Microsoft has announced a significant price increase across its Xbox ecosystem, affecting consoles, controllers, headsets, and select games. Starting today, May 1, the new pricing will take effect globally, with the exception of headset prices, which will only rise in the U.S. and Canada. While current game prices remain unchanged, Microsoft plans to charge $79.99 for new, first-party titles during the upcoming holiday season.
Here are the updated prices for Xbox products in the U.S.:
- Xbox Series S 512 - $379.99 (was $299.99)
- Xbox Series S 1TB - $429.99 (was $349.99)
- Xbox Series X Digital - $549.99 (was $449.99)
- Xbox Series X - $599.99 (was $499.99)
- Xbox Series X 2TB Galaxy Special Edition - $729.99 (was $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 (was $79.99)
- Xbox Elite Wireless Controller Series 2 (Core) - $149.99 (was $139.99)
- Xbox Elite Wireless Controller Series 2 (Full) - $199.99 (was $179.99)
- Xbox Stereo Headset - $64.99
- Xbox Wireless Headset - $119.99 (was $109.99)
For a comprehensive list of price changes by region, visit the official Xbox announcement page.
Microsoft provided IGN with a statement explaining 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 it's unclear which specific first-party titles will see the $80 price tag, potential candidates might include the next mainline Call of Duty, the delayed 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 developing a new game that could be part of this lineup.
More details about upcoming titles and their pricing are expected at the Xbox Games Showcase 2025 and The Outer Worlds 2 Direct in June.
This marks the first time Xbox Series S consoles have seen a price hike since their 2020 launch, despite Microsoft's commitment to maintaining existing prices in 2022 when PlayStation increased PS5 prices. Xbox did raise Series X prices in 2023 in most countries, excluding the U.S., and has adjusted Xbox Game Pass prices multiple times globally.
The move by Microsoft is not surprising, as PlayStation recently raised prices in the UK, Europe, Australia, and New Zealand for the second time in three years. The video game industry has been gradually implementing price increases, with AAA game prices rising from $60 to $70 over the last five years, and Nintendo setting a $80 price for some Switch 2 exclusives like Mario Kart World. The Switch 2 itself launched at $450, a decision that drew criticism despite being seen as inevitable given current economic conditions.
Nintendo faced additional pricing pressures due to fluctuating U.S. tariffs, which led to reevaluations but ultimately kept the console price at $450. However, accessory prices were affected. Analysts suggest that Nintendo might raise prices again post-launch, and the Entertainment Software Association has indicated that the entire industry could be impacted by these economic conditions:
“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.”
These developments suggest that gamers across all platforms are facing increasingly expensive times.
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