Microsoft is set to increase the price of its Xbox consoles starting August 1, 2026. Driven by rising manufacturing costs for RAM and NAND storage components, the Xbox Series X and Series S will see significant price hikes across all models. For everyday gamers, this marks a critical window: if you have been waiting to buy a console or upgrade your storage, now is likely your last chance to secure current pricing before the new rates take effect.
What this means for you
The price increases are substantial. The base Xbox Series S (512GB) will jump from $399.99 to $499.99, a $100 increase. The top-tier Xbox Series X (1TB with optical drive) will rise from $649.99 to $799.99, marking a total increase of $300 since its original launch price of $499. Analysts suggest these hikes are part of a broader industry trend, with component costs expected to remain high through 2028. Buying now could save you significant money compared to purchasing after the August 1 deadline.
New Xbox pricing structure
Here is exactly how the prices will change for each model in the United States and other regions:
- Xbox Series S (512GB): Rises from $399.99 to $499.99
- Xbox Series S (1TB): Rises from $449.99 to $599.99
- Xbox Series X Digital Edition (1TB): Rises from $599.99 to $749.99
- Xbox Series X (1TB with Optical Drive): Rises from $649.99 to $799.99
These figures represent the new Manufacturer’s Suggested Retail Price (MSRP). While retailers may offer temporary discounts, the baseline cost of ownership is shifting upward.
Current deals and inventory status
As the August 1 deadline approaches, stock levels vary significantly by retailer. The Xbox Series X (1TB with optical drive) has seen recent dips to around $573 during sales events like Prime Day, but availability is currently limited.
- Xbox Series X (1TB Optical): Currently in stock at Newegg for $679.99 and Walmart for $648.00. Target and Best Buy are reporting low or no stock.
- Xbox Series X Digital Edition (1TB): Available at Best Buy for $599.99 and Walmart for $598.00. Amazon and Newegg currently show no availability.
- Xbox Series S (512GB): Widely available across major retailers including Amazon, Target, Best Buy, Newegg, and Walmart, generally priced between $379.99 and $399.99.
- Xbox Series S (1TB): In stock at Amazon ($428.00), Target ($428.99), Best Buy ($449.99), and Walmart ($428.00). Newegg lists it higher at $489.99.
If you are looking for the best value, the Series S models remain more accessible in terms of inventory, while the Series X requires checking multiple retailers for remaining stock.
Expansion cards and storage costs
Storage expansion is often essential for modern gaming, with titles like Call of Duty: Black Ops 7 requiring over 160 GB of space. Both Seagate and WD_BLACK offer official NVMe expansion cards that plug directly into the console’s expansion slot, offering speeds identical to the internal SSD.
Prices for these accessories are also volatile. The Seagate Storage Expansion Card is available in 1TB, 2TB, and 4TB models. The 4TB version is currently sold out at Best Buy and Amazon but listed at $750 on Newegg. The WD_BLACK C50 expansion card is also frequently out of stock across major retailers.
Given the broader component shortage, expect storage accessories to become more expensive in the coming months. If you plan to buy a console, consider purchasing an expansion card simultaneously while inventory lasts.
Source: Windows Central
Over to you: Will you buy an Xbox Series X or S before the August 1 price hike, or wait for prices to stabilize later?
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