Xbox Raises Console Prices Games Hit $80
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Microsoft confirms Xbox price hikes globally, citing market pressures.
Xbox Raises Console Prices | Gamers, brace yourselves—playing on Xbox is about to get pricier. On May 1, Microsoft officially announced significant price increases across its Xbox product line, including consoles, controllers, and headsets. While game prices remain unchanged for now, first-party Xbox titles are expected to cost $79.99 by the 2025 holiday season. | Xbox cost hike
Transitioning into Higher Costs | Xbox Cost Hike
This decision wasn’t made lightly. According to Microsoft, the price adjustments reflect rising development costs and current market conditions. The tech giant emphasized its commitment to providing value and accessibility across all screens.
“We understand that these changes are challenging,” Microsoft stated. “They were made with careful consideration.”
New Xbox Prices in the U.S.
Here’s a breakdown of the updated prices for U.S. customers:
- Xbox Series S 512GB – $379.99 (was $299.99)
- Xbox Series S 1TB – $429.99 (was $349.99)
- Xbox Series X Digital – $549.99 (was $449.99)
- Xbox Series X Standard – $599.99 (was $499.99)
- Xbox Series X 2TB Galaxy Special Edition – $729.99 (was $599.99)
Accessories Also Affected
Price hikes extend to popular Xbox accessories as well:
- Xbox Wireless Controller (Core) – $64.99
- Special Edition Controller – $79.99
- Limited Edition Controller – $89.99 (was $79.99)
- Elite Series 2 (Core) – $149.99 (was $139.99)
- Elite Series 2 (Full) – $199.99 (was $179.99)
- Xbox Wireless Headset – $119.99 (was $109.99)
For a full list of updated global prices, visit the official Xbox announcement.
What Games Might Cost $80?
Although Microsoft has yet to specify which games will see the $80 price tag, likely candidates include:
- The next Call of Duty
- Fable, now delayed to 2026
- Perfect Dark reboot
- Clockwork Revolution by inXile
- Rare’s Everwild
- Gears of War: E-Day
- Kojima’s OD
- State of Decay 3
- Double Fine’s next project
We expect more information at the upcoming Xbox Games Showcase 2025 and the Outer Worlds 2 Direct this June.
Industry-Wide Trend
Importantly, Microsoft isn’t alone. Recently, Sony raised PS5 prices in several regions, marking its second hike in three years. Nintendo has also confirmed that Switch 2 games like Mario Kart World will debut at $80, and the console itself will launch at $450.
Meanwhile, industry analysts warn that new tariffs, supply chain shifts, and global inflation are likely to push prices up even further—across all gaming platforms. | Xbox Raises Console Prices
Final Thoughts
In a rapidly evolving market, these price increases highlight how complex game development and hardware production have become. While disappointing for many players, these changes reflect broader trends impacting the entire gaming industry.
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