Microsoft Increases Xbox Series Console Prices, Games to Reach $80 This Holiday Season

Microsoft has announced significant price increases across its Xbox lineup, affecting consoles, controllers, headsets, and select games. Starting today, May 1, the new pricing for Xbox consoles and accessories will be implemented worldwide, with the exception of headsets, which will see a price hike only in the U.S. and Canada. While current game prices remain unchanged, Microsoft has indicated that new, first-party games will be priced at $79.99 during the upcoming holiday season.

Here's a breakdown of the updated prices in the U.S. for various Xbox products:

• Xbox Series S 512 - $379.99 (previously $299.99)
• Xbox Series S 1TB - $429.99 (previously $349.99)
• Xbox Series X Digital - $549.99 (previously $449.99)
• Xbox Series X - $599.99 (previously $499.99)
• Xbox Series X 2TB Galaxy Special Edition - $729.99 (previously $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 (previously $79.99)
• Xbox Elite Wireless Controller Series 2 (Core) - $149.99 (previously $139.99)
• Xbox Elite Wireless Controller Series 2 (Full) - $199.99 (previously $179.99)
• Xbox Stereo Headset - $64.99
• Xbox Wireless Headset - $119.99 (previously $109.99)

For a comprehensive view of price changes across different regions, visit the official Xbox announcement page here.

Microsoft provided IGN with a statement explaining the price adjustments:

“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 carry the new $80 price tag, potential candidates include the next mainline Call of Duty, the delayed Fable, 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. Additionally, Double Fine is developing a new game that might fall into this category.

Microsoft is set to reveal more about its gaming lineup at the Xbox Games Showcase 2025 and The Outer Worlds 2 Direct in June.

This marks the first price increase for Xbox Series S since its 2020 launch, despite Microsoft's commitment in 2022 to maintain existing prices when PlayStation raised PS5 prices. Xbox Series X prices were increased in 2023 in most countries, excluding the U.S., and Xbox Game Pass has seen multiple global price hikes.

Microsoft's move follows a trend in the gaming industry, with PlayStation recently raising prices in the UK, Europe, Australia, and New Zealand. The industry has been gradually implementing price increases, with AAA game prices rising from $60 to $70 over the past five years, and Nintendo setting $80 prices for some Switch 2 exclusive titles like Mario Kart World.

Nintendo's Switch 2 launch price of $450 has faced criticism, and fluctuating tariffs in the U.S. have led to reevaluations of pricing strategies. The Entertainment Software Association has warned that these economic pressures will impact the entire gaming industry, affecting all platforms and companies.

In these challenging economic times, gamers across all platforms are likely to feel the impact of these price increases.

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