Why Xbox’s Price Hike Could Spell Trouble for PlayStation Gamers

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1) Gamers have been taken aback by Nintendo’s recent announcement that several Switch 2 games will retail at $80 and many accessories are now more expensive due to the ongoing tariff issues. Following this, Microsoft announced that the price of a new Xbox Series X would rise later in the year, coinciding with holiday season. Similarly, many of Xbox’s exclusive games will increase from their current $70 price point to align with Nintendo’s $80 prices. This temporary satisfaction among PlayStation gamers might wear off, as it seems disadvantageous for PS5 users in the long run.

2) In a surprising move, Nintendo disclosed that several Switch 2 games will sell for $80 and many accessories have become costlier due to tariff problems. Subsequently, Microsoft declared an increase in the price of the Xbox Series X towards the end of this year, perfect timing for the holiday season. Furthermore, many of Xbox’s original games are set to rise from their standard $70 to match Nintendo’s $80 prices. While this might temporarily boost satisfaction among PlayStation gamers, it could potentially prove unfavorable in the long run for PS5 users.

3) In a shocking turn of events, Nintendo unveiled that several games for Switch 2 will be priced at $80 and accessories have become more expensive due to tariffs. Soon after, Microsoft announced that the price of Xbox Series X would go up this year, just before the holiday season. Additionally, many of Xbox’s exclusive games are set to move from their current $70 cost to match Nintendo’s $80 prices. This short-lived joy among PlayStation gamers may dissipate, as it seems detrimental for PS5 users in the long run.

4) Gamers were left stunned when Nintendo disclosed that several Switch 2 games would be priced at $80 and many accessories are now more expensive due to tariffs. Following suit, Microsoft announced an increase in the price of Xbox Series X later this year, timed perfectly for the holiday season. Moreover, many of Xbox’s exclusive games will move from their current $70 cost to align with Nintendo’s $80 prices. While this might temporarily boost satisfaction among PlayStation gamers, it could potentially prove disadvantageous in the long run for PS5 users.

5) In a surprising twist, Nintendo disclosed that several Switch 2 games will sell for $80 and many accessories are now pricier due to tariffs. Shortly after, Microsoft declared an increase in the price of Xbox Series X towards the end of this year, ideal for the holiday season. Furthermore, many of Xbox’s original games are set to rise from their standard $70 to match Nintendo’s $80 prices. This short-lived elation among PlayStation gamers may fade away, as it appears detrimental for PS5 users in the long run.

6) Gamers were left reeling when they learned that several Switch 2 games will be priced at $80 and many accessories are now costlier due to tariffs. Following this revelation, Microsoft announced an increase in the price of Xbox Series X later this year, making it perfect for the holiday season. In addition, many of Xbox’s exclusive games will move from their current $70 cost to match Nintendo’s $80 prices. This temporary joy among PlayStation gamers might dissipate, as it seems disadvantageous for PS5 users in the long run.

It’s reasonable to expect that Sony will raise the prices of new PlayStation game titles to match those of Xbox and Nintendo, which are now $80 each. The PlayStation store has a history of maintaining high prices due to Sony’s policy of not permitting third-party sales for any PS5 games. While Sony hasn’t officially announced price hikes for consoles, accessories, or games yet, it seems imminent given the current situation.

It’s not surprising that the price of the upcoming Nintendo Switch 2 and its games may go up, considering how new consoles often come with a higher cost to account for their advanced hardware. However, an increase in prices for current-generation consoles like the Xbox Series X and Xbox Series S is less common. This could be due to rising costs worldwide and U.S. tariffs, which might mean gamers will have to accept paying more not only for games but also accessories. With Xbox planning to raise the price of its future game releases, it seems that PlayStation remains as the affordable option for now when it comes to $70 AAA games. However, I suspect this won’t last for much longer.

What Xbox and Switch 2 Game Prices Mean for PlayStation

2021 has been quite diverse for Xbox, shifting from focusing on console-exclusive games towards a multi-platform strategy for newer releases. This move implies that PS5 players might see an increase in game prices from Xbox, including upcoming multi-platform titles like “Call of Duty 2025”. Essentially, PlayStation gamers will be paying more for future Xbox Game Studios releases. It’s also plausible that Sony may respond by increasing the price of their games and possibly new consoles as well.

Although Xbox is transitioning towards fewer platform exclusives, Sony has given no indication of following suit. Notably, recent blockbusters such as Marvel’s Spider-Man 2 debuted exclusively on the PS5, only later becoming available on PC after a delay. Similarly, upcoming games like Naughty Dog’s Intergalactic: The Heretic Prophet and Marvel’s Wolverine are also set to be exclusive to the PS5. As of now, we can expect these forthcoming titles to carry the new $80 price tag when they launch alongside new Xbox, Nintendo Switch 2, and potentially other games.

Given that both Xbox and Nintendo have set their AAA title prices at around $80, it seems likely that this could establish a new industry standard. It’s rather unexpected if Sony doesn’t follow suit and increase the price of their games by $10, considering gamers are willing to pay more for titles on other consoles.

If Sony chooses not to hike the prices of its exclusive PS5 titles, it’s likely that multi-platform game launches could become pricier. With both Xbox and Nintendo raising their game prices, they are essentially setting a new standard for game costs. Consequently, other studios might follow suit and increase the prices of their upcoming games, which could result in an overall rise in the cost of video games as a whole.

Will PlayStation Consoles Go Up In Price Alongside Xbox?

Regarding PlayStation consoles, some gamers found the price of the PS5 Pro a bit steep, but Sony claims it sold well at $700. The standard PS5 typically retails for around $500, similar to the Xbox Series X’s original price. However, with the Series X increasing to $599 during this holiday season, it could give Sony an opportunity to potentially raise the cost of their console too.

It’s not definite, but if we see other gaming consoles increasing their prices, it certainly makes the likelihood of a price increase for the PS5 much stronger. Given that PS5 prices went up in certain areas only last month and U.S. tariffs are affecting market conditions, it wouldn’t be unexpected for Sony to do the same in other regions.

Currently, Sony hasn’t announced any adjustments to their prices. However, considering the evolving landscape of video games and gaming, it seems likely that changes may be on the horizon.

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2025-05-01 17:42