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

By Nicholas: May 13,2025

Microsoft has announced a significant price increase for Xbox products, affecting consoles, controllers, headsets, and some games. Starting today, May 1, the new pricing for Xbox consoles and accessories will be implemented globally, with the exception of headset price increases, which will only apply in the U.S. and Canada. While current game prices remain unchanged, Microsoft has indicated that new first-party titles may be priced at $79.99 during the upcoming holiday season.

Here's a detailed look at the new prices in the U.S. for various Xbox products:

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 complete breakdown of price changes by region, you can 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.”

Although the specific titles that will be priced at $80 have not been confirmed, potential candidates include the next mainline 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, Undead Labs' State of Decay 3, and a new game from Psychonauts developer Double Fine.

Fans can expect more details during Microsoft's Xbox Games Showcase 2025 and The Outer Worlds 2 Direct, scheduled for June.

This marks the first price increase for Xbox Series S consoles since their launch in 2020. Previously, Microsoft had committed to maintaining existing prices in 2022 when PlayStation raised prices on the PS5. However, the Xbox Series X saw a price hike in 2023 in most countries, excluding the U.S., and Xbox Game Pass has also seen multiple global price increases.

Microsoft's decision to raise prices aligns with industry trends. PlayStation recently implemented similar price hikes in the UK, Europe, Australia, and New Zealand. Over the last few years, AAA game prices have increased from $60 to $70, and Nintendo has set a $80 price point for upcoming Switch 2 exclusives like Mario Kart World. The Switch 2 itself was announced at a launch price of $450, prompting debate among fans and analysts alike.

Nintendo's pricing strategy was further complicated by fluctuating tariffs in the U.S., leading to a reassessment of console and accessory prices. The Entertainment Software Association highlighted the broader impact of tariffs on the gaming industry, affecting all platforms and companies:

“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 are likely to face higher costs.