vulnerable, as recently Jez Corden claimed the company is losing hundreds of dollars per console sold.

“While the entire industry is facing a components crisis, we believe we have been impacted more greatly than many of our peers due to the choices we made over the last half decade” said Asha Sharma and Mat Booty in an open letter on June 10.

In a bid to help you spend your money, Xbox also announced some new ways to purchase a console.

• Buy Now, Pay Later: We’ve made it easier for players to use Buy Now, Pay Later options on eligible XBOX hardware purchases through Microsoft Stores, making it possible to break up your payment into predictable short-term, interest-free installments.
• Interest Free Financing: We are working with partners to let players purchase eligible XBOX hardware at 0% APR financing for up to 12 months, giving players more flexibility with lower monthly payments and more budgeting control.

• Previously Played Consoles: We are working with retail partners on new programs to provide previously played consoles at lower prices. Players who are ready to upgrade or no longer use their console will be able to trade it in with participating retail partners for cash or store credit. Those consoles will then be made available at lower prices for players.
• Certified Refurbished Consoles: XBOX Certified Refurbished Consoles are available at Microsoft Stores for up to US$100 off MSRP.