Tag: Xbox Series S

  • BioShock 4 Storyline, City Setting, and Gameplay Details Leak

    BioShock 4 Storyline, City Setting, and Gameplay Details Leak

    Key Takeaways

    1. BioShock 4 was announced in 2019 but has faced delays due to restarts, leadership changes, and staff cutbacks.
    2. The game’s storyline centers on a regime in a crumbling utopia set in a vast, connected Antarctic city.
    3. BioShock 4 will feature semi-open world gameplay, where player decisions impact the storyline and include realistic physics with destructible environments.
    4. The game is expected to have RPG elements, such as skills enhancement, weapon crafting, and leveling up, described as “RPG lite.”
    5. Enemies in BioShock 4 will be intelligent and tactically respond to player actions, with notable adversaries called Flushers.

    BioShock 4 was first announced in 2019, but now it’s already 2026 and we still haven’t seen any gameplay, visuals, or the game’s setting. There’s a solid reason for this delay, as BioShock 4 has faced many challenges, including several reported restarts, changes in leadership, and staff cutbacks. Luckily, insiders have been sharing bits of information, leading to some fascinating new insights.

    New Details Emerge

    V Scopper has shared some intriguing information about BioShock 4 on X. According to this leaker, the central storyline of BioShock 4 focuses on exploring “the regime behind a crumbling utopia set in a vast, connected city.” This city is believed to be in the Antarctic region, which would create a nice contrast to the sky-high city of New Colombia from BioShock: Infinite.

    The leaker also mentions that BioShock 4 is going to be a semi-open world immersive simulation where the decisions made by players will affect the storyline. To enhance the immersive experience, BioShock 4 is reportedly going to include realistic physics and changes to the environment. Therefore, we can expect destructible settings, which would provide new gameplay options like environmental puzzle-solving and movement dynamics.

    RPG Elements and Combat Features

    If previous BioShock titles are anything to go by, the new game will likely incorporate abilities that complement the advanced physics and interactive surroundings. It’s said that the game will be an “RPG lite,” suggesting that players will engage in skills enhancement, weapon crafting, and leveling up their abilities.

    In terms of combat, V Scopper asserts that the enemies in BioShock 4 are clever and will tactically respond to players’ actions and choices. A prior leak also indicated that the key adversaries players will encounter are named Flushers.

    Anticipation for BioShock 4

    Overall, BioShock 4 promises to be an exciting semi-open world immersive sim with an Antarctic backdrop, RPG features, intelligent foes, enhanced physics, and fluid environments. Unfortunately, it seems unlikely that the game will see a 2026 release. Even a launch in 2027 feels overly optimistic. Meanwhile, we can keep an eye out for BioShock creator Kevin Levin’s Judas, which is expected to come out before BioShock 4.

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  • Final Fantasy 7 Rebirth Release Date Leaked for Switch 2, Xbox 2026

    Final Fantasy 7 Rebirth Release Date Leaked for Switch 2, Xbox 2026

    Key Takeaways

    1. Final Fantasy 7 Rebirth may release in 2026 for Switch 2 and Xbox, according to leaker NateTheHate2.
    2. The Switch 2 version of Rebirth could launch around 2025, but no official date has been confirmed by Square Enix.
    3. Performance concerns exist for the Xbox Series S due to its memory limitations, requiring clever optimization for game development.
    4. Rebirth will feature open-world environments, posing new technical challenges compared to the Remake.
    5. Different teams are assigned to optimize the game for various platforms, helping to address specific issues for lesser-powered systems like Switch 2 and Xbox Series S.

    Even though Final Fantasy 7 Remake Intergrade has just been released on Switch 2 and Xbox, the next installment might be coming out pretty soon. A well-known leaker, NateTheHate2, shared some insights about the game from Square Enix on social media. He thinks that Final Fantasy 7 Rebirth could be available in 2026 for those systems. However, it appears that the developers might need to tackle some technical challenges first.

