The Back Alley: why mid-generation consoles keep getting more expensive
Component prices explain part of it. The rest is a strategy shift that console makers would prefer not to describe out loud.
Console prices used to fall as a generation aged. For the last several years they have not, and the reasons say a lot about where the business is heading.
The component story
Memory and storage costs rose just as manufacturers expected them to drop. A console is sold on thin margins at the best of times, and those margins disappeared quickly.
The strategy story
The larger change is deliberate. Platform holders now earn most of their profit from software and subscriptions, and they have decided that hardware no longer needs to be sold at a loss to win customers.
The box under your television is no longer the product. Your account is.
What it means for players
Expect fewer price cuts and more bundles. If you are waiting for a discount, the best window is still late November. Our buying guide tracks every confirmed offer.
Cassia Fenwick
Cassia Fenwick writes about all gaming topics, from new games to old favorites. Her posts include news, guides, reviews, gear, and the stories around gaming. She likes to show why a small detail matters. She explains each idea without expecting readers to know every game. Her writing is thoughtful but easy to read. Cassia enjoys colorful postcards, making books, and looking at how everyday things are designed. She often notices shapes, colors, and small touches others might miss. She uses clear examples to bring her ideas to life. She hopes readers leave with useful answers and something new to explore.
