Microsoft has announced a significant price increase across its Xbox ecosystem, affecting consoles, controllers, headsets, and select games. Starting today, May 1, these price adjustments will take effect globally, with the exception of headset prices, which will only see an increase in the U.S. and Canada. While current game prices remain unchanged, Microsoft has indicated that new first-party titles may be priced at $79.99 during the upcoming holiday season.
Here are the updated prices for 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 a comprehensive list of price changes by region, please visit the official Xbox announcement page here.
Microsoft provided IGN with a statement explaining the rationale behind these 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 specific titles that will see the $80 price tag have not been confirmed, 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 developing a new game, which could be part of this lineup.
Microsoft has planned an Xbox Games Showcase 2025 and an The Outer Worlds 2 Direct for June, where more information is expected to be revealed.
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. However, the Xbox Series X saw a price increase in 2023 in most countries except the U.S., and Xbox Game Pass prices have been raised multiple times globally.
Microsoft's decision to raise prices aligns with industry trends, as evidenced by PlayStation's recent price adjustments in the UK, Europe, Australia, and New Zealand. Over the past few years, AAA game prices have escalated from $60 to $70, and Nintendo has set a $80 price point for upcoming Switch 2 exclusives like Mario Kart World. The Switch 2 itself is launching at $450, a decision that has stirred debate among fans and analysts alike due to economic conditions.
Nintendo faced further challenges with fluctuating tariffs in the U.S., prompting a reevaluation of its pricing strategy. Although the Switch 2's price remained at $450, accessory prices were affected. The Entertainment Software Association has warned that such economic pressures could lead to further price increases across the gaming industry, affecting all platforms.
In these challenging economic times, gamers across all platforms may need to brace for higher costs.
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