    Switch 2 Updates

    The insider also mentioned some good news regarding the Switch 2 version, suggesting it might launch around the same time in 2025. So far, Square Enix hasn’t confirmed an official release date for Rebirth for either Nintendo or Microsoft consoles. With the company’s new approach, they are aiming to release each part quickly across all platforms.

    Performance Concerns

    Before the Remake Intergrade came out, a lot of attention was focused on how it would perform on Nintendo’s handheld device. Nevertheless, as director Naoki Hamaguchi pointed out in an article with GamesRadar, there were also memory limitations with the Xbox Series S that posed a challenge. The console’s 10GB of unified RAM often requires some clever optimization.

    Any title developed for Series X has to accommodate its less powerful counterpart. Thankfully, early feedback has been positive across all gaming platforms. Owners of Series S can opt for a performance mode that runs at 1080p/60fps or choose a 30fps mode that runs at about 1440p. However, Final Fantasy 7 Rebirth will bring new obstacles to overcome.

    Open-World Challenges

    In contrast to its predecessor, Rebirth will feature open-world environments that demand more from the hardware. Back in 2024, players who bought the PS5 on day one reported issues with blurry textures when using the 60fps mode. Meanwhile, combat felt a bit uneven in the 30fps graphics mode at higher resolutions, making the PS5 Pro version more attractive. Patches have somewhat improved performance on the PS5 and the upcoming PC version in 2025.

    Hamaguchi has assigned different teams to focus on various platforms. This should help the developers tackle issues that are specific to the less powerful Xbox Series S and Switch 2. Still, there are some tricky optimizations to deal with before the Final Fantasy 7 Rebirth release date arrives.

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  • Nex Playground Ranks No. 2 US Game Console by Prioritizing Fun

    Nex Playground Ranks No. 2 US Game Console by Prioritizing Fun

    Key Takeaways

    1. Affordability and Popularity: Nex Playground is priced at $250 and has become the second best-selling console in the U.S., surpassing PS5 sales before Black Friday.

    2. Gameplay Focus: The console prioritizes fun and engaging gameplay over high-end graphics, appealing to a wide audience with a straightforward approach.

    3. Unique Control System: Nex Playground uses a simple remote instead of traditional controllers, reducing costs and allowing for up to four players to be tracked simultaneously.

    4. Effective Pricing Strategy: Starting at $199 and later rising to $249, the pricing remains competitive, especially during holiday sales when it dropped to $200, attracting casual gamers.

    5. Market Positioning: Nex Playground shows that a focus on gameplay rather than graphics can succeed in a market dominated by high-end consoles, appealing to budget-conscious gamers.

    In a market where giants like Xbox, PlayStation, and Nintendo have long ruled, Nex Playground has popped up as a budget-friendly, family-oriented gaming option competing against the PlayStation 5 and Xbox Series S.

    Pricing and Popularity

    The Nex Playground is available for $250. This unique cube-shaped console has become quite popular, even surpassing PS5 sales in the week before Black Friday. Moreover, it ranks as the second best-selling console in the U.S., just behind the Nintendo Switch 2.

    Gameplay Focus

    Instead of following the trend of realistic graphics and ray tracing, Nex Playground opts for a more straightforward approach. Its design prioritizes fun and engaging gameplay, making it appealing to a wide range of players, largely due to its affordable pricing.

    Nex CEO David Lee has mentioned that Nex Playground is like a spiritual successor to the now-defunct Kinect motion sensor from Xbox.

    Insights on Success

    In a recent chat with the Game Business, Lee openly shared what he believes led to Playground’s impressive performance. He remarked:

    “We are not going to compete with high-end graphics. The graphic abilities on the Nex Playground are about the same as the PS3. But we can produce fun games on PS3.”

    He added, “The graphics are fine. It’s ten times better than the Wii. It’s not like it hasn’t improved since the Wii; it certainly has. And it allows us to create engaging games.”

    Another significant factor behind Playground’s triumph, as stated by Lee, is the absence of traditional controllers. He explained, “And there are no controllers. Controllers can be pricey these days. We use a simple remote to control games, and that’s all. Everything runs through the camera, which can track up to four players simultaneously. We made choices that keep the cost low.”

