Xbox prices rose again in 2026, and Sony has already raised recommended PS5 prices too. Microsoft’s latest cited Xbox increase took effect worldwide on August 1, 2026; Sony’s latest global PS5 and PS5 Pro recommended prices took effect April 2, 2026. Those are announced prices, not live retailer quotes. Forecasts for the PS6 and other next-generation consoles remain speculation.
What changed, and when?
Microsoft announced its latest Xbox console price update on June 25, 2026, with new prices effective worldwide August 1. The company said 512 GB models increased by US$100 and 1 TB models by US$150, and that it would sunset the 2 TB model. Microsoft attributed the move to higher component costs, saying console storage and memory prices had risen more than 2.5 times and it expected another doubling by fall 2027. Those component figures are Microsoft’s claims, not independent measurements. Xbox Wire
This followed a second U.S. increase in 2025. Reuters reported that, after the October 3 change, the 1 TB Xbox Series S was about $450, Xbox Series X about $650, and the 2 TB Galaxy Black Series X nearly $800. These are reported U.S. prices from that 2025 update, not a current worldwide price list. Reuters
Sony has also raised PlayStation prices. Its latest cited global set of recommended-price increases for PS5 and PS5 Pro took effect April 2, 2026. The announced prices vary by model and region:
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| Region | PS5 | PS5 Digital Edition | PS5 Pro |
|---|---|---|---|
| United States | $649.99 | $599.99 | $899.99 |
| United Kingdom | £569.99 | £519.99 | £789.99 |
| Europe | €649.99 | €599.99 | €899.99 |
| Japan | ¥97,980 | ¥89,980 | ¥137,980 |
These are Sony’s recommended prices effective April 2, 2026, not guaranteed prices at every retailer. For other territories, check Sony or local retailers. Sony Interactive Entertainment
Why did Xbox prices go up?
Microsoft’s stated reason for its 2026 move was the cost of components, particularly storage and memory. The company also said consoles are typically sold below manufacturing cost. Both points are Microsoft’s explanation of its pricing decision. Xbox Wire
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There was a separate interpretation of the 2025 U.S. Xbox increase. Reuters quoted NYU Stern School of Business games professor Joost van Dreunen, who attributed that change to tariffs and supply-chain costs rather than opportunism or software development costs. That is an analyst’s explanation of the 2025 increase, not Microsoft’s official account of its 2026 decision. Reuters
Did Sony raise PS5 prices too?
Yes. Sony’s April 2026 recommended prices are listed above. They followed earlier increases: Sony announced higher prices in selected European, Australian and New Zealand markets in April 2025, then set U.S. recommended prices effective August 21, 2025, at $549.99 for PS5, $499.99 for PS5 Digital Edition and $749.99 for PS5 Pro. Sony Interactive Entertainment Associated Press
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In its June 5, 2026 investor Q&A, Sony said it could not realistically absorb all component-cost increases and had already made some price increases outside Japan. It also said sales were proceeding as planned and that it did not believe the increases had reduced customer demand. Those are Sony’s statements; they are not an independent measurement of demand. The company added that it does not intend to sell hardware at significant losses and is continuing to assess its approach. Sony Group investor Q&A
How much is an Xbox Series X now?
The supplied manufacturer announcement gives the 2026 increase by storage tier, rather than a complete model-by-model retail price list. The clearest specific Series X figures in the cited material are Reuters’ report of about $650 for Xbox Series X and nearly $800 for the 2 TB Galaxy Black model after the October 2025 U.S. change. They should not be treated as current prices in every country or as live retailer listings. Check local listings for the price available to you. Microsoft’s 2026 announcement Reuters’ 2025 report
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Will the PS6 cost $1,000?
No PS6 price has been announced in the cited material. GamesRadar+ reported two analyst forecasts: NYU’s Joost van Dreunen projected a next-generation starting price 50% above the current generation’s launch price, while Kantan Games CEO Serkan Toto said a $999 PS6 variant was possible. These are forecasts, not Sony guidance or confirmed prices; timing and pricing remain uncertain. GamesRadar+
The 2025 and 2026 console prices above are manufacturer announcements or reported prices for specific dates and markets. They cannot establish what Sony, Microsoft or other companies will charge for future hardware. Analyst projections should be read as scenarios, not price announcements.
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