As reported by The Verge, Microsoft has announced plans to raise the prices of its Xbox Series X consoles and Xbox Game Pass subscriptions in most countries beginning August 2023. The cost of the basic Game Pass subscription for consoles will rise from the current $9.99 to $10.99 a month.
Notably, the Xbox Series X console pricing will align with the price surge that Sony announced for the PS5 last year. Starting August 1st, the Xbox Series X will cost £479.99 in the UK, €549.99 across most European markets, CAD $649.99 in Canada, and AUD $799.99 in Australia. US, Japan, Chile, Brazil, and Colombia will not see an increase on the Xbox Series X. The pricing for the Xbox Series S will remain unchanged at $249.99, regardless of the market.
Pricing changes for Xbox Game Pass Ultimate and Game Pass for Console will take effect starting July 6th. Xbox Game Pass Ultimate will increase from $14.99 per month to $16.99 (€14.99 / £12.99). The basic Xbox Game Pass for Console will also rise to $10.99 (€10.99 / £8.99) a month. However, Microsoft will not adjust the pricing for the PC Game Pass.
For existing monthly Game Pass subscribers, these new prices will take effect on August 13th and on September 13th in Germany. The new prices will apply immediately for new Xbox Game Pass members starting July 6th. For those subscribed to Xbox Game Pass via a yearly code, the new pricing will not affect them until they renew their subscriptions.
While most markets will experience the Xbox Game Pass price increases, there are some exceptions. The Game Pass console pricing will remain the same in Norway, Chile, Denmark, Switzerland, and Saudi Arabia.
Since the launch of the subscription service in 2017, Microsoft has not adjusted its Xbox Game Pass pricing. The company clarified that these changes are not linked to its upcoming acquisition of Activision Blizzard. Perez reiterated, “These Game Pass price adjustments are not related to the Activision Blizzard deal, and are intended to match local market conditions.”
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