[Update: Microsoft has announced the prices of the Xbox Series X and Xbox Series S, which will retail at $499 and $299, respectively, and simultaneously launch on November 10, 2020. The price(s) and release date(s) of the PS5 and PS5 Digital Edition have yet to be disclosed, and Sony has declined to comment.]
The prices of the PlayStation 5 and Xbox Series X might have been revealed by Best Buy, with the store offering financing options that suggest both consoles will cost more than $500. Despite the fact that the two next-gen systems are set to release in just a few months' time, neither Microsoft nor Sony has announced a price tag or even a firm release date yet. This has led to intense speculation from players and members of the gaming industry.
Rumors have circulated for months about the cost of the PlayStation 5 and Xbox Series X. This week, there have been supposed leaks from Chinese retailers and websites that the PlayStation 5 could cost between $399 and $499, depending on whether customers opt for the digital edition of the console or not. Meanwhile, previous rumors have indicated that the Xbox Series X could cost upwards of $600 when it releases in November.
Now, Best Buy is the latest retailer that have leaked the cost of the PlayStation 5 and Xbox Series X. According to DualShockers, the US-based store has begun to advertise financing deals for both next-gen consoles. The vast majority of gaming systems are available to finance over 12 months, due to the fact that they cost less than $400. This includes the Nintendo Switch, PlayStation 4, and Xbox One X. However, Best Buy is only offering finance deals that span 18 months for next-gen consoles, which is something the store usually only does for electronics that cost more than $499. This has led some to believe that the two new consoles will cost at least $500 when they launch later in the year. Of course, the information on Best Buy's site could be a placeholder until official prices are revealed.
Regardless of the price of the next-gen systems themselves, gamers will be able to save some money if they intend to play games on current and next-gen hardware. Lots of publishers have already revealed that players will be able to upgrade current-gen versions of their games to the enhanced next-gen editions at no additional cost. Although this is not the case for every single game, deals have been announced for the likes of Cyberpunk 2077, Assassin's Creed Valhalla, DOOM Eternal, and Dirt 5.
Until the manufacturers reveal how much the PlayStation 5 and Xbox Series X will cost, fans will continue to be left in the dark, or fill the void with leaks and rumors. It seems clear that both companies are waiting to see what the other does first in the hope of being able to undercut them. But while this might be a good strategy for them, it's not good for consumers who want to know exactly how much they need to save, especially if the latest next-gen price leak is correct.
Source: DualShockers