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

In a significant announcement today, Microsoft has revealed that it will be increasing the prices of its Xbox consoles, controllers, headsets, and select games. Effective immediately on May 1, the new pricing structure will apply globally, with the exception of headset price hikes, which will only affect customers in the U.S. and Canada. While game prices remain unchanged for now, Microsoft has indicated that new, first-party titles will see a price increase to $79.99 around the holiday season.

Here are the revised 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 a detailed breakdown of price changes by region, you can visit the official Xbox announcement page here.

Microsoft provided IGN with a statement explaining the rationale behind these 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 unclear which specific first-party titles will see the $80 price tag, potential candidates include the next installment in the Call of Duty franchise, the much-anticipated 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, and Undead Labs' State of Decay 3. Additionally, Double Fine, the developers behind Psychonauts, are working on a new project.

Microsoft has scheduled an Xbox Games Showcase 2025 and a dedicated The Outer Worlds 2 Direct in June, where more details are expected to be shared.

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

While the magnitude of these price increases may be surprising, the move itself is not unprecedented. PlayStation recently raised prices in the UK, Europe, Australia, and New Zealand, marking the second such increase in three years. The broader gaming industry has been discussing and implementing price hikes, with AAA game prices rising from $60 to $70 over the last five years, and Nintendo setting a $80 price point for upcoming Switch 2 exclusives like Mario Kart World.

The Switch 2 itself is set to launch at $450, a decision that drew criticism from fans, though analysts noted that such pricing was inevitable given current economic conditions. Despite fluctuating tariffs in the U.S., the Switch 2's price remained at $450, though accessory prices were affected. The Entertainment Software Association has warned that this trend could impact the entire gaming industry, regardless of the platform.

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