Microsoft Increases Xbox Series 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. As of May 1, the new pricing for Xbox products will take effect globally, with the exception of headset price changes which will only apply in the U.S. and Canada. While game prices remain unchanged for now, Microsoft has hinted that new first-party titles could be priced at $79.99 starting around the holiday season.

The revised pricing for various Xbox products in the U.S. includes:

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

For a comprehensive look at price adjustments by region, you can visit the official Xbox announcement page [here](#).

Microsoft provided IGN with a statement explaining 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 first-party titles that will be priced at $80 are not yet confirmed, potential candidates include the next mainline Call of Duty, the delayed Fable set 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, and Undead Labs' State of Decay 3. Additionally, Double Fine is working on a new game which may also see this pricing.

Fans eager for more information can look forward to the Xbox Games Showcase 2025 and The Outer Worlds 2 Direct, both scheduled for June.

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

These price adjustments by Microsoft are part of a broader trend in the gaming industry. PlayStation recently increased prices in the UK, Europe, Australia, and New Zealand, marking the second such increase in three years. The industry has seen AAA game prices rise from $60 to $70 over the past five years, with Nintendo setting $80 for some Switch 2 exclusives like Mario Kart World. The Switch 2 itself will launch at $450, a price that has drawn criticism but is seen as inevitable given current economic conditions.

Nintendo faced further challenges with fluctuating tariffs in the U.S., leading to a reevaluation of its pricing strategy. While the console price remained at $450, accessory prices were affected. Analysts predict further increases post-launch, and the Entertainment Software Association has warned that the entire gaming industry could be impacted by these economic pressures:

“You know what? It's been interesting with media coverage around video games and tariffs because just unfortunate coincidental timing that the Switch [2 reveal] was the same day as President Trump's announcement. There are so many devices we play video games on. There are other consoles, but as I was saying, VR headsets, our smartphones, people who love PC games, if we think it's just the Switch, then we aren't taking it seriously. This is going to have an impact.

“And even American-based companies, they're getting products that need to cross into American borders to make those consoles, to make those games. And so there's going to be a real impact regardless of company. This is company-agnostic, this is an entire industry. There's going to be an impact on the entire industry.”

In these challenging economic times, gamers across all platforms may find themselves facing higher costs.

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