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

Microsoft has announced significant price increases across its Xbox ecosystem, affecting consoles, controllers, headsets, and some games. Starting today, May 1, the price hikes for Xbox consoles and accessories are in effect, while game prices are set to rise to $79.99 for new, first-party titles around the holiday season. These changes are being implemented globally, with the exception of headset prices, which are only increasing in the U.S. and Canada.

Here are the new expected prices for various Xbox products in the U.S.:

• Xbox Series S 512 - $379.99 (up from $299.99)
• Xbox Series S 1TB - $429.99 (up from $349.99)
• Xbox Series X Digital - $549.99 (up from $449.99)
• Xbox Series X - $599.99 (up from $499.99)
• Xbox Series X 2TB Galaxy Special Edition - $729.99 (up from $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 (up from $79.99)
• Xbox Elite Wireless Controller Series 2 (Core) - $149.99 (up from $139.99)
• Xbox Elite Wireless Controller Series 2 (Full) - $199.99 (up from $179.99)
• Xbox Stereo Headset - $64.99
• Xbox Wireless Headset - $119.99 (up from $109.99)

For a comprehensive list of price changes by region, you can visit the official Xbox announcement page [here](#).

Microsoft provided IGN with a statement explaining 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 it's not yet known which first-party Microsoft games will adopt the new $80 price point, potential candidates might include the next mainline Call of Duty, the delayed Fable reboot slated for 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 working on a new title.

Fans can expect more details at the Xbox Games Showcase 2025 and the dedicated The Outer Worlds 2 Direct in June.

This marks the first time Xbox Series S consoles have seen a price hike since their 2020 launch, despite Microsoft's commitment to maintaining existing prices in 2022 when PlayStation raised PS5 prices. Xbox Series X prices were increased in most countries in 2023, excluding the U.S., and Xbox Game Pass has seen multiple global price increases.

Microsoft's decision to raise prices follows a trend in the gaming industry, with PlayStation recently increasing prices in the UK, Europe, Australia, and New Zealand. AAA game prices have also risen from $60 to $70 over the past five years, and Nintendo has announced $80 prices for upcoming Switch 2 exclusives like Mario Kart World. The Switch 2 itself will launch at $450, a price point that has drawn scrutiny despite being deemed inevitable by analysts due to current economic conditions.

Nintendo's pricing strategy faced further challenges with fluctuating U.S. tariffs, leading to adjustments in accessory prices. Analysts predict potential further price increases post-launch, and the Entertainment Software Association has emphasized that the entire gaming industry will feel the impact of these economic pressures.

These developments highlight a challenging time for gamers across all platforms, as the industry navigates increasing costs and market conditions.

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