Xbox Game Pass and Xbox console prices can’t remain the same forever, Microsoft says

Various tech products and services have increased prices with the ongoing economic downturn and global inflation, but not Xbox Game Pass and Xbox console. However, Microsoft gaming chief Phil Spencer said that would likely change in the future.

Spencer, along with other tech executives, appeared at the WSJ Tech Live this week for interviews. During Microsoft’s segment, the subject of console and Game Pass subscriptions was brought up, where Spencer hinted at imminent price changes.

It is worth noting that the Xbox Series X/S consoles are still available at their original recommended retail prices of $499 and $399, respectively. Xbox and PC Game Pass subscriptions also remain at $9.99 per month and $14.99 monthly for the Ultimate tier.

Spencer pointed this out at the event (via The Verge’s Tom Warren), noting that Microsoft has kept the prices of Xbox consoles, games, and Game Pass subscriptions for a while now. But he added, “I don’t think we’ll be able to do that forever.”

It now appears that it is only a matter of when Xbox consoles and Game Pass subscriptions will become more expensive. Spencer suggested, however, that these price hikes may not be implemented anytime soon. “I do think at some point we’ll have to raise some prices on certain things, but going into this holiday we thought it was really important that we maintain the prices that we have,” the Xbox chief said

This is somewhat a different tone from the company’s previous remarks whenever Xbox prices were discussed. To be fair, though, Microsoft’s statements have always been worded in a way that left an opening for future changes.

After Sony increased PS5 prices in most regions in August, Microsoft said it is “constantly evaluating” its business while telling consumers that Xbox Series X/S prices will not change for now.

Spencer said something similar in a later interview with CNBC last month, recognizing that customers are facing challenges in the current economic climate “We don’t think it’s the right move for us at this point to be raising prices on our console,” he added.

Photo by Pasqualino Capobianco on Unsplash