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After raising prices on Xbox consoles and subscriptions, Microsoft is now turning its attention to Xbox developers. Sources familiar with Microsoft’s plans say Edge The company is significantly increasing the price of the Xbox Development Kit (XDK) – the custom hardware that developers use to create Xbox games.
The current Xbox development kit goes from $1,500 to $2,000, a 33 percent increase in price. Microsoft says in an advertisement for Xbox developers that I viewed: “The adjustment reflects macroeconomic developments.” Edge. “We are committed to providing high-quality tools and support for your development efforts.” I asked Microsoft for comment on the price hike, but the company did not respond in time for publication.
The price increases for the Xbox Development Kit come just a month after Microsoft Raising the price of the Xbox Series console for the second time this year. The second price increase for the Series
Microsoft also blamed “changes in the macroeconomic environment” for the recent spike in Xbox console prices last month, and the increases in consoles and development kits, 30 percent and 33 percent respectively, are in line with the Trump administration’s 30 percent tariff on imports from China. A recent report indicated that Microsoft is seeking to produce more Xbox consoles outside Chinain an apparent attempt to reduce the impact of tariffs.
The short announcement from Microsoft’s Xbox Developer Relations team explains that this price increase takes effect immediately. I realize it’s not just affecting US developers, as the prices of these development kits are also rising across Europe and elsewhere. This is likely because these “macroeconomic” conditions extend beyond just US tariffs, with currency fluctuations, production costs, and other elements affecting prices.
Microsoft’s Xbox Development Kit was already expensive because it comes with additional hardware inside and out, to allow developers to build and test Xbox games for both the Xbox Series Gigabyte in the Xbox Series Microsoft also equips its Xbox development kits with a front-facing display and five programmable buttons.