Microsoft and Nintendo probably aren't raising console prices like Sony

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It's kind of weird to find yourself looking for a console. Sony is raising PlayStation 5 prices in a slew of regions, citing "tough economic conditions" and ongoing supply issues. Rising prices, in particular, are hitting Europe, the UK, Japan, China, Australia, Mexico and Canada.

Nothing in the US, but these regions cover much of the rest of the world.

Ahead of Sony, Meta announced a price hike on its Meta Quest 2 VR headsets, bumping prices of the two-year-old headset by $100. The price increase was somewhat historic; normally prices go down over time, not up.

So if Sony pushes a price hike on one of the big three consoles, what will happen with the other two? Well, thankfully, Nintendo is pretty clear about the future. Nintendo boss Shuntaro Furukawa made this very clear at a shareholder meeting.

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“While we cannot comment on pricing strategies, we currently have no plans to change the price of our hardware due to inflation or increased procurement costs in each country” , explained Furukawa. "We will determine our future pricing strategies through careful and ongoing deliberation."

Most recently, Nintendo reaffirmed Eurogamer's sentiment following Sony's announcement.

It's a bit of a relief that the Switch doesn't suddenly cost more, but that makes sense to me. The Switch is everywhere. He did a lot. Raising the price can't be worth public perception when everyone already has one.

At least, that's my personal take on things.

Microsoft is a bit fuzzier. Microsoft's statement actually happened first. Although the way it reads kind of leaves the door open for a price change in the near future. Microsoft has told Windows Central that it has no immediate plans for a price hike. But he also warned that he constantly assesses his activity.

It's certainly a more cautious response to Sony's decision, and it doesn't just leave the door open for a price increase. This also leaves the door open for price cuts.

If Microsoft followed Sony's price hike with a price cut, it could be devastating for the PlayStation 5 for the rest of the generation. A huge disparity in price boosted the Xbox 360 far beyond the PlayStation 3, after all.

Besides, things are way too expensive right now anyway. I'm not sure working longer hours at a second (or in my case third) job is the way to go just to afford the current PlayStation console.

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