Microsoft has announced significant price increases across its Xbox lineup, affecting consoles, controllers, headsets, and some games. Starting today, May 1, the prices for Xbox consoles and accessories have risen, while game prices are expected to reach $79.99 for new, first-party releases around the holiday season. These price hikes are being implemented globally, with the exception of headset prices, which will only increase in the U.S. and Canada.

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Here are the updated 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 more detailed price changes by region, visit the official Xbox announcement page here.

Microsoft provided IGN with a statement explaining the price increases, citing market conditions and the rising cost of development. They emphasized their commitment to offering diverse gaming experiences and ensuring value for Xbox players.

While it's not yet clear which first-party Microsoft games will cost $80, potential candidates include the next mainline Call of Duty, the delayed Fable (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. Double Fine is also developing a new game.

Fans can look forward to more information at the Xbox Games Showcase 2025 and The Outer Worlds 2 Direct in June.

This marks the first price hike for Xbox Series S consoles since their 2020 launch, despite Microsoft's earlier commitment to maintaining prices in 2022 when PlayStation increased PS5 prices. Xbox Series X prices were raised in 2023 in most countries, excluding the U.S., and Xbox Game Pass has seen multiple global price increases.

Microsoft's decision aligns with industry trends, as PlayStation recently raised prices in the UK, Europe, Australia, and New Zealand for the second time in three years. The gaming industry has been gradually increasing prices, with AAA games moving from $60 to $70 over the last five years, and Nintendo setting $80 prices for upcoming Switch 2 exclusives like Mario Kart World.

Nintendo's Switch 2 was revealed to launch at $450, prompting criticism despite analysts suggesting such a price was inevitable due to economic conditions. Fluctuating tariffs in the U.S. led Nintendo to reevaluate its pricing, although the console price remained at $450, accessory prices increased. The Entertainment Software Association warned that these economic pressures could affect the entire gaming industry, regardless of the company.

In these challenging economic times, gamers across all platforms may face rising costs.

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