Microsoft has officially announced it is raising prices on all Xbox Series consoles, as well as on controllers and headsets. Games will also be affected, with prices starting at eighty dollars.
Microsoft Explains the Price Hike
Microsoft officially announced the news on Thursday along with the new pricing:
As of May 1, we have adjusted recommended retailer pricing for our consoles and controllers worldwide. We also expect to adjust the pricing of some of our new, first-party games starting this holiday season to $79.99. Those titles purchased on the Xbox Store have the benefit of Xbox Play Anywhere, allowing players to buy once and play on console and PC at no additional cost.
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.
New Xbox Prices vs. Old: What’s Changed
Here is a list of the new prices as well as the old prices:
- 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)
A full list of the new prices can be found on Microsoft’s support page.
Microsoft confirms 80 dollar games.
— Grummz (@Grummz) May 1, 2025
It’s for real now, boys. pic.twitter.com/4UonnOyFBx
Console Price Hikes Hit Across the Industry
The recent price increases in gaming consoles and accessories are closely tied to the Trump administration’s new tariffs on imported electronics, particularly those manufactured in China. These tariffs have significantly affected the cost structures of major gaming companies.
Nintendo recently announced eighty-dollar games for the new Nintendo Switch 2. While pre-orders were delayed for the Nintendo Switch 2 due to concerns about the tariffs, the official release of June 5, 2025, remains unchanged.
Sony also raised PlayStation prices in Europe, Australia, and New Zealand. The PlayStation 5 Pro is currently prices around $700 in the U.S.
