Microsoft has revealed the UK and European prices for its Xbox Series X and Series S consoles following the price increases that took effect worldwide on August 1st. When the hikes were first announced in June, Microsoft disclosed U.S. pricing but did not specify how much consoles would cost in other regions, leaving UK and European buyers in the dark until the new prices were officially confirmed.
According to figures reported by Eurogamer, citing VGC, UK console prices have risen between 34 and 49 percent. The 512GB Xbox Series S increased from £299.99 to £429.99, a 43 percent rise, while the 1TB Series S went from £349.99 to £519.99, up 48.5 percent. The 1TB Xbox Series X disc console rose from £499.99 to £669.99, a £170 increase, or about 34 percent. Kotaku similarly reported that the disc version of the 1TB Series X rose in Europe from €599.99 to €799.99, and in the UK from £499.99 to £669.99, calling it the steepest increase among the lineup, equivalent to roughly $900 and an overall rise of about $230 compared to prior pricing.
In Europe, according to Eurogamer's breakdown, the 512GB Series S rose from €349.99 to €499.99, the 1TB Series S from €399.99 to €599.99, the digital 1TB Series X from €549.99 to €749.99, and the disc 1TB Series X from €599.99 to €799.99. Kotaku reported that Xbox Series S/X prices in Europe have increased by upwards of 40 percent overall.
Microsoft has attributed the price increases to what it calls a 'component crisis,' stating that console storage and memory prices have increased by more than 2.5 times, with another doubling expected by fall 2027. The company said the entire consumer electronics industry is affected, but that consoles are particularly hard hit. Kotaku noted that Microsoft's June announcement did not explain the underlying cause of the component shortage, and speculated—without confirmation—that the company's heavy investment in AI datacenters could be a contributing factor.
Eurogamer also reported that Xbox's content and services revenue dropped 10 percent in the most recent financial quarter, following a wave of layoffs and the divestment of some development studios. Earlier in the month, Microsoft announced 3,200 layoffs across its Xbox gaming division, with 1,600 cuts implemented immediately, affecting major studios including Bethesda and Id Software. Reaction from ResetEra commenters cited by Eurogamer was critical, with one calling the price hikes the 'final nail in the coffin' and another questioning whether the move would help sales.