    Strategic Pricing

    Nex’s pricing strategy has proven effective. The Nex Playground started at $199 but rose to $249 in 2025. Still, it’s much more affordable compared to current-generation consoles from PlayStation, Nintendo, and Xbox.

    During the holiday sales, the Playground dropped back to $200, which further attracted casual gamers. Interestingly, the Playground surpassed Xbox hardware sales on Black Friday in terms of units sold, even though Xbox made more revenue due to the higher price of the Series S|X.

    As gaming costs rise, with RAM prices climbing and the industry focusing on visual quality over gameplay, the Nex Playground shows that sometimes a simple cube can be a better choice, especially for budget-conscious gamers in 2025 and beyond.

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  • Halo: Combat Evolved Remake Gameplay Details and Modern Features

    Halo: Combat Evolved Remake Gameplay Details and Modern Features

    Key Takeaways

    1. 343 Industries has been replaced by Halo Studios, led by Pierrer Hintze, which marks a new direction for the Halo franchise.
    2. Halo Studios is developing projects using Unreal Engine 5, shifting away from the previous in-house game engines.
    3. The upcoming Halo: Combat Evolved Remake will adopt a hybrid approach to blend classic Halo elements with modern gameplay mechanics.
    4. Redesigned levels in the remake are expected to include features like sprinting, clambering, and sliding, enhancing the gameplay experience.
    5. A next-gen Halo title, possibly Halo 7, is anticipated to launch alongside the next Xbox and PS6, with more details expected at the Halo World Championship 2025.

    In October 2024, there was a significant change in Xbox’s strategy regarding Halo, the flagship series that has been a key part of the brand since the original Xbox. 343 Industries, the studio behind Halo games since the release of Halo 4 in 2012, has been replaced by Halo Studios.

    New Beginnings

    Led by Pierrer Hintze, who is celebrated by fans for revitalizing the Halo Master Chief Collection, Halo Studios announced last year their work on several projects using Unreal Engine 5. Previously, Halo games were made with the in-house Blam and later Slipspace engines. This transition to UE5 represents a notable shift for the franchise, as Halo is well-known for its unique movement and first-person shooting mechanics. This change raised concerns among fans about the potential loss of the game’s classic feel.

    Promising Developments

    Fortunately, leaks regarding the Halo: Combat Evolved Remake have suggested that Halo Studios is adopting a hybrid approach to maintain the essence of Halo in the new game, while also giving it a contemporary look. Recent rumors from Halo Leaks on X indicate that the upcoming remake of Halo: Combat Evolved will introduce “modern gameplay mechanics.”

    According to sources from Halo Leaks on X, the reimagining of Halo: Combat Evolved is set to be a complete remake, similar to the recent Resident Evil remakes. This means we can anticipate significant gameplay changes, such as the inclusion of sprinting and other modern features. While the leaker hasn’t specified what these “modern gameplay mechanics” entail, we might see elements like clambering and sliding.

    Redesigned Levels

    Of course, the levels in the Halo: Combat Evolved Remake will need to be reworked to fit these new gameplay features, which we’ve mentioned in earlier reports.

    More intriguingly, Halo Leaks suggests that the gameplay of the Halo: Combat Evolved Remake could be “similar” to the multiplayer experience of Halo 7. Although it’s unclear if Halo Studios is indeed developing Halo 7, the studio’s acknowledgment of multiple projects in the pipeline suggests that a next-gen Halo title is likely underway.

    If we were to guess, Halo 7, or whatever the next game in the series turns out to be, is expected to launch alongside the next Xbox and the PS6. We will find out what Halo Studios has planned for fans at the Halo World Championship 2025, which is set to take place from October 24 to 26.

