Whereas before items at 800 MSP would cost about £6.80, they see an increase of 32% to £8.99. The smallest increase is with 1600 MSP, which goes from £13.60 to £14.99. Be careful what you wish for.
Of course this is the beta for the planned dashboard update that will introduce local currency prices, and so nothing is finalised, but this trend is rather worrying - and insulting.
Companies throw up many excuses as to why they charge more in certain territories, with the UK suffering some of the highest price hikes. Currency exchange rates are blamed, as are custom charges, but the real reason behind it - for the UK at least - is because it’s ‘accepted’. They know they can get away with charging more - we’re to blame.
NeoGAF user Gowans has summarised the situation:
400 points (£3.40) games are now £4.49 - £1.09 / 32%Increase
800 points (£6.80) games are now £8.99 - £2.19 / 32% Increase
1200 points (£10.40) games are now £11.99 - £1.56 / 15% Increase
1600 points (£13.60) games are now at £14.99 - £1.39 / 10% Increase
European Xbox 360 gamers will notice a slight tweak upward in price as well, although Canadian users will actually enjoy a drop on the burden to their wallet. No change in price for US-based prices.
