Microsoft Announces Xbox Series Price Hike, Games to Hit $80 This Holiday

Microsoft is increasing Xbox prices significantly.

In a recent statement, the company revealed plans to raise prices for Xbox consoles, controllers, headsets, and select games. The price adjustments for consoles and accessories take effect today, May 1, while game prices will remain unchanged until the holiday season, when new first-party titles will retail at $79.99.

These price changes apply globally, except for headsets, which will see increases only in the U.S. and Canada.

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Here are the updated U.S. prices for Xbox consoles and accessories:

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) - $64.99Xbox Wireless Controller (Color) - $69.99Xbox Wireless Controller - Special Edition - $79.99Xbox 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 - $64.99Xbox Wireless Headset - $119.99 (previously $109.99)

Regional price changes are detailed on the official Xbox announcement page here.

Microsoft provided IGN with a statement explaining the price adjustments:

“We recognize these changes are difficult, and they were decided after careful evaluation of market trends and rising development costs. Moving forward, we remain committed to delivering more gaming options across various devices while maintaining value for Xbox players.”

While it’s unclear which first-party titles will carry the $80 price tag, potential candidates include the next Call of Duty, the delayed Fable (set for 2026), the Perfect Dark reboot, inXile’s Clockwork Revolution, Rare’s Everwild, Gears of War: E-Day from The Coalition, Hideo Kojima’s OD, or State of Decay 3 by Undead Labs. Double Fine, known for Psychonauts, is also developing a new title.

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

This marks the first price increase for Xbox Series S consoles since their 2020 launch, despite Microsoft’s 2022 pledge to maintain prices when PlayStation raised PS5 costs. However, Xbox Series X prices increased globally in 2023, excluding the U.S., and Xbox Game Pass has seen multiple global price hikes.

While significant, Microsoft’s price adjustments align with industry trends. PlayStation recently raised prices in the UK, Europe, Australia, and New Zealand for the second time in three years. AAA game prices have also risen from $60 to $70 over the past five years, with Nintendo setting $80 for upcoming Switch 2 exclusives like Mario Kart World. The Switch 2, priced at $450, faced backlash but reflects economic realities, according to analysts.

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Nintendo’s pricing challenges intensified with recent U.S. tariff announcements, maintaining the Switch 2 at $450 but increasing accessory costs. Analysts predict further price hikes post-launch, with the Entertainment Software Association noting broader industry impacts:

“The timing of the Switch 2 reveal alongside President Trump’s tariff announcement was unfortunate. Video games are played on many devices—consoles, VR headsets, smartphones, and PCs. Focusing solely on the Switch misses the bigger picture. Tariffs will affect the entire industry.”

“Even U.S.-based companies rely on global supply chains for consoles and games. This will impact all companies, regardless of origin, and the entire gaming industry will feel the effects.”

Gaming is becoming a costly hobby, no matter the platform.