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  • Xbox Consoles Deeply Discounted at Sam’s Club Amid Price Increases

    Xbox Consoles Deeply Discounted at Sam’s Club Amid Price Increases

    Key Takeaways

    1. Several major retailers, including Sam’s Club, have stopped selling Xbox consoles due to a recent price hike.
    2. The price of the Xbox Series S increased from $379.99 to $399.99, while the 1TB version rose from $429.99 to $449.99.
    3. The Xbox Series S was initially launched at $299.99 in 2020, but its value has diminished with the recent price increases.
    4. Competing stores, like Costco, have chosen not to stock Xbox consoles at the new prices, limiting availability.
    5. Gamers on a budget have fewer affordable options, with decreasing support for pre-owned PS4s and limited exclusive Xbox titles.

    Several big retailers have decided to stop selling Xbox consoles following another price hike. Sam’s Club, owned by Walmart, is the latest warehouse club for members to mark down their remaining stock. Users on Reddit from various U.S. locations have reported spotting an Xbox Series S on clearance for $239.31. The 512GB version recently had its manufacturer’s suggested retail price (MSRP) raised from $379.99 to $399.99.

    Price Changes Across Models

    Sam’s Club had previously listed a similar price for the Series S, but not since the latest Xbox price increase was shared. The 1TB version also faced a price increase, moving from $429.99 to $449.99.

    When it first launched in 2020 at $299.99, this entry-level console was seen as a great deal. The small device doesn’t support most Xbox games in 4K resolution, yet it can still play the same games as the Xbox Series X. Before the rise in Game Pass subscription costs, it was a good option for accessing a growing collection of games. However, with prices now at $399.99 or slightly less on Amazon, the also raised price of $499.99 for the PS5 Slim Digital appears more appealing.

    Availability Issues

    At present, Sam’s Club continues to show the Xbox Series S on its website, but the pricier model is missing. Competing stores in the U.S. and globally have chosen not to stock the consoles at their updated price points. Costco has confirmed that it will no longer offer these gaming systems in both the U.S. and the UK. Before they vanish from store shelves, buyers in New Zealand noticed a 50% discount on the Xbox Series X.

    As savings on the original Switch become increasingly hard to find, gamers on a budget are left with fewer affordable choices. A pre-owned PS4 is a potential option, but Sony is slowly reducing support for it. Furthermore, the lack of exclusive Xbox titles gives buyers fewer incentives to choose Microsoft’s consoles.

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  • Microsoft VP criticizes Xbox price increase

    Microsoft VP criticizes Xbox price increase

    Key Takeaways

    1. Microsoft will increase Xbox console prices in the US by $20 to $70 starting October 3.
    2. The standard Xbox Series X will rise from $600 to $650, and the Series S from $380 to $400.
    3. A former Microsoft VP, Mike Ybarra, argues the price increase is not solely due to tariffs, but also due to deeper profit-related issues.
    4. The previous price hike in May was attributed to tariffs, but the latest increase reflects broader challenges in Xbox’s strategy.
    5. Consumers have until October 2 to buy consoles at the current prices before the increase takes effect.

    Microsoft revealed last week (September 19) that it will be increasing prices for its Xbox consoles in the US. This marks the second time prices have gone up, the first being in May due to tariffs. While Microsoft has pointed to broader economic factors for this latest price increase, a former vice president disagrees, suggesting that the company is merely using tariffs as a reason to hike prices amid disappointing profits.

    Price Changes Effective Soon

    Starting October 3, the price increase ranging from $20 to $70 (depending on the model) will be implemented, specifically for the US market. The standard Xbox Series X will see its price rise from $600 to $650, while the entry-level Xbox Series S will move from $380 to $400. Additionally, the Galaxy Black Special Edition will jump from $730 to $800. Microsoft has attributed the price change to “changes in the macroeconomic environment,” without specifically referencing tariffs.

    Insight from Former VP

    Following the announcement, Mike Ybarra, former corporate vice president of Microsoft’s gaming division, shared his thoughts on X, stating that the price increase isn’t purely related to tariffs, but rather profits. He mentioned, “And the reason why profits are not where they should be is a far, far deeper issue vs. the tariff excuse,” he added.

