Microsoft Increases Xbox Series Prices; Games to Reach $80 This Holiday Season

Microsoft has announced a significant price increase across its Xbox lineup, affecting consoles, controllers, headsets, and select games. The new pricing takes effect starting today, May 1, with the exception of game prices, which will remain unchanged for now. However, come the holiday season, Microsoft plans to introduce $79.99 price tags for new, first-party titles. These price hikes are being implemented globally, though headset price increases are limited to the U.S. and Canada.

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View 7 ImagesHere are the updated prices for various Xbox consoles and accessories 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 detailed price changes by region, visit the official Xbox announcement page here.

Microsoft provided IGN with the following statement regarding 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 specific first-party titles that will cost $80 are yet to be confirmed, potential candidates might 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, or Undead Labs' State of Decay 3. Additionally, Double Fine is developing a new game that could join this list.

Microsoft is set to reveal more at the Xbox Games Showcase 2025 and The Outer Worlds 2 Direct in June.

This marks the first price hike for Xbox Series S since its 2020 launch. 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. Xbox Game Pass prices have also seen multiple global increases.

The gaming industry has been gradually adjusting to higher prices. PlayStation recently raised prices in the UK, Europe, Australia, and New Zealand for the second time in three years. AAA game prices have risen from $60 to $70 over the last five years, while Nintendo set a $80 price point for upcoming Switch 2 exclusives like Mario Kart World. The Switch 2 itself is launching at $450, a price that has sparked debate among fans and analysts alike, given current economic conditions.

Nintendo faced challenges with fluctuating tariffs in the U.S., which forced a reevaluation of its pricing strategy. While the console price remained at $450, accessory prices were adjusted. The Entertainment Software Association commented on the broader impact of tariffs on the 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 these challenging economic times, gamers across all platforms are feeling the pinch of rising costs.

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