Microsoft has announced a significant price increase on its Xbox lineup, affecting consoles, controllers, headsets, and some games. Effective immediately as of May 1, the new prices reflect a substantial hike across the board. While the cost of games remains unchanged for now, Microsoft has hinted at charging $79.99 for new first-party titles during the upcoming holiday season. These price adjustments are being implemented globally, with the exception of headset prices, which will only increase in the U.S. and Canada.
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Below are the updated prices for various Xbox consoles and accessories 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 detailed price changes by region, visit the official Xbox announcement page here.
Microsoft provided IGN with a statement explaining the rationale behind the 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 specific first-party games that will cost $80 have not been confirmed, potential candidates include the next mainline Call of Duty, the new Fable (delayed to 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. Double Fine, known for Psychonauts, is also working on a new title.
Microsoft has scheduled an Xbox Games Showcase 2025 and a The Outer Worlds 2 Direct for June, where more details will likely be shared.
This marks the first price increase for the Xbox Series S since its launch in 2020. Microsoft had previously committed to maintaining existing prices in 2022, despite PlayStation raising PS5 prices. However, Xbox did raise the price of the Xbox Series X in 2023 in most countries, excluding the U.S., and has adjusted Xbox Game Pass prices multiple times.
These price hikes, though significant, align with industry trends. PlayStation recently raised prices in the UK, Europe, Australia, and New Zealand for the second time in three years. The gaming industry has been gradually moving towards higher price points, with AAA game prices increasing from $60 to $70 over the past five years, and Nintendo setting 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 considered inevitable due to current economic conditions.
Nintendo has had to reassess its console pricing due to fluctuating U.S. tariffs, though the Switch 2's price remains at $450. However, accessory prices have been affected, and analysts predict further increases post-launch. The Entertainment Software Association has noted that these changes will impact the entire gaming industry:
“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 summary, these are challenging and costly times for gamers across all platforms.
