Microsoft has announced a significant price increase across its Xbox ecosystem, affecting consoles, controllers, headsets, and certain games. As of May 1, the new pricing strategy will come into effect globally, with the exception of headset prices, which will only rise in the U.S. and Canada. While current game prices remain unchanged, Microsoft has indicated that new first-party titles could see a price jump to $79.99 during the holiday season.
Here's a breakdown of the new prices 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 detailed price changes by region, you can visit the official Xbox announcement page here.
In a statement to IGN, Microsoft explained the rationale behind 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 titles that will be priced at $80 are yet to be confirmed, potential candidates might include the next mainline Call of Duty, the upcoming Fable game (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 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 planned for June.
This marks the first price increase for the Xbox Series S since its launch in 2020, following Microsoft's commitment to maintaining prices in 2022 when PlayStation raised PS5 prices. However, the Xbox Series X saw a price increase in 2023 in most countries, excluding the U.S., and Xbox Game Pass has seen multiple global price hikes.
The broader gaming industry has been adjusting prices, with AAA game prices rising from $60 to $70 over the last five years. Nintendo, for example, has set a $80 price for upcoming Switch 2 exclusives like Mario Kart World, while the Switch 2 itself will launch at $450, despite criticism from fans. This pricing was influenced by economic conditions and fluctuating tariffs in the U.S., which also affected accessory prices. The Entertainment Software Association noted that these challenges are industry-wide, impacting all gaming platforms.
In these times, it's becoming increasingly expensive to be a gamer, no matter the platform of choice.
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