Microsoft has announced a significant price increase across its Xbox ecosystem, affecting consoles, controllers, headsets, and select games. Starting today, May 1, the new prices will take effect globally, with the exception of headsets, which will see price hikes only in the U.S. and Canada. While game prices remain unchanged for now, Microsoft has hinted at a potential increase to $79.99 for new, first-party titles during the upcoming holiday season.
Here’s a detailed look at the new prices for Xbox products in the U.S.:
- Xbox Series S 512 - $379.99 (up from $299.99)
- Xbox Series S 1TB - $429.99 (up from $349.99)
- Xbox Series X Digital - $549.99 (up from $449.99)
- Xbox Series X - $599.99 (up from $499.99)
- Xbox Series X 2TB Galaxy Special Edition - $729.99 (up from $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 (up from $79.99)
- Xbox Elite Wireless Controller Series 2 (Core) - $149.99 (up from $139.99)
- Xbox Elite Wireless Controller Series 2 (Full) - $199.99 (up from $179.99)
- Xbox Stereo Headset - $64.99
- Xbox Wireless Headset - $119.99 (up from $109.99)
For a comprehensive list of price changes by region, please visit the official Xbox announcement page here.
In a statement to IGN, Microsoft explained the rationale behind these price increases:
“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 exact titles that will see a price jump to $80 remain undisclosed, speculation points to high-profile releases such as the next mainline Call of Duty, the delayed Fable (now 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, and Undead Labs' State of Decay 3. Additionally, Double Fine is working on a new title that could also be part of this list.
Fans eager for more information can look forward to the Xbox Games Showcase 2025 and The Outer Worlds 2 Direct, both scheduled for June.
This marks the first price increase for Xbox Series S consoles since their 2020 launch, despite Microsoft's previous commitment to maintaining prices in 2022 when PlayStation raised PS5 prices. Xbox Series X prices were adjusted in 2023 in most countries, except the U.S., and Xbox Game Pass has seen multiple global price hikes.
The move by Microsoft follows a trend in the gaming industry, with PlayStation recently increasing prices in the UK, Europe, Australia, and New Zealand. The industry has been gradually shifting, with AAA game prices rising from $60 to $70 over the past five years, and Nintendo announcing $80 price points for certain Switch 2 exclusives like Mario Kart World. The Switch 2 itself is set to launch at $450, a decision that has sparked debate among fans and analysts alike.
Nintendo's pricing strategy has been influenced by fluctuating tariffs in the U.S., leading to a reevaluation of console and accessory prices. The Entertainment Software Association has noted the broader industry impact of such economic pressures:
“You know what? It's been interesting with media coverage around video games and tariffs because just unfortunate coincidental timing that the Switch [2 reveal] was the same day as President Trump's announcement. There are so many devices we play video games on. There are other consoles, but as I was saying, VR headsets, our smartphones, people who love PC games, if we think it's just the Switch, then we aren't taking it seriously. This is going to have an impact.
“And even American-based companies, they're getting products that need to cross into American borders to make those consoles, to make those games. And so there's going to be a real impact regardless of company. This is company-agnostic, this is an entire industry. There's going to be an impact on the entire industry.”
In these challenging economic times, gamers across all platforms are feeling the pinch of rising costs.
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