Microsoft has announced significant price increases across its Xbox lineup, affecting consoles, controllers, headsets, and certain games. Starting today, May 1, the new prices will take effect globally, with the exception of headset prices, which will only increase in the U.S. and Canada. While game prices remain unchanged for now, Microsoft has indicated that new first-party titles could see a price hike to $79.99 around the holiday season.
Here are the updated prices for various Xbox products in the U.S.:
For detailed price changes by region, you can visit the official Xbox announcement page here.
Microsoft provided the following statement to IGN 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 it's unclear which first-party titles will see the $80 price tag, potential candidates include the next 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, and Undead Labs' State of Decay 3. Double Fine is also developing a new game.
Microsoft is set to reveal more at the Xbox Games Showcase 2025 and The Outer Worlds 2 Direct in June.
This marks the first price increase for the Xbox Series S since its 2020 launch, despite Microsoft's commitment in 2022 to maintain existing prices when PlayStation raised PS5 prices. The Xbox Series X saw a global price increase in 2023, excluding the U.S., and Xbox Game Pass has seen multiple global price hikes.
The gaming industry has been adjusting to price increases, with AAA game prices rising from $60 to $70 over the last five years, and Nintendo setting a $80 price for upcoming Switch 2 exclusives like Mario Kart World. The Switch 2 itself is launching at $450, a move that drew criticism but was seen as necessary given current economic conditions.
Nintendo's pricing strategy has been affected by fluctuating U.S. tariffs, leading to adjustments in accessory prices, with potential future increases post-launch. The Entertainment Software Association has warned that these economic pressures will impact the entire gaming industry, regardless of the platform.
In these challenging economic times, gamers across all platforms are facing higher costs.
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