    Ybarra further explained that while the initial price hike was warranted due to tariffs, the second increase stems from different challenges that Microsoft is encountering. He expressed concern that the company is asking consumers to pay more to make up for its own console and ecosystem strategy, which has led to a drop in console demand.

    Last Chance for Standard Pricing

    Nonetheless, for those interested in purchasing an Xbox Series console, they have until October 2 to take advantage of the current pricing; after that date, all retailers will begin displaying the new, higher prices.

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  • Blizzard’s Ex-President Links Xbox Price Hike to Profit Decline

    Blizzard’s Ex-President Links Xbox Price Hike to Profit Decline

    Key Takeaways

    1. Mike Ybarra criticizes Microsoft’s Xbox price hikes, arguing they are unjustified by tariffs and aimed at compensating for poor sales and profits.
    2. Microsoft has increased prices for Xbox Series X and S consoles, with standard versions rising by $50 and S versions by $20, shocking many consumers.
    3. Ybarra highlights the lack of tariff changes as a reason for price increases, but responses indicate that Microsoft may not have fully considered all implications.
    4. Critics, including some Reddit users, argue that companies exploit tariffs and that economic conditions don’t always justify price hikes, which ultimately burden consumers.
    5. Despite a 22% drop in hardware revenue, Microsoft Gaming reported overall growth, indicating a shift in focus away from specific console sales, while potential PlayStation price increases may follow.

    Mike Ybarra has always been open about his thoughts on Microsoft’s gaming division. The previous president of Blizzard asserts that the price hikes for the Xbox aren’t justified by tariffs. Instead, he argues that Microsoft is merely trying to make up for sluggish console sales and lower profits.

    Price Increases Announced

    Recently, Microsoft announced another round of price increases after raising the MSRPs of gaming consoles and accessories back in May. Effective from October 3rd, the standard and digital versions of the Xbox Series X will see a $50 increase in price. The Series S will also experience a smaller price bump of $20. Although these latest hikes are limited to the U.S., charging $599.99 to $649.99 for older hardware has left many consumers in shock.

    Ybarra’s Social Media Defense

    On social media, Ybarra attempted to emphasize his point by highlighting the pattern of Xbox price increases. He noted that without any tariff rate changes, there is no valid reason to increase prices for consumers further. However, some responses pointed out that the situation is fluid. Microsoft might not have fully considered all implications when they made adjustments back in May.

    Mixed Reactions to Comments

    The ex-executive from Blizzard and Microsoft is receiving criticism for his statements. Nevertheless, some users on Reddit feel that companies take advantage of tariffs. During the COVID-19 pandemic, there were accusations against manufacturers for overstating supply chain issues. While consumers ultimately bear the burden of increased costs, the economic conditions do not always justify these price hikes.

    Balancing Perspectives

    A well-rounded response to Ybarra takes into account both the declining profits of Xbox consoles and the issue of tariffs. In its most recent quarterly report, Microsoft Gaming showed overall growth. However, hardware revenue dropped by 22% compared to the previous year. With a shift towards a multi-platform approach, it seems the company is no longer focusing on Series X and S sales. Yet, with another price increase for Xbox, they hope to mitigate some of these losses.

    Potential PlayStation Response

    Regardless of whether it makes sense, the PlayStation may follow suit in the U.S. It has already raised PS5 MSRPs in Europe and Japan two times in the last three years.

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  • Xbox Console Prices Increase in October with Second Hike

    Xbox Console Prices Increase in October with Second Hike

    Key Takeaways

    1. Microsoft is increasing Xbox console prices for the second time in 2025, effective October 3, with hikes between $20 to $70 per model.
    2. The standard Xbox Series X will rise to $649.99 and the Xbox Series S to $399.99; the Galaxy Black Special Edition will increase to $799.99.
    3. Gamers have until October 2 to purchase consoles at the current prices from retailers like Amazon, Best Buy, and Walmart.
    4. The price increases are attributed to tariff pressures on electronic components, with tariffs ranging from 10% to 40% impacting costs.
    5. Microsoft aims to ease consumer burden by keeping prices stable for controllers and headsets, while the increases apply only to the US market for now.

