Microsoft announced today that prices for Xbox consoles, controllers, and headsets are going up, with more increases coming later this year for new games. The new prices take effect immediately, starting May 1, and will apply in most regions. However, higher headset prices will only affect customers in the U.S. and Canada.
In the U.S., Xbox consoles now cost more across the board. The Xbox Series S with 512GB of storage has gone from $299.99 to $379.99. The 1TB Series S is now $429.99. The Xbox Series X Digital Edition costs $549.99, and the standard Series X now costs $599.99. The price of the Series X’s 2TB Galaxy Special Edition has increased from $599.99 to $729.99.
Controller prices are also climbing. The Xbox Wireless Controller (Core), the standard model, is now priced at $64.99. Color versions are $69.99, and Special Editions are $79.99. The Limited Edition is up from $79.99 to $89.99. The Elite Wireless Controller Series 2 (Core) now costs $149.99, and the full version is $199.99. The Xbox Wireless Headset is rising from $109.99 to $119.99.
Xbox Series S 512GB is now priced at $379.99, up from $299.99 (Photo: Xbox.com)
Microsoft says that new first-party titles will be priced at $79.99 starting this holiday season. Although exact titles have not been confirmed, upcoming games like Call of Duty, Fable, Perfect Dark, State of Decay 3, and Gears of War: E-Day could be part of the new price tier.
In a statement, Microsoft said, “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.”
Since it launched in 2020, this is the first time Microsoft has raised the price of the Xbox Series S. The Series X saw price increases in other countries last year, but U.S. prices stayed the same until now. Microsoft has also raised Xbox Game Pass prices more than once in recent years.
The Xbox Wireless Controller – Pulse Cipher Special Edition is now priced at $79.99 (Photo: Xbox.com)
Other gaming companies are making similar moves. Nintendo recently announced that its next-generation Switch 2 will launch at $449.99, with some games priced at $79.99. Sony has also increased prices on the PlayStation 5 in certain regions Europe, South Korea, and Australia and raised the cost of its PlayStation Plus subscription.
Some of these price increases may be tied to rising manufacturing costs and U.S. tariffs on goods made in China, where many gaming products are assembled. Microsoft has not directly blamed tariffs but said it considered many factors when adjusting prices.
READ MORE: Impact of Tariffs on the Video Game Industry and Consumers
More details may be revealed at the Xbox Games Showcase in June, where Microsoft is expected to highlight upcoming releases and possibly address its plans for future pricing. For now, players should be prepared to spend more on Xbox hardware and games in 2025.
I am trying VERY hard not to use inappropriate language at this moment — this is the third time I am trying to post a comment here today. The first time I typed a comment about the price increase and the fact that the prices of nearly all electronics will be going up due to tariffs, but I never got to post that comment because of the stupid popup that comes up asking me to subscribe to the newsletter. When you get rid of the damn popup your comment is gone so you have to start over.
The second time I typed a comment about the (&()&*(&(^^^(*^&^ popup, encouraging ALG to think about making the site more usable if they really wanted to encourage people posting comments. I didn’t get to post that comment either because the (*^&*%^ ()*&()&(*&)( )(*_)*(&(_&*&)(&()*&)(* popup came up again, and of course, again it ate my comment so I had to start over.
This is the third attempt to post a comment.
YES!! This comment right here! I keep having the same damn troubles
Bummer
I haven’t used an Xbox product in over a decade. I’m more than a PlayStation guy myself. For the Xbox fans, I hope that they keep in mind that they’re risking losing fans/supporters since they’re starting to make their products more unaffordable. I feel that there’s no need for increasing the prices, but I suppose business is business.
They still have to make a profit on their end. If tariffs raise the costs of the imports, the costs will be passed on to the consumer
Agreed
I’d wait for sales, or if there are companies or developers you want to support then vote with your pocketbook.
Of course they did.
It might be the “new” msrp, but there’s always sales in this market. Wait for prime day and black friday. Inflation or not, warehouses always need space for new inventory
Series X costing more than PS5 Pro is crazy.
Awesome
I wish I had one
Why are they so expensive
Gaming is already expensive:(
Comment
Consumer Impact
Higher Costs, Lower Access—Due to increased prices, Gamers, especially those on a budget, may reconsider upgrading their consoles or purchasing new games.
Shift to Alternatives – Some may explore competitors like PlayStation or Nintendo, or shift to PC gaming, cloud gaming, or subscription-based services like Xbox Game Pass to get more value.
Second-Hand Market Growth – Higher prices often increase demand for used consoles, accessories, and games.
Effect on Brand Loyalty
Frustration & Backlash – Long-time Xbox fans might feel disappointed, especially if they see price increases without significant improvements in hardware or software.
Quality vs. Cost Debate—If Xbox provides compelling exclusives, strong performance, and a worthwhile experience, loyal fans might justify the price hike. Otherwise, loyalty could weaken.
Strategic Adjustments – Microsoft may need to offer deals, bundles, or Game Pass incentives to retain customers who are hesitant to spend more.
Ultimately, loyalty depends on whether consumers feel they’re getting enough value. Fans may stay if Xbox delivers top-tier games, services, and innovation. But if competitors offer better pricing, some may switch. Do you think gamers will be willing to absorb the cost increase?
Consumer Impact
Higher Costs, Lower Access—Due to increased prices, Gamers, especially those on a budget, may reconsider upgrading their consoles or purchasing new games.
Shift to Alternatives – Some may explore competitors like PlayStation or Nintendo, or shift to PC gaming, cloud gaming, or subscription-based services like Xbox Game Pass to get more value.
Second-Hand Market Growth – Higher prices often increase demand for used consoles, accessories, and games.
Effect on Brand Loyalty
Frustration & Backlash – Long-time Xbox fans might feel disappointed, especially if they see price increases without significant improvements in hardware or software.
Quality vs. Cost Debate—If Xbox provides compelling exclusives, strong performance, and a worthwhile experience, loyal fans might justify the price hike. Otherwise, loyalty could weaken.
Strategic Adjustments – Microsoft may need to offer deals, bundles, or Game Pass incentives to retain customers who are hesitant to spend more.
Ultimately, loyalty depends on whether consumers feel they’re getting enough value. Fans may stay if Xbox delivers top-tier games, services, and innovation. But if competitors offer better pricing, some may switch. Do you think gamers will be willing to absorb the cost increase?
Keep raising the prices on everything they are going to price themselves out of the average person being able to buy any of it