In a move that’s sending ripples through the gaming world, Microsoft has announced a sweeping increase in prices for its Xbox Series consoles, accessories, and first-party games. Starting today, gamers around the globe—particularly in North America—will be paying significantly more to play in the Xbox ecosystem.
Console Prices Climb, Accessories Follow
The price hike affects nearly every part of the Xbox hardware lineup. The entry-level Xbox Series S 512GB has jumped from $299.99 to $379.99, while the 1TB version now costs $429.99, up from $349.99. The Xbox Series X, Microsoft’s flagship console, now carries a $599.99 price tag—$100 more than its original launch price.
Even the newly announced Xbox Series X 2TB Galaxy Special Edition sees a notable bump, leaping from $599.99 to a hefty $729.99.
Here’s a quick breakdown of the new U.S. prices:
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Xbox Series S (512GB) – $379.99
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Xbox Series S (1TB) – $429.99
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Xbox Series X (Standard) – $599.99
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Xbox Series X Digital – $549.99
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Xbox Series X 2TB Galaxy Edition – $729.99
Controllers and headsets are also seeing increases:
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Xbox Wireless Controller (Core) – $64.99
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Xbox Wireless Controller (Color Variants) – $69.99
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Special Edition Controllers – $79.99
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Limited Edition Controllers – $89.99
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Elite Series 2 Controller (Core) – $149.99
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Elite Series 2 Controller (Full) – $199.99
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Xbox Stereo Headset – $64.99
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Xbox Wireless Headset – $119.99
While most regions are affected, headset price increases are currently limited to the U.S. and Canada.
First-Party Games to Hit $80 by Holiday 2025
In addition to hardware, Microsoft is preparing to raise the price of its new first-party titles to $79.99 this holiday season. Although the company hasn’t confirmed exactly which games will carry the $80 price tag, likely candidates include Fable, Perfect Dark, Gears of War: E-Day, Clockwork Revolution, State of Decay 3, and OD from Kojima Productions.
Microsoft released a statement addressing the decision, stating:
“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.”
Industry-Wide Price Pressure
Microsoft’s pricing move comes amid an ongoing industry-wide shift toward higher prices. Sony recently raised PlayStation hardware prices in multiple regions for the second time in three years, and Nintendo is preparing to launch the Switch 2 at $450, alongside $80 titles like Mario Kart World.
Adding to the strain, fluctuating tariffs and global manufacturing costs are placing additional pressure on hardware pricing. The Entertainment Software Association has warned that these economic forces are "company-agnostic," predicting long-term effects across all platforms—including consoles, mobile devices, and PC hardware.
What’s Next?
Xbox fans can expect more details during the upcoming Xbox Games Showcase 2025 and a dedicated The Outer Worlds 2 Direct in June. These events will likely reveal more about Microsoft’s first-party plans and how the new pricing model will be rolled out.
While higher costs may be frustrating for consumers, it's clear the trend toward more expensive gaming experiences is far from over. Whether this signals a shift in value or simply a reaction to economic pressure remains to be seen.
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