    Microsoft has decided to increase the prices of Xbox consoles for the second time in 2025, with the hikes ranging from $20 to $70 per model, effective from October 3. This increase follows a previous price rise in May, summing up to a total of $150 added to some consoles within just six months.

    Pricing Changes Affecting Consoles

    The new price changes will impact all current-generation Xbox consoles, and this is only for the United States. The standard Xbox Series X will rise to $649.99 from its previous price of $599.99, whereas the entry-level Xbox Series S will see an increase to $399.99 from $379.99. Additionally, the premium Galaxy Black Special Edition will experience a substantial $70 hike, bringing its cost up to $799.99.

    Last Chance for Current Pricing

    For gamers in the US, the opportunity to buy consoles at the old prices is about to end. Retailers such as Amazon, Best Buy, and Walmart are still selling at the current prices, but this will only last until October 2.

    Right now, Xbox consoles can be found on Amazon at these prices –

    Reasons Behind the Price Increases

    Microsoft has said these adjustments are due to “changes in the macroeconomic environment,” which analysts believe are related to tariff pressures on costs. Recent trade policies have imposed tariffs between 10% to 40% on multiple electronic components made in China, Vietnam, and India. Moreover, gaming consoles do not enjoy the exemptions that smartphones and computer parts receive, making them more susceptible to the highest tariff impacts.

    This new pricing strategy aligns Microsoft with rivals Sony and Nintendo, both of whom have recently increased their prices too. Sony raised the price of its PlayStation 5 consoles by around $50 in August, while Nintendo followed suit by raising Switch console and accessory prices after the announcement of the Switch 2.

    The company is trying to ease the burden on consumers by keeping the prices for controllers and headsets stable, while restricting these increases to the US market only. For now, international prices remain unaffected, although Microsoft had previously raised prices globally during the May adjustments.

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  • Nintendo Switch 2 Can Run Xbox Series S Games, Says Game Developer

    Nintendo Switch 2 Can Run Xbox Series S Games, Says Game Developer

    Key Takeaways

    1. Eoin O’Grady claims the Nintendo Switch 2 performs similarly to the Xbox Series S in handheld mode but slightly underperforms without DLSS technology.
    2. The Switch 2 features a Tegra T239 SoC with 46 Ampere Tensor Cores and custom DLSS upscaling, enhancing its image quality and performance.
    3. The Switch 2’s octa-core ARM Cortex-A78C CPU is slightly more powerful than the PS4’s CPU, making it competitive for modern gaming.
    4. Games running at 60 FPS on the Series S should be easily ported to the Switch 2, while CPU-heavy games may require extra optimization.
    5. Impressive ports on the Switch 2, like Street Fighter 6 and Cyberpunk 2077, demonstrate its technical capabilities, with some games outperforming the Series S.

    Virtuos’s Eoin O’Grady has made some daring statements regarding the performance of the Nintendo Switch 2. He claims that in handheld mode, the Switch 2 offers performance similar to the Xbox Series S. But when NVIDIA’s DLSS technology comes into play, the situation changes.

    Insights from Eoin O’Grady

    In a conversation with WCCFtech, Eoin O’Grady, who is the Technical Director at Black Shamrock (a part of Virtuos), provided insights into the performance of the Switch 2. He compared it with both the Xbox Series S and the PS4. He stated that the performance of the Switch 2 is slightly under that of the Series S in handheld mode.

    Performance Features

    Thanks to the Tegra T239 SoC that the Switch 2 uses, which includes 46 Ampere Tensor Cores, it also features custom DLSS upscaling that enhances image quality and performance. According to O’Grady, “In terms of GPU, the Switch 2 is a bit under the Series S; this is especially clear in handheld mode. However, the Series S lacks support for technologies like DLSS, which the Switch 2 has. This makes their GPU capabilities quite comparable overall.”

    CPU Comparisons

    On the CPU side, the Switch 2 stands up well against the PS4, equipped with an octa-core ARM Cortex-A78C CPU, which is slightly more powerful compared to the PS4’s octa-core AMD Jaguar x86-64 CPU.

