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

Microsoft is increasing the prices of Xbox consoles, accessories, and select games—marking one of the most significant price hikes in recent years. As of today, May 1, the new pricing structure for consoles and peripherals will take effect globally, with the exception of headset pricing, which will rise only in the U.S. and Canada.

For now, game prices remain unchanged, but Microsoft has confirmed that new first-party titles are expected to retail at $79.99 during the upcoming holiday season.

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Here’s a breakdown of the updated U.S. pricing for various Xbox products:

• 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 regional price changes on the official Xbox announcement page.

In response to inquiries about the price increases, Microsoft released the following statement to IGN:

“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 no specific titles have been named yet, it's anticipated that flagship first-party releases such as the next Call of Duty, the delayed Fable (now set 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 could fall under the new $79.99 price point. Additionally, Double Fine is reportedly working on a new title under Microsoft’s publishing umbrella.

Fans may learn more about this lineup during the upcoming Xbox Games Showcase 2025 and The Outer Worlds 2 Direct, both scheduled for June.

This marks the first time Xbox Series S pricing has changed since its 2020 launch. In 2022, Microsoft had reaffirmed stable pricing while PlayStation increased PS5 costs. However, in 2023, the Xbox Series X saw a global price increase—excluding the U.S.—and multiple rounds of Xbox Game Pass price adjustments have already taken place worldwide.

Though surprising in scale, Microsoft’s decision follows a broader industry trend. Sony recently raised PS5 prices in several international markets for the second time in three years. Over the past few years, AAA titles have steadily moved from $60 to $70, and Nintendo plans to charge $80 for certain upcoming Switch 2 titles, including Mario Kart World. The Switch 2 itself will retail at $450, a figure that has drawn mixed reactions despite analyst predictions that rising production costs would make such a price inevitable.

Nintendo also faced pressure due to fluctuating U.S. tariffs, ultimately keeping the console price intact but raising accessory costs. Industry analysts warn that future price adjustments could affect not just Nintendo, but the gaming sector as a whole.

“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—it’s an entire industry. There's going to be an impact on the entire industry.”

In short, whether you're an Xbox, PlayStation, or Nintendo fan, the cost of gaming is clearly on the rise.