Microsoft Increases Xbox Series Prices; Games to Reach $80 This Holiday

Microsoft has announced a significant price increase on its Xbox products, effective immediately. Starting May 1, the cost of Xbox consoles, controllers, headsets, and select games will rise across the globe, with the exception of headset price increases, which are limited to the U.S. and Canada. While current game prices remain unchanged, Microsoft plans to set the price of new, first-party games at $79.99 starting around the holiday season.

Below are the new prices for various Xbox products in the U.S.:

• 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 detailed price changes in other regions, visit the official Xbox announcement page here.

Microsoft provided IGN with a statement explaining the price hikes:

“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 unclear which specific first-party games will see a $80 price tag, potential candidates include the next mainline Call of Duty, the new Fable, the Perfect Dark reboot, inXile’s Clockwork Revolution, Rare's Everwild, The Coalition's Gears of War: E-Day, Hideo Kojima’s OD, Undead Labs' State of Decay 3, and a new game from Psychonauts developer Double Fine.

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 increases.

Microsoft's decision to raise prices follows a trend in the gaming industry. PlayStation recently increased prices in the UK, Europe, Australia, and New Zealand for the second time in three years. The industry has been gradually moving towards higher prices, with AAA game prices rising from $60 to $70 over the last five years, and Nintendo setting a $80 price for upcoming Switch 2 exclusives like Mario Kart World.

The Switch 2 itself is set to launch at $450, a price that has drawn criticism from fans, though analysts argue it's inevitable given current economic conditions. Nintendo had to reevaluate its pricing due to fluctuating U.S. tariffs, ultimately keeping the console at $450 but raising accessory prices. The Entertainment Software Association has warned that the entire gaming industry will be affected by these economic pressures, impacting all platforms and companies.

In these challenging economic times, gamers across all platforms are facing higher costs.

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