Microsoft Adjusts Xbox Series Prices, First-Party Games to Hit $80 This Holiday

Microsoft announces significant price increases for Xbox products.

In a statement released today, Microsoft confirmed price hikes for Xbox consoles, controllers, headsets, and select games. The new pricing for consoles and accessories takes effect immediately, starting May 1, while first-party game prices are expected to rise to $79.99 around the holiday season.

These price adjustments apply globally, except for headsets, which will see increases only in the U.S. and Canada.

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Below are the updated U.S. prices for Xbox consoles and accessories:

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) - $64.99Xbox Wireless Controller (Color) - $69.99Xbox Wireless Controller - Special Edition - $79.99Xbox 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 -$64.99Xbox Wireless Headset - $119.99 (previously $109.99)

Regional price changes are detailed on the official Xbox announcement page here.

Microsoft provided IGN with a statement explaining the price adjustments:

“We recognize these changes are significant and were made after careful evaluation of market dynamics and escalating development costs. Moving forward, we remain committed to delivering diverse gaming options across multiple devices while prioritizing value for Xbox users.”

While specific first-party titles set to reach $80 remain unconfirmed, potential candidates include the upcoming Call of Duty installment, the delayed Fable (2026), the Perfect Dark reboot, inXile’s Clockwork Revolution, Rare’s Everwild, Gears of War: E-Day, Hideo Kojima’s OD, and State of Decay 3. Double Fine is also developing a new title.

Microsoft has scheduled an Xbox Games Showcase 2025 and an The Outer Worlds 2 Direct for June, where further details are expected.

This marks the first price increase for Xbox Series S consoles since their 2020 launch, despite Microsoft’s 2022 pledge to maintain prices when PlayStation raised PS5 costs. However, Xbox Series X prices rose in 2023 in most regions, excluding the U.S., and Xbox Game Pass has seen multiple global price hikes.

While notable, Microsoft’s price adjustments align with industry trends. PlayStation recently increased prices in the UK, Europe, Australia, and New Zealand for the second time in three years. AAA game prices have also risen from $60 to $70 over the past five years, with Nintendo pricing its upcoming Switch 2 exclusive Mario Kart World and select Switch 2 Edition games at $80. The Switch 2, launching at $450, has faced criticism for its cost amid economic pressures.

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Nintendo recently reassessed console pricing following fluctuating U.S. tariff announcements. While the Switch 2 remained at $450, accessory prices rose. Analysts predict further increases post-launch, with the Entertainment Software Association noting broader industry impacts:

“The timing of the Switch 2 reveal alongside President Trump’s tariff announcement was unfortunate. Video games are played on many devices, including consoles, VR headsets, smartphones, and PCs. Tariffs will affect more than just the Switch, impacting the entire industry.”

“Even U.S.-based companies rely on imported components for consoles and games, creating a universal impact across the sector, regardless of the company.”

Gaming across all platforms is becoming increasingly costly for players.