Key Takeaways
1. Sony and Microsoft have both raised prices for their consoles and accessories, with Xbox games set to increase to $79.99 by the end of the year.
2. Xbox Game Pass, despite a recent price increase, still offers substantial value with a wide selection of popular titles.
3. Speculation suggests that Game Pass may see another price hike in July 2024 to match rising costs in the gaming market.
4. Community reactions indicate that some gamers are considering stocking up on Game Pass subscriptions before potential price increases.
5. There is uncertainty regarding the timeline for future price changes, with a major Xbox showcase planned for June 2025, where new titles may influence pricing decisions.
Whether you are into PC or console gaming, the situation in the video game world keeps getting tougher. Sony, after raising the prices for the PS5 in places like the UK, has been followed by Microsoft, which also bumped up the MSRPs for the Xbox Series S and Series X, along with accessories such as the Xbox Series controller. By the end of this year, some first-party Xbox titles will see a price jump to $79.99, up from the already hefty $69.99.
Changes in Game Pricing
When major studios first set the prices for their blockbuster games at $69.99, moving away from the previous norm of $59.99, Xbox Game Pass became a phenomenal deal. This service was not only fairly priced, but it also offered a wide array of fantastic games. However, as many had anticipated, Microsoft raised the Game Pass subscription price last year, making it more costly.
Game Pass Still a Good Deal
Despite the upcoming price increase set for July 2024, Xbox Game Pass still represents considerable value. Currently, gamers can grab Game Pass for just:
With titles like Doom: The Dark Ages, The Elder Scrolls IV: Oblivion Remastered, and Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 included, the value offered by Game Pass is hard to beat. Nevertheless, it is likely that Microsoft will follow suit with a price rise for Game Pass to align with the increased costs of consoles and games.
Speculations and Community Reactions
On the ResetEra forums, a well-known insider, shinobi602, humorously responded with “lol” to someone who pointed out that Game Pass has not yet been affected by the recent price increases. If Shinobi is right, it could be wise to stock up on Game Pass subscriptions, as Microsoft permits stacking up to 36 months.
We still don’t have a clear timeline for when the Game Pass price hike is expected. Microsoft plans to host an Xbox Games Showcase in June 2025, where titles such as Gears of War: E-day and Fable are anticipated to be revealed. So, if Microsoft has some big-name games lined up for Fall 2025, it’s quite possible that a Game Pass price increase will occur around that time.
That said, this is merely speculation on our part. Microsoft might choose not to raise the prices at all. Therefore, until we receive official updates from the company, it’s best to take this information lightly.
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