Microsoft has announced a significant price increase across its Xbox ecosystem, affecting consoles, controllers, headsets, and select games. Starting today, May 1, the new prices for Xbox consoles and accessories will take effect globally, with the exception of headset prices, which will only rise in the U.S. and Canada. While game prices remain unchanged for now, Microsoft has indicated that new first-party titles could see a price jump to $79.99 during the upcoming holiday season.
Here are the updated prices for various 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 detailed breakdown of price changes by region, you can visit the official Xbox announcement page here.
In a statement to IGN, Microsoft explained the rationale behind these price hikes:
“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 titles that will be priced at $80 are yet to be confirmed, potential candidates include the next mainline Call of Duty, the upcoming Fable, 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 game from Psychonauts developer Double Fine.
Gamers can look forward to more information at the Xbox Games Showcase 2025 and The Outer Worlds 2 Direct scheduled for June.
This marks the first time Xbox Series S console prices have increased since their launch in 2020. Microsoft had previously committed to maintaining these prices in 2022 when PlayStation raised its PS5 prices. However, Xbox did increase the price of the Xbox Series X in 2023 in most countries, excluding the U.S., and has adjusted Xbox Game Pass prices globally on multiple occasions.
Microsoft's decision to raise prices is part of a broader industry trend. PlayStation recently increased prices in the UK, Europe, Australia, and New Zealand for the second time in three years. Over the past few years, AAA game prices have risen from $60 to $70, and Nintendo has set a $80 price point for upcoming Switch 2 exclusives like Mario Kart World. The Switch 2 itself will launch at $450, a decision that has sparked debate among fans and analysts alike, especially in light of fluctuating tariffs in the U.S.
The Entertainment Software Association has warned that these economic pressures will impact the entire gaming industry, regardless of the platform. As the cost of development rises and economic conditions fluctuate, gamers across all platforms may need to prepare for continued price increases.
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