Market Sentiment - The market is perceived as stagnant, making it difficult to identify promising investment opportunities [1] - Investors are finding it challenging to discover worthwhile projects [1]

given recent market conditions, we now identify as schizodio https://t.co/wqOMOM2vME ...

Core Points - Microsoft has raised the recommended retail pricing for Xbox consoles and controllers globally, effective May 1, and plans to increase the price of new first-party games during the holiday season [1][4] Pricing Changes - The price of the Series S 512GB console has increased by $80 to $380, while the Series X console has risen by $100 to $600 [4] - Certain games will see a price increase of $10, bringing their price to $80 [4] - Pricing for Xbox headsets will change only in the United States and Canada, with some Xbox controllers remaining at the same price [2] Market Conditions - Microsoft acknowledged that these pricing changes are challenging and were made after careful consideration of market conditions and rising development costs [2] - The company did not confirm if U.S. tariffs influenced the price hikes, but it relies on overseas manufacturing, including in China [3] Retailer Responses - Executives from major retailers, including Walmart and Target, indicated that maintaining low prices amid tariffs is becoming increasingly difficult, and some products may become scarce if retailers opt not to sell them due to tariff costs [4][5] - Retailers have taken measures to manage tariffs, such as Walmart halting some holiday orders from Chinese manufacturers and Target pausing shipments from direct Chinese suppliers [5] Impact on SMBs - Small to medium-sized businesses (SMBs) are facing tough decisions as they seek ways to share, offset, or avoid costs, risking their competitiveness against larger rivals [6]

Core Points - Microsoft has increased the recommended retail prices of its Xbox consoles and some controllers globally due to market conditions and rising costs from tariffs [1][2] - The price increase will affect consumers during the holiday season, but existing video game titles will not see a price hike [2] - Other companies in the industry, such as Nintendo and Sony, have also announced price increases for their consoles and games [3][4] Pricing Details - The entry-level Xbox Series S now costs $379.99, up from $299.99, while the flagship Xbox Series X is priced at $599.99, increased from $499.99 [4] - The special edition Xbox Wireless Controller will rise to $79.99 from $69.99, and new game prices will be set at $79.99 during the holiday season [4] - In 2023, major Microsoft game titles saw a price increase from $60 to $70 [4] Industry Context - The production costs of popular video games have escalated, with Microsoft particularly concerned following its $75.4 billion acquisition of Activision Blizzard [5] - The development cost for Activision Blizzard's Call of Duty: Black Ops Cold War was reported to exceed $700 million [5] - Microsoft reported increased sales for Call of Duty and Minecraft during the fiscal third quarter [5]