Why a $1,800 Xbox Could Be a Disaster for Players
If Microsoft prices its next Xbox near $1,800, it could alienate mainstream buyers and push players to stick with current-gen hardware or competitors, reshaping the next console generation.
If Microsoft prices its next Xbox near $1,800, it could alienate mainstream buyers and push players to stick with current-gen hardware or competitors, reshaping the next console generation.
Key points - Former Blizzard president Mike Ybarra criticized rumored next Xbox pricing of $1,200 to $1,800. - Ybarra argues consoles are mass-audience devices needing a low entry price of $399 to $499. - He says current consoles like PS5 Pro and Xbox Series X are 'fine for 99%' of players. - Ybarra points to Xbox's FSR 4.1 upscaler as an example of ongoing optimization. - A Fortune report claims Microsoft is projecting the high price internally.
Timeline - Less than six years ago: PS5 and Xbox Series X launched at $500. - Recently: Fortune reports Microsoft projects next Xbox could cost $1,200 to $1,800. - Recently: Mike Ybarra tweets criticism of the rumored price. - Recently: Xbox announces FSR 4.1 upscaler coming to Series X and S.
FAQ
Q: Is the $1,800 Xbox price official? A: No. It's based on a Fortune report about internal Microsoft projections, not an official announcement.
Q: What does Mike Ybarra suggest instead? A: He advises sticking with PS5 Pro or Xbox Series X until prices normalize, saying they're fine for most players.
Q: Why are consoles getting so expensive? A: The article cites global memory shortages driving up component costs, though $1,800 is still seen as extreme.
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