Xbox Series Consoles and Games Price Surge Announced

Microsoft has announced a significant price increase across its Xbox lineup, affecting consoles, controllers, headsets, and some games. Starting today, May 1, the new pricing for Xbox consoles and accessories takes effect, with game prices set to rise to $79.99 for new first-party titles during the holiday season. These changes are being implemented globally, except for headset prices, which will only increase in the U.S. and Canada.

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Below 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 comprehensive list of price changes by region, visit the official Xbox announcement page here.

Microsoft provided IGN with a statement explaining the 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 games that will cost $80 remain undisclosed, potential titles could 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.

More information will likely be revealed during the Xbox Games Showcase 2025 and The Outer Worlds 2 Direct in June.

This marks the first price increase for Xbox Series S consoles since their launch in 2020. While Microsoft had previously committed to maintaining existing prices in 2022 when PlayStation raised PS5 prices, it did increase Xbox Series X prices in 2023 in most countries, excluding the U.S., and has raised Xbox Game Pass prices multiple times globally.

Microsoft's decision to raise prices is not unexpected, as PlayStation recently implemented similar increases in the UK, Europe, Australia, and New Zealand. The gaming industry has been gradually adjusting prices, with AAA games moving from $60 to $70 over the past five years, and Nintendo setting $80 prices for some Switch 2 exclusives like Mario Kart World. The Switch 2 itself will launch at $450, a price that has drawn criticism despite being considered inevitable due to current economic conditions.

Nintendo recently faced fluctuating tariffs in the U.S., which led to a reevaluation of its console pricing. While the Switch 2's price remains at $450, accessory prices have increased. Analysts predict further price hikes post-launch, and the Entertainment Software Association has warned that the entire industry will be affected by 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.”

These developments suggest that gaming is becoming more expensive across all platforms, highlighting the broader economic challenges facing the industry.

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