SA’s Xbox Live Gold subscription to cost R159 per month from June [update]

Update: added clarification on three, six, and 12-month subscriptions

Microsoft’s Xbox Live Gold (XBL) subscription service will increase from R50 to R159 for South African users from 20 June.

The tech giant announced the price increase in an email sent to subscribers today. No reason for the increase has been stated.

On a month-to-month basis, a year’s worth of subscriptions will now cost R1908 as opposed to R600. Microsoft has yet to announce new pricing for three, six, and 12-month subscriptions.

“We continually evaluate our offerings and are always working to provide a balance of service and value that meet the needs of our customers,” writes Microsoft.

Auto-renewal subscriptions deducted before 20 June will be charged at R50, but will increase thereafter.

The XBL subscription service includes the ability to play online multiplayer games, access to exclusive sales and specials, and four Games with Gold titles per month.

The price increase places Microsoft‘s rival Sony in a more affordable position with its R99 per month PlayStation Plus offering. Nintendo does not charge for its online services.

Read the full notice below:

Dear xxx,

As a valued Xbox Live Gold member, we’d like to thank you for being part of the Gold community. We continually evaluate our offerings and are always working to provide a balance of service and value that meet the needs of our customers.

As such, the prices of your Xbox Live Gold subscription packages will be increasing. As of June 20, 2016 the price of your 1 month Xbox Live Gold subscription will increase from R 50,00 to R 159,00. If your subscription is currently set to auto-renew before June 20, 2016, you will be charged the current price at the time of your next scheduled auto-renewal. If your subscription is currently set to auto-renew after June 20, 2016, you will be charged the new price at the time of your next scheduled auto-renewal.

To ensure your renewal takes place without interruption, and you continue access to the most advanced multiplayer, up to 4 free games every month, and exclusive discounts of up to 50-75% off games, please confirm your account and payment information is up to date at https://billing.microsoft.com.

To change how you pay for Xbox Live Gold, check your renewal date or cancel your subscription please visit https://account.microsoft.com/services.

For more information please visit: http://support.xbox.com/billing/xbox-subscriptions/gold-subscription-changes-faq

Thank you for choosing Gold!

The Xbox Live Team