Xbox Series X|S Prices Increase in Japan
Solomon Thompson / 5 months ago
Microsoft has announced a price increase for its Xbox Series X and Series S consoles in Japan. Starting August 15, 2024, the Xbox Series X will cost ¥66,978, up from ¥59,978, and the Series S 1TB (Black) will be priced at ¥49,978, an increase from ¥44,578. The 512GB Series S model will also see a price hike, going up from ¥37,978 to ¥44,578.
Reasons for the Price Increase
This decision follows a significant decline in Xbox hardware revenue, which dropped by 42% in the latest quarter. Microsoft has attributed the price adjustments to local market conditions, including increased production and shipping costs. The depreciation of the yen against the dollar has also played a role in these pricing decisions.
The announcement has surprised many, especially since Japan has been a challenging market for Xbox. Despite surpassing 600,000 units sold in the region, Xbox continues to trail behind competitors like the Nintendo Switch and PlayStation 5. This is the second price increase in Japan, the first being in January 2023.
While this may help offset some financial pressures, it remains to be seen how Japanese consumers will react to the higher prices.
