Microsoft increases Xbox dev kit prices by over 30%, impacting game developers worldwide

Game developers creating titles for Xbox Series X/S consoles are now facing significantly steeper costs, with Microsoft recently implementing a substantial price increase for its Xbox Development Kit (XDK) hardware.

The details:

• As reported by The Verge, Microsoft has raised the price of its Xbox dev kits from $1,500 to $2,000 with immediate effect, an increase of 33%. In a statement sent to developers, the company attributed the adjustment to "macroeconomic developments," adding that it is still “committed to providing high-quality tools and support for your development efforts.”
• The price increase affects developers worldwide, not just those in the United States, with teams across Europe and other regions also subject to the new pricing. It’s believed that the hike is related to fluctuating currencies, higher production costs, and US tariffs impacting imported goods from China by a whopping 30%.
• Development kits aren’t the only Xbox product to see a major increase in cost this year, with Xbox Series X/S consoles seeing two price hikes in the US alone, bringing the standard model of the Series X up to $599.99. Game Pass has also received a significant price increase, with its Ultimate tier jumping up by 50%, prompting backlash from subscribers.