Microsoft Raises Xbox Prices Worldwide
“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.”
Microsoft has announced a sweeping price hike for Xbox Series consoles, controllers, headsets, and some games. The new prices for hardware and accessories are effective immediately, starting May 1. While game prices remain unchanged for now, Microsoft confirmed that new first-party Xbox games will rise to $79.99 this holiday season, matching recent industry trends.
These increases are global, except for headsets, which are only going up in the U.S. and Canada.[1][2][3]
These increases are global, except for headsets, which are only going up in the U.S. and Canada.[1][2][3]
| Product | Old Price | New Price |
|---|---|---|
| Xbox Series S 512GB | $299.99 | $379.99 |
| Xbox Series S 1TB | $349.99 | $429.99 |
| Xbox Series X Digital | $449.99 | $549.99 |
| Xbox Series X | $499.99 | $599.99 |
| Xbox Series X 2TB Galaxy Special Edition | $599.99 | $729.99 |
| Xbox Wireless Controller (Core) | $64.99 | $64.99 |
| Xbox Wireless Controller (Color) | $69.99 | $69.99 |
| Xbox Wireless Controller – Special Edition | $69.99 | $79.99 |
| Xbox Wireless Controller – Limited Edition | $79.99 | $89.99 |
| Xbox Elite Wireless Controller Series 2 (Core) | $139.99 | $149.99 |
| Xbox Elite Wireless Controller Series 2 (Full) | $179.99 | $199.99 |
| Xbox Stereo Headset | $64.99 | $64.99 |
| Xbox Wireless Headset | $109.99 | $119.99 |
This is the first major price hike for Xbox Series S consoles since their 2020 launch, and the second for Series X, which saw international increases in 2023.[1][2][3] The move follows similar actions by PlayStation and Nintendo, as the entire industry faces rising development costs, tariffs, and global inflation.[4][5][8]
Microsoft has not specified which first-party games will cost $80, but upcoming releases like the next Call of Duty, Fable, Perfect Dark, Clockwork Revolution, Everwild, Gears of War: E-Day, OD, and State of Decay 3 are likely candidates.[2] More details are expected at the Xbox Games Showcase 2025 and The Outer Worlds 2 Direct in June.
These price changes reflect a broader trend: AAA game prices have jumped from $60 to $70 in recent years, and now $80 is becoming the new standard for major releases across all platforms. With tariffs and production costs rising, analysts suggest that further increases could follow, impacting gamers regardless of their platform of choice.[4][5][8]
