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

Microsoft has announced a significant price increase across its Xbox lineup, affecting consoles, controllers, headsets, and some games. Effective immediately as of May 1, the price adjustments are being implemented globally, with the exception of headset prices, which are only increasing in the U.S. and Canada. While current game prices remain unchanged, Microsoft has indicated that new first-party games will be priced at $79.99 starting around the holiday season.

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

In a statement to IGN, Microsoft explained the rationale behind these price increases, citing market conditions and the rising cost of development. The company emphasized its commitment to providing value and diverse gaming experiences across various screens.

While the specific first-party games that will be priced at $80 are yet to be confirmed, potential candidates include the next mainline Call of Duty, the new Fable, 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 developer behind Psychonauts, is working on a new title.

Fans can expect more information at the Xbox Games Showcase 2025 and The Outer Worlds 2 Direct scheduled for June.

This marks the first price increase for Xbox Series S consoles since their launch in 2020. Previously, Microsoft had committed to maintaining existing prices in 2022 when PlayStation raised PS5 prices. However, the company did raise the price of the Xbox Series X in 2023 in most countries, excluding the U.S., and has increased Xbox Game Pass prices globally on multiple occasions.

The gaming industry has been grappling with price increases over recent years. AAA game prices have risen from $60 to $70 within the last five years, and Nintendo has set a $80 price tag for upcoming Switch 2 exclusives like Mario Kart World. The Switch 2 itself is launching at $450, a decision that has drawn criticism from fans, though analysts have noted the inevitability of such pricing given current economic conditions.

Nintendo's pricing strategy faced further scrutiny following newly announced U.S. tariffs, although the console's price remained at $450, while accessory prices were adjusted. The Entertainment Software Association highlighted the broader impact of tariffs on the gaming industry, affecting not just consoles but also VR headsets, smartphones, and PC games.

In these challenging economic times, the cost of gaming appears to be on the rise across all platforms, reflecting the broader economic pressures facing the industry.

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