Overview
- Team XBOX announced on Thursday, June 25, 2026 that, effective August 1, 2026, prices will rise by US$100 for 512 GB models and US$150 for 1 TB models and that the 2 TB Xbox Series X will be discontinued.
- Xbox attributed the move to a components crisis that has pushed storage and memory costs more than 2.5 times higher since last year and said it expects those costs could double again by fall 2027, noting consoles are often sold below manufacturing cost.
- To ease the short-term burden for buyers, Xbox is rolling out Buy Now, Pay Later at Microsoft Store locations, 0% APR financing for eligible purchases through Amazon for up to 12 months, trade-in programs with retail partners, and certified refurbished consoles at up to US$100 off MSRP.
- The price jump will materially raise entry points for console buyers, with sources reporting the 512 GB Series S moving to about $499.99 and 1 TB Series X/S models rising by roughly $150, increasing reliance on trade-ins and refurbished units for lower-cost access.
- Microsoft framed the change as part of a wider industry trend in consumer electronics that is likely to drive more hardware makers to pass cost increases to customers and expand financing and used-device channels as demand for lower-price options grows.