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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