Xbox Series S, the entry-level next-gen gaming console from Microsoft, is tipped to see a hike in price in India later this month. Along with the Series S, Xbox Controller and Xbox Wireless Headset will also see an increase in their prices. However, there has been no word if the Xbox Series X will also see a price hike as well. While no official reason has been offered for the price hike, it is being speculated that the increase in INR exchange rate with the US dollar could be a reason behind the hike.
The tip comes from known industry insider Rishi Alwani, who took to Twitter to share that Microsoft will be increasing Xbox prices in India.
Xbox price hike: When will the change take place?
As per Alwani, the Xbox price hikes will come into effect starting June 30.
Xbox Series S: New price (expected)
The Xbox Series S, which is currently priced at Rs 34,990, will be available for Rs 36,990, as per Alwani’s tweet.
Xbox Controller: New price (expected)
The Xbox Controller, which is currently priced at Rs 5,390, will be available for Rs 5,590.
Xbox Wireless Headset: New price (expected)
The Xbox Wireless Headset, which is currently priced at Rs 8,990, will be available for Rs 9,490.
Xbox price hike: Why are the prices being increased?
As per Alwani, Microsoft didn’t offer any information on why the prices were being increased. However, Screen Rant game guides editor Akshay Bhalla replied to Alwani’s tweet with a possible reason: “It’s because of the exchange rate with the Dollar.”
The Xbox Series S was launched in November 2020. Since then, the INR exchange rate has seen nearly an increase of Rs 4 against the US dollar. While this could justify the change in Xbox hardware price, it also leads to speculations that more price hikes could be expected across other gaming offerings from Microsoft and other global brands.
However, as mentioned, there has been no official confirmation from Microsoft on the price hike or the reason behind it. Therefore, this report should be considered with a pinch of salt.