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

by Aiden May 06,2025

Microsoft has announced a significant price increase across its Xbox lineup, affecting consoles, controllers, headsets, and some games. Effective immediately as of May 1, the price hikes will apply globally, with the exception of headset price increases, which are limited to the U.S. and Canada. While current game prices will remain unchanged for now, Microsoft plans to set the price of new, first-party titles at $79.99 starting around the holiday season.

Here's a look at the new prices for various Xbox consoles and accessories in the U.S.:

  • 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)

For detailed pricing in other regions, you can refer to the official Xbox announcement page [here](#).

Microsoft provided IGN with a statement explaining the rationale behind these 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 it's not yet clear which first-party titles will adopt the new $80 price point, potential candidates might include the next mainline Call of Duty, the delayed Fable, 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. Double Fine is also working on a new game that could be part of this lineup.

Fans can expect more details at the Xbox Games Showcase 2025 and The Outer Worlds 2 Direct in June.

This marks the first price increase for Xbox Series S consoles since their launch in 2020. Microsoft had previously committed to maintaining existing prices in 2022 when PlayStation raised PS5 prices. However, the company did raise Xbox Series X prices in 2023 in most countries, excluding the U.S., and has adjusted Xbox Game Pass prices globally multiple times.

The move by Microsoft follows a trend in the gaming industry where price increases have been discussed and implemented. PlayStation recently raised prices in the UK, Europe, Australia, and New Zealand, marking the second increase in three years. Additionally, AAA game prices have shifted from $60 to $70 over the last five years, with Nintendo setting $80 for upcoming Switch 2 exclusives like Mario Kart World.

The Switch 2 itself is launching at $450, a price that has sparked debate among fans and analysts alike, especially in light of economic conditions and fluctuating tariffs. Although the console price has remained at $450, accessory prices have seen adjustments. The Entertainment Software Association has warned that the entire gaming industry could be affected by these economic pressures.

These developments underscore a challenging period for gamers across all platforms, as the industry navigates rising costs and economic fluctuations.

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