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

Microsoft has announced a significant price increase across its Xbox ecosystem, affecting consoles, controllers, headsets, and certain games. Effective immediately as of May 1, the price adjustments on Xbox consoles and accessories are set to impact gamers globally. While the prices of games remain unchanged for now, Microsoft has indicated that new, first-party titles will be priced at $79.99 starting around the holiday season. Notably, the price hikes on headsets will only apply in the U.S. and Canada.

The Best Xbox Game of 2024

View 7 ImagesHere are the updated prices for various Xbox consoles and accessories in the U.S.:

• Xbox Series S 512 - $379.99 (previously $299.99)
• Xbox Series S 1TB - $429.99 (previously $349.99)
• Xbox Series X Digital - $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)

For a detailed breakdown of price changes by region, visit the official Xbox announcement page here.

Microsoft provided IGN with the following statement 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 the specific first-party titles that will be priced at $80 have not been confirmed, potential candidates could include the next mainline Call of Duty, the delayed Fable 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, or Undead Labs' State of Decay 3. Double Fine is also developing a new game.

Microsoft has scheduled an Xbox Games Showcase 2025 and a The Outer Worlds 2 Direct for June, where more information on upcoming titles and potential price changes will likely be revealed.

This marks the first price hike for the Xbox Series S since its launch in 2020. Microsoft had previously committed to maintaining existing prices in 2022 when PlayStation raised PS5 prices, but it increased the price of the Xbox Series X in 2023 in most countries except the U.S. Additionally, Xbox Game Pass prices have seen multiple global increases.

The decision to raise prices isn't surprising, as PlayStation recently implemented similar increases in the UK, Europe, Australia, and New Zealand. The gaming industry as a whole has been gradually adjusting prices, with AAA game prices rising from $60 to $70 in recent years. Nintendo has set a $80 price for upcoming Switch 2 exclusives like Mario Kart World and other Switch 2 Edition games, with the Switch 2 launching at $450—a decision that has sparked debate among fans and analysts alike.

Amidst fluctuating tariffs in the U.S., Nintendo reevaluated its console pricing but maintained the $450 price for the Switch 2, though accessory prices were affected. Analysts speculate further price increases post-launch, and the Entertainment Software Association has warned that the entire gaming industry will feel the impact:

"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."

In these challenging economic times, gamers across all platforms may find themselves facing higher costs.

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Xbox Games Series Tier List