Microsoft Hikes Xbox Series Prices, Games to Reach $80 This Holiday

Microsoft has announced a significant price increase on various Xbox products, affecting consoles, controllers, headsets, and select games. As of today, May 1, the new pricing for Xbox consoles and accessories has taken effect globally, with the exception of headset prices, which are only increasing in the U.S. and Canada. While current game prices remain unchanged, Microsoft has indicated that new first-party titles may be priced at $79.99 starting this holiday season.

Here’s a detailed breakdown of the new prices for 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 comprehensive list of price changes by region, you can visit the official Xbox announcement page.

Microsoft provided IGN with a statement explaining 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 it's not yet clear which 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. Additionally, Double Fine is developing a new game that could 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 hike for Xbox Series S consoles since their launch in 2020. Microsoft had previously committed to maintaining existing prices in 2022 when PlayStation increased PS5 prices, but did raise the price of the Xbox Series X in 2023 in most countries, excluding the U.S. Additionally, Xbox Game Pass has seen multiple global price increases.

The decision to raise prices is not isolated to Microsoft; PlayStation recently increased prices in the UK, Europe, Australia, and New Zealand, marking their second increase in three years. The gaming industry as a whole has been discussing and implementing price hikes, with AAA game prices rising from $60 to $70 over the last five years, and Nintendo setting a $80 price point for upcoming Switch 2 exclusives like Mario Kart World.

Nintendo's Switch 2, priced at $450, faced criticism despite analysts suggesting the price was inevitable given current economic conditions. Following fluctuating tariffs in the U.S., Nintendo had to reevaluate its pricing strategy, ultimately keeping the console at $450 but adjusting 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, it's clear that gamers across all platforms are feeling the pinch of rising costs.

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