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

Microsoft has announced a significant increase in the pricing of Xbox consoles, accessories, and select games, effective May 1. While first-party game prices will remain unchanged for now, players should expect to see new titles priced at $79.99 during the upcoming holiday season. The price adjustments apply globally, with the exception of headset pricing, which is only increasing in the U.S. and Canada.

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In the U.S., the updated pricing for various Xbox consoles and accessories is as follows:

• Xbox Series S 512GB – $379.99 (previously $299.99)
• Xbox Series S 1TB – $429.99 (previously $349.99)
• Xbox Series X Digital Edition – $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) – $64.99
• Xbox Wireless Controller (Color) – $69.99
• Xbox Wireless Controller – Special Edition – $79.99
• Xbox 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 – $64.99
• Xbox Wireless Headset – $119.99 (previously $109.99)

You can view additional regional pricing changes on the official Xbox announcement page.

Microsoft provided the following statement to IGN regarding the price increases:

“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 Microsoft hasn't officially revealed which first-party titles will be priced at $80, potential candidates include the next mainline *Call of Duty*, the delayed *Fable* (now slated 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 title under Microsoft’s publishing umbrella.

Microsoft plans to reveal more details during its Xbox Games Showcase 2025 and *The Outer Worlds 2* Direct in June.

This marks the first price increase for the Xbox Series S since its launch in 2020. In 2022, Microsoft maintained existing prices when Sony raised PS5 prices, but did raise the Xbox Series X price in most countries in 2023—excluding the U.S. The company has also increased global Xbox Game Pass subscription fees multiple times over the past few years.

While the magnitude of the price increases may come as a shock, it's not entirely unexpected. Sony recently implemented a second round of price hikes in the UK, Europe, Australia, and New Zealand within three years. Across the industry, AAA game prices have steadily risen from $60 to $70 over the last five years, and Nintendo has set an $80 price point for upcoming *Mario Kart World* and other Switch 2 Edition titles. The upcoming Switch 2 console will retail for $450, drawing criticism despite analysts suggesting this was inevitable due to current economic pressures.

Nintendo was further compelled to reevaluate its pricing strategy after fluctuating U.S. tariffs were introduced. Although the base console price remains at $450, accessory prices have gone up, and analysts believe Nintendo may raise prices again post-launch. According to the Entertainment Software Association, the impact of tariffs and rising production costs extends beyond Nintendo:

“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.”

Ultimately, it seems that no matter your preferred gaming platform, the costs of entry are climbing—and gamers everywhere are feeling the squeeze.