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

Microsoft has announced a significant price increase on Xbox products, affecting consoles, controllers, headsets, and select games. Starting today, May 1, the price adjustments for Xbox consoles and accessories have taken effect worldwide, with the exception of headset prices, which are only increasing in the U.S. and Canada. While game prices remain unchanged for now, Microsoft plans to introduce new first-party titles at $79.99 during the upcoming holiday season.

Here's a look at the new pricing structure 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, visit the official Xbox announcement page [here](#).

In a statement to IGN, Microsoft explained 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 titles that will see the $80 price tag have not been confirmed, potential candidates could include the next mainline Call of Duty, the upcoming 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. Additionally, Double Fine is developing a new game.

Microsoft has scheduled an Xbox Games Showcase 2025 and an The Outer Worlds 2 Direct for June, where more details are expected to be revealed.

This marks the first time the Xbox Series S has seen a price increase since its launch in 2020. Although Xbox committed to maintaining prices in 2022 when PlayStation raised PS5 prices, it did increase the Xbox Series X price in 2023 in most countries except the U.S. Xbox Game Pass has also seen multiple global price hikes.

The move by Microsoft follows a similar trend set by PlayStation, which raised prices in the UK, Europe, Australia, and New Zealand just last week, marking the second increase in three years. The gaming industry as a whole has been discussing and implementing price increases, with AAA game prices rising from $60 to $70 over the past five years. Nintendo has set a $80 price point for upcoming Switch 2 exclusive titles like Mario Kart World and other Switch 2 Edition games. The Switch 2 itself is launching at $450, despite criticism from fans, as analysts argue the price is necessary given current economic conditions.

Nintendo faced challenges in maintaining its console pricing due to fluctuating U.S. tariffs but managed to keep the Switch 2 at $450. However, accessory prices were affected, and there are speculations that Nintendo might raise prices post-launch. The Entertainment Software Association highlighted the broader industry impact of these economic pressures:

“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.”

With these developments, it appears that gamers across all platforms are facing a more expensive gaming landscape.

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