Microsoft has announced significant price increases for Xbox products, affecting consoles, controllers, headsets, and some games. Starting today, May 1, these price hikes are being implemented globally, with the exception of headset prices, which are only increasing in the U.S. and Canada. While the prices of games remain unchanged for now, Microsoft has hinted that new first-party titles will be priced at $79.99 during the upcoming holiday season.
The new pricing in the U.S. includes:
- 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 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 specific titles haven't been confirmed, potential $80 games could include the next mainline Call of Duty, the upcoming Fable, the Perfect Dark reboot, inXile’s Clockwork Revolution, Rare's Everwild, The Coalition's Gears of War: E-Day, Hideo Kojima’s OD, or Undead Labs' State of Decay 3. Double Fine is also working on a new game, which could be part of this line-up.
More details will likely emerge during the Xbox Games Showcase 2025 and The Outer Worlds 2 Direct scheduled for June.
This marks the first time Xbox Series S prices have increased since their 2020 launch. Microsoft had previously committed to maintaining existing prices in 2022 when PlayStation raised PS5 prices, though it did increase the Xbox Series X price in 2023 in most countries, excluding the U.S. Additionally, Xbox Game Pass has seen multiple global price hikes.
Microsoft's move follows similar actions by PlayStation, which raised prices in the UK, Europe, Australia, and New Zealand last week. The gaming industry as a whole has been gradually increasing prices, with AAA titles shifting from $60 to $70 in recent years. Nintendo also announced an $80 price for upcoming Switch 2 exclusives like Mario Kart World, alongside a $450 launch price for the Switch 2 itself, which has drawn criticism despite economic justifications.
Nintendo's pricing strategy was further complicated by fluctuating tariffs in the U.S., which led to a reevaluation of console and accessory prices. The Entertainment Software Association highlighted that these economic pressures are industry-wide, affecting all gaming platforms, from consoles to VR headsets and smartphones.
These developments indicate that gaming across all platforms is becoming more expensive due to various economic factors.
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