Microsoft has announced a significant price increase across its Xbox lineup, affecting consoles, controllers, headsets, and select games. Starting today, May 1, the new prices will be in effect globally, with the exception of headset price increases, which are limited to the U.S. and Canada. While game prices remain unchanged for now, Microsoft has indicated that new first-party titles could see a price jump to $79.99 during the upcoming holiday season.
Here's a look at the updated prices for various 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 detailed breakdown of price changes by region, you can 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 it's not yet clear which first-party titles will see the $80 price tag, potential candidates include 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 game that could also be part of this lineup.
Gamers can look forward to more information at the Xbox Games Showcase 2025 and The Outer Worlds 2 Direct in June.
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, but it did increase Xbox Series X prices in 2023 in most countries, excluding the U.S. Additionally, Xbox Game Pass has seen multiple global price increases.
Microsoft's move follows a trend in the gaming industry, with PlayStation recently raising prices in the UK, Europe, Australia, and New Zealand. Over the past few years, AAA game prices have risen from $60 to $70, and Nintendo has set a $80 price for upcoming Switch 2 exclusives like Mario Kart World. The Switch 2 itself is set to launch at $450, a price that has drawn criticism but is seen as inevitable given current economic conditions.
Nintendo's pricing strategy has been further complicated by fluctuating tariffs in the U.S., leading to reevaluations of console and accessory prices. The Entertainment Software Association has warned that these economic pressures will impact the entire gaming industry, regardless of the platform.
In these challenging economic times, gamers across all platforms are feeling the pinch of rising costs.
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