Microsoft has announced significant price increases across its Xbox lineup, affecting consoles, controllers, headsets, and some games. Starting today, May 1, the new pricing for Xbox hardware and accessories will be in effect worldwide, with the exception of headset prices, which are only increasing in the U.S. and Canada. While game prices remain unchanged for now, Microsoft has indicated that new first-party titles will cost $79.99 during the upcoming holiday season.
Here's a look at the new 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 complete list of price changes by region, visit the official Xbox announcement page.
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 the specific first-party games that will see the $80 price point are yet to be confirmed, potential candidates include the next mainline Call of Duty, the delayed Fable reboot set for 2026, 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 title from Psychonauts developer Double Fine.
Fans can expect more details at the Xbox Games Showcase 2025 and The Outer Worlds 2 Direct scheduled for June.
This marks the first price increase for the Xbox Series S since its launch in 2020, despite Microsoft's previous commitment in 2022 to maintain existing prices when PlayStation raised the PS5's price. Xbox did raise the Series X price in 2023 in most countries, excluding the U.S., and has also adjusted Xbox Game Pass prices globally on multiple occasions.
While the magnitude of these price increases may be surprising, the move itself is not unexpected. PlayStation recently implemented similar price hikes in the UK, Europe, Australia, and New Zealand, marking the second such increase in three years. The gaming industry as a whole has been gradually raising prices, with AAA game prices increasing from $60 to $70 over the last five years. Nintendo has also set a $80 price point for upcoming Switch 2 exclusives like Mario Kart World and other Switch 2 Edition games, with the console itself launching at $450—a price that has drawn criticism but is seen as inevitable given current economic conditions.
Nintendo's pricing strategy was further complicated by fluctuating U.S. tariffs, leading to a reevaluation of console and accessory prices. Although the Switch 2's price remained at $450, accessory prices were affected. Analysts predict that Nintendo might raise prices again after launch, and the Entertainment Software Association has warned that the entire industry could be impacted by these economic pressures.
In these challenging economic times, gamers across all platforms are feeling the pinch of increased costs.
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