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Technology4h 11m ago

Xbox boss Asha Sharma states that the rising cost of consoles necessitates "radically different business models" for the next generation, as mass audiences cannot afford "thousands of dollars."

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Who
Asha Sharma (Xbox boss), Microsoft, Sony, Nintendo
What
Xbox boss Asha Sharma states that the rising cost of consoles necessitates "radically different business models" for the next generation, as mass audiences cannot afford "thousands of dollars."
When
Thu, 11 Jun 2026 07:04:51 GMT · 4h 11m ago
Where
N/A ·
Why
The spiralling cost of new consoles, driven by increasing component demand (especially from AI data centers), production/shipping costs, tariffs, and logistical problems from global conflict, makes current console prices unsustainable for mass audiences.
The Frontline Impact

How this affects you

Microsoft and other console manufacturers are facing challenges in pricing their next-generation hardware due to rising costs, potentially leading to new business models like subscriptions or leasing to maintain affordability and market reach, which could change how consumers access gaming hardware.

Story chain

2 events in this thread
  1. Technology2h 5m ago
    Xbox CEO Asha Sharma stated in an open letter that console storage component costs in February were “over 2x as high” as last fall, have since doubled, and are expected to jump to 5x higher for the 2027 holiday season.
    Open article
  2. Currently Reading4h 11m ago
    Xbox boss Asha Sharma states that the rising cost of consoles necessitates "radically different business models" for the next generation, as mass audiences cannot afford "thousands of dollars."

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