Xbox Series S prices have risen sharply in the UK and Europe, temporarily making Microsoft's cheapest console more expensive than the Nintendo Switch 2. Microsoft's price increases, first flagged for the US back in June, have now been confirmed for European and UK markets, bringing them into effect immediately. This shift briefly favours Nintendo, though the reprieve is short-lived, as the Switch 2 will also see its own price rise from 1st September 2026.

The 512GB Xbox Series S has jumped from €349.99 to €499.99 in Europe, and from £299.99 to £429.99 in the UK, with equivalent hikes across the Series S 1TB and Series X models. By contrast, the Switch 2 currently costs €469.99 in Europe and £395.99 in the UK, though its European price will rise to €499.99 from September, matching the new Xbox Series S price, while UK pricing has yet to be confirmed. Some retailers, including Argos and Smyths, are still selling Xbox consoles at the older, lower prices while stock lasts.