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

Microsoft has announced a significant price increase across various Xbox products, effective from May 1. This hike affects Xbox consoles, controllers, headsets, and is set to extend to new, first-party games around the holiday season, with prices expected to rise to $79.99. While the price increase for consoles and accessories is global, headset prices are only rising in the U.S. and Canada.

Here's a look at the new pricing 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 view of price changes by region, visit the official Xbox announcement page [here](link).

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 games will see a price jump to $80, 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, Undead Labs' State of Decay 3, and a new title from Psychonauts developer Double Fine.

Gamers can expect more details at the Xbox Games Showcase 2025 and The Outer Worlds 2 Direct, scheduled for June.

This marks the first price increase for Xbox Series S consoles since their 2020 launch, despite Microsoft's previous commitment in 2022 to maintain existing prices following PlayStation's PS5 price hike. Xbox Series X prices were increased in 2023 in most countries except the U.S., and Xbox Game Pass has seen multiple global price hikes.

Microsoft's decision aligns with industry trends, as 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 increasing prices, with AAA game prices rising from $60 to $70 over the last five years, and Nintendo setting $80 for upcoming Switch 2 exclusive titles like Mario Kart World. The Switch 2 itself is launching at $450, a move that has drawn criticism despite being deemed inevitable by analysts due to current economic conditions.

Nintendo faced challenges with fluctuating tariffs in the U.S., which affected accessory prices. The Entertainment Software Association highlighted the broader impact of these tariffs on the 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.”

These developments underscore the rising costs faced by gamers across all platforms.

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