Microsoft has announced a significant price increase on various Xbox products, effective immediately as of May 1. This includes Xbox consoles, controllers, headsets, and potentially some first-party games during the upcoming holiday season. While game prices will remain unchanged for the time being, new releases are expected to cost $79.99 starting around the holidays. These price hikes are being implemented globally, with the exception of headset prices, which are only increasing in the U.S. and Canada.
Here's a breakdown of the new prices for Xbox products 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 a detailed list of price changes by region, you can visit the official Xbox announcement page here.
Microsoft provided IGN with a statement explaining the rationale behind these price increases:
“We understand that these changes are challenging, and they were made with careful consideration given market conditions and the rising cost of development. Looking ahead, we continue to focus on offering more ways to play more games across any screen and ensuring value for Xbox players.”
While it's not yet confirmed which first-party titles will see the $80 price tag, potential candidates include the next mainline Call of Duty, the new Fable (delayed to 2026), the Perfect Dark reboot, inXile’s Clockwork Revolution, Rare's Everwild, The Coalition's Gears of War: E-Day, Hideo Kojima’s OD, and Undead Labs' State of Decay 3. Double Fine is also working on a new game that could be part of this lineup.
More information is expected to be revealed at the Xbox Games Showcase 2025 and The Outer Worlds 2 Direct in June.
This marks the first price increase for Xbox Series S consoles since their launch in 2020. Microsoft had previously committed to maintaining existing prices in 2022 when PlayStation raised PS5 prices, but it did increase Xbox Series X prices in 2023 in most countries, excluding the U.S. Additionally, Xbox Game Pass has seen multiple global price hikes.
Microsoft's decision to raise prices isn't surprising, given that PlayStation recently did the same in the UK, Europe, Australia, and New Zealand. The gaming industry has been gradually implementing price increases, with AAA game prices rising from $60 to $70 over the last five years, and Nintendo setting $80 prices for some upcoming Switch 2 exclusives like Mario Kart World. The Switch 2 itself is set to launch at $450, a price that has drawn criticism but is seen as inevitable due to current economic conditions.
Nintendo's pricing strategy was further complicated by fluctuating tariffs in the U.S., leading to a reevaluation of console and accessory prices. The Entertainment Software Association has warned that these economic pressures will impact the entire gaming industry, regardless of the company or platform.
In these challenging economic times, gamers across all platforms are feeling the pinch of rising costs.
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