    While the Switch 2’s ARM CPU might seem like a limitation, O’Grady notes that many modern games rely heavily on the GPU, particularly if they are well-optimized. This suggests that games running at 60 FPS on the Series S should be relatively easy to port to the Nintendo Switch 2. The only issue seems to be with CPU-heavy games, which can still be transitioned with some extra optimization. O’Grady elaborated:

    “Any game that runs at 60 FPS on the Series S should easily be ported to the Switch 2. Also, a 30 FPS game from the Series S that relies on the GPU should transfer well. However, games that involve complex physics, animations, or other CPU-demanding features might face difficulties in achieving 30 or 60 FPS or may need extra optimization during the porting process.”

    Impressive Game Ports

    The Nintendo Switch 2 has already showcased some remarkable ports that highlight its technical strengths. For instance, the port of Street Fighter 6 for the Switch 2 not only matches the performance of the Xbox Series S but also delivers superior texture and image quality. Additionally, CD Projekt RED’s Switch 2 adaptation of the graphically demanding Cyberpunk 2077 runs smoothly at 30 FPS in Quality mode and 40 FPS in Performance mode.

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  • Microsoft Increases Prices for Xbox Series X, Series S, and Games

    Microsoft Increases Prices for Xbox Series X, Series S, and Games

    Key Takeaways

    1. Xbox console prices have significantly increased, with the Series S now at $379.99 and the Series X at $599.99.
    2. Additional console variants, including the 1 TB Series S and the Xbox Series X Digital, also saw price hikes, reaching up to $729.99 for the 2 TB Galaxy Black Series X.
    3. International pricing has risen, with the Series S priced at £299.99 in the UK and €349.99 in Europe, while the Series X costs €599.99 or £499.99.
    4. First-party game prices will increase from $69.99 to $79.99, and accessories like the Xbox controller and wireless headset have also been marked up.
    5. These price increases follow a drop in Xbox hardware sales, amidst rising production costs due to tariffs on imports from China.

    Xbox console sales are facing challenges, yet Microsoft is raising prices significantly. A major retailer in France raised the prices of the Xbox Series X and S overnight, hinting at broader price hikes. Specifically, the cost of the Series S (512 GB) has increased from $299.99 to $379.99, while the Series X (1TB) now costs $599.99 instead of $499.99. Gamers should also prepare to spend more on certain first-party games and accessories.

    Additional Price Changes

    Microsoft is advising retailers to update the prices of its other consoles as well. The 1 TB variant of the Xbox Series S now comes with a hefty price tag of $429.99. For those looking at the Xbox Series X Digital, it requires a $549.99 investment. Lastly, the 2 TB Galaxy Black Series X is now the priciest console offered by Microsoft, priced at $729.99.

    International Pricing

    Consumers in other countries will also see increased costs for Xbox consoles. The 512 GB Series S is listed at £299.99 in the UK and €349.99 in Europe. On the other hand, the 1 TB Series X is available for €599.99 or £499.99.

    The price hikes are not limited to consoles alone. Microsoft announced that starting this holiday season, some first-party games will be priced at $79.99 instead of the previous $69.99. The popular standard Xbox controller has now become less appealing, with a new price of $64.99. Likewise, the wireless headset from Microsoft will now have a manufacturer’s suggested retail price of $119.99.

    Market Context

    This unwelcome update follows a Microsoft Gaming earnings report that indicated a drop in hardware sales. However, the company is seeing gains from cross-platform publishing and the Xbox Game Pass subscription service.

    While Microsoft has not given a reason for these price adjustments, they come on the heels of a similar price increase for the Sony PS5 in regions like Europe, the UK, Australia, and New Zealand. Like the PlayStation, most of Xbox’s consoles are produced in China, where tariffs on US imports can reach 145%, causing some consumer electronics brands to halt shipments.

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    Microsoft Increases Prices for Xbox Series X, Series S, and Games
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