The Xbox Series S console is known for its affordable price point compared to the Xbox Series X, but the system's price is being increased in India to the equivalent of about $485. Its existence has proven controversial with game developers, but the Xbox Series S console has offered consumers a low-cost alternative to get in on next-generation gaming action. The Xbox Series S typically retails for about $299, though Microsoft has offered various promotions and deals that have let potential customers get the device for even cheaper.
It's true that the Xbox Series S is weaker than the Series X, but it is still capable of playing all the next-gen only games. Some game developers have expressed concern that the Xbox Series S' weaker specs will hold this generation of games back, but that remains to be seen. Some gamers don't mind playing on weaker hardware if it means a lower price, but it seems that the main selling point for the Series S will no longer apply to gamers in India.
As reported by analyst Rishi Alwani, and spotted by GameSpot, it seems Microsoft is increasing the price of the Xbox Series S console in India to Rs.39,990, which translates to about $485. This would effectively make the Xbox Series S nearly as expensive as the Xbox Series X is in the United States, and one has to imagine that this will have a huge negative impact on the console's appeal in the region as a result. According to Alwani, the Xbox Series S price increase will go into effect on January 10, and this isn't even the first time that the console's price has increased in the country.
This is not the first time that new console prices have been increased. While Sony's PlayStation 5 console has remained the same price it launched with in the US, PS5 console prices have increased elsewhere in the world due to inflation and other factors. Microsoft and Nintendo have so far held off on increasing the prices of their consoles for the most part, though this decision to increase the Series S price in India is an outlier.
Microsoft itself has not provided an explanation as to why it's decided to increase the price of Xbox Series S consoles in India, but it's possible more information will come to light in the days ahead. It's an unfortunate development for Xbox gamers living in India, to say the least. No price increases have been announced for Xbox consoles outside of India at the time of this writing.
Source: GameSpot