Microsoft announced a major price increase goes into effect on February 17, 2023 in Japan for Xbox Series X|S consoles. The price increase comes weeks after Microsoft confirmed price increases for Xbox Series X|S games from $59.99 to $69.99.
A 5,000 yen (roughly $38) price increase will be in effect for both consoles. Manufacturer suggested retail price (MSRP) of the Xbox Series X will increase from 54,978 yen to 59,978 yen. Xbox Series S pricing increased from 32,278 yen to 37,978 yen.
According to Microsoft, the decision to change the MSRP was made after “carefully evaluating the market condition in Japan.” The company evaluates the impact of local pricing to promote consistency across all markets. Microsoft aims to “provide the ultimate Xbox experience” to customers in Japan despite the price increase (Thanks, Gematsu).
“After carefully evaluating the market condition in Japan, we have decided to change the suggested retail price of Xbox consoles in the country. We regularly evaluate the impact of local pricing to maintain reasonable consistency across regions. This price revision affects our customers and was a difficult decision to make, but going forward we will continue to provide the ultimate Xbox experience that our customers expect.”
Head of Xbox Phil Spencer recently claimed that “something had to give” regarding pricing for Xbox Series X|S games in the U.S. The sentiment appears to be shared when referring to Xbox Series X|S pricing. Going forward, gaming on Xbox Series X|S will be slightly more expensive around the world.
Hi-Fi Rush, Microsoft and Tango Gameworks’ latest Xbox Series X|S game, is available now for Xbox One and Xbox Series X|S.
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