Xbox Consoles and Game Pass Prices on the Rise: Furious Reactions from Gamers

Strategic Insights -

Gamers online are criticizing Xbox president Sarah Bond's recent comments about the upcoming next-gen console, which she described as a "very premium, very high-end curated experience." This news comes on the heels of a 50% price increase for Game Pass Ultimate and a reported price hike for Xbox dev kits from $1,500 to $2,000. The ROG Xbox Ally X handheld also costs $1,000, despite Microsoft claiming that Asus set the price. These developments have sparked concerns among gamers that Xbox consoles and games are becoming too expensive.

Key Takeaways:

  • Xbox president Sarah Bond has teased the next-gen console as a "very premium, very high-end curated experience."
  • Game Pass Ultimate prices have increased by 50%, causing gamers to cancel subscriptions quickly, with some webpages crashing under the demand.
  • Xbox dev kits have seen a price hike from $1,500 to $2,000, making it more expensive for game developers to create Xbox games.
  • The ROG Xbox Ally X handheld costs $1,000, although Microsoft claims that Asus set the price.
  • Gamers are concerned that Xbox consoles and games are becoming too expensive, with some predictin8g a decline in sales and a shift towards more affordable options.
  • The upcoming next-gen console is expected to be a console-PC hybrid, sparking concerns that it may not be distinct from traditional gaming PCs.
  • Some gamers are expressing disappointment and frustration with the potential price increase, with one user stating that they will never buy an Xbox console again if it becomes too expensive.

Statistics:

  • 50% price increase for Game Pass Ultimate
  • $1,500 to $2,000 price hike for Xbox dev kits
  • $1,000 price for the ROG Xbox Ally X handheld
  • Upcoming next-gen console expected to be a console-PC hybrid

Sources:

  • "https://www.indy100.com/gaming/xbox-game-pass-price-increase-hike-cancel-cost" (Xbox Game Pass price increase article)
  • "https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yDmwJ7tuoD8&t=376s" (Mashable interview with Sarah Bond)
  • "https://www.independent.co.uk/life-style/xbox-handheld-review-rog-ally-x-b2844405.html" (ROG Xbox Ally X review)