Microsoft is planning to adjust the prices of the Xbox Series X console and the Xbox Game Pass subscription. In most countries, the cost of the Xbox Series X will rise, aligning it with the pricing of the PS5 in those markets. This price adjustment will occur in August, except for the United States, Japan, Chile, Brazil, and Colombia. Additionally, Microsoft will be increasing the monthly fees for Xbox Game Pass and Xbox Game Pass Ultimate subscriptions for the first time. The base Xbox Game Pass subscription for console will increase from $9.99 to $10.99 per month.
According to Kari Perez, head of communications for Xbox, these price adjustments are being made to reflect the competitive conditions in each market. The pricing of the Xbox Series X will closely match the price increase introduced by Sony for the PS5 last year. The new prices for the Xbox Series X will come into effect on August 1st, with specific prices set at £479.99 in the UK, €549.99 in most European markets, CAD $649.99 in Canada, and AUD $799.99 in Australia. However, the pricing for the Xbox Series S will not change and will remain at $299.99.
In addition to the console pricing changes, Xbox Game Pass Ultimate and Game Pass for Console subscriptions will see price increases starting from July 6th. Xbox Game Pass Ultimate will rise from $14.99 to $16.99 per month, while the base Xbox Game Pass for Console subscription will increase from $9.99 to $10.99 per month. The pricing for PC Game Pass will remain the same.
Existing monthly subscribers of Game Pass will not experience the new prices until August 13th (or September 13th in Germany), while new Game Pass members will encounter the revised prices immediately on July 6th. Users with yearly codes for Xbox Game Pass will be subject to the new pricing when renewing their subscriptions.
Most markets will be affected by the price adjustments for Xbox Game Pass, with the exception of certain countries like Norway, Chile, Denmark, Switzerland, and Saudi Arabia where Game Pass console pricing will remain unchanged.