Microsoft is set to increase prices significantly across its Xbox ecosystem, marking a substantial shift in the gaming landscape. In an official announcement, the tech giant revealed that prices for Xbox consoles, controllers, headsets, and certain games will rise. The price hikes for consoles and accessories are effective immediately, starting May 1, while game prices will remain stable—for now. However, come the holiday season, gamers can anticipate paying $79.99 for new first-party titles from Microsoft.
These price adjustments apply globally, except for headset prices, which will only increase in the U.S. and Canada.
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Here are the updated prices for various Xbox consoles and accessories in the U.S.:
- Xbox Series S 512: $379.99 (up from $299.99)
- Xbox Series S 1TB: $429.99 (up from $349.99)
- Xbox Series X Digital: $549.99 (up from $449.99)
- Xbox Series X: $599.99 (up from $499.99)
- Xbox Series X 2TB Galaxy Special Edition: $729.99 (up from $599.99)
- Xbox Wireless Controller (Core): $64.99
- Xbox Wireless Controller (Color): $69.99
- Xbox Wireless Controller - Special Edition: $79.99
- Xbox Wireless Controller - Limited Edition: $89.99 (up from $79.99)
- Xbox Elite Wireless Controller Series 2 (Core): $149.99 (up from $139.99)
- Xbox Elite Wireless Controller Series 2 (Full): $199.99 (up from $179.99)
- Xbox Stereo Headset: $64.99
- Xbox Wireless Headset: $119.99 (up from $109.99)
For regional price differences, refer to the official Xbox announcement page here.
Microsoft addressed the changes in a statement to IGN, emphasizing their decision was driven by market conditions and rising production costs:
"We understand these changes are challenging, and they were made with careful consideration of market conditions and the increasing cost of development. We remain committed to offering more ways to play more games across any screen while ensuring value for Xbox players."
While specifics about which first-party games will retail at $80 remain unclear, potential candidates include the next mainline Call of Duty, the delayed Fable reboot, the Perfect Dark reboot, inXile’s Clockwork Revolution, Rare's Everwild, The Coalition's Gears of War: E-Day, Hideo Kojima’s OD, or Undead Labs' State of Decay 3. Additionally, Psychonauts developer Double Fine is working on a new title.
Microsoft will host the Xbox Games Showcase 2025 and an Outer Worlds 2 Direct in June, promising further updates for eager fans.
This marks the first significant price increase for Xbox Series S consoles since their launch in 2020. At that time, Microsoft pledged to maintain existing prices, unlike PlayStation, which raised PS5 prices in 2022. However, the company did increase Xbox Series X prices in 2023 in most regions, excluding the U.S., and has incrementally raised Xbox Game Pass prices multiple times.
Although the magnitude of these price hikes is striking, Microsoft’s decision isn’t entirely unexpected. Last week, Sony implemented similar price increases in the UK, Europe, Australia, and New Zealand, marking the second such move in three years.
The gaming industry has been grappling with rising costs, with AAA game prices climbing from $60 to $70 in recent years. Nintendo even introduced $80 pricing for upcoming Switch 2 exclusives like Mario Kart World. The Switch 2 itself debuted at $450, sparking controversy among fans despite analysts predicting its inevitability.
Before Nintendo adjusted its pricing strategy due to fluctuating tariffs in the U.S., analysts speculated further price hikes post-launch. The Entertainment Software Association highlighted the broader impact on the industry, noting that all platforms and devices face similar challenges.
These developments underscore the financial strain facing gamers, irrespective of their chosen platform.
