Microsoft has announced a significant price increase for Xbox products, effective immediately. Starting today, May 1, Xbox consoles, controllers, and headsets will see a notable jump in price, while new, first-party games are expected to retail at $79.99 come the holiday season. This global price hike comes with an exception: headset prices are only increasing in the U.S. and Canada.

In their statement to IGN, Microsoft explained the decision:

“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.”

The new pricing structure for Xbox products in the U.S. is as follows:

• 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 detailed pricing changes by region, you can visit the official Xbox announcement page [here](link).

While it's unclear which specific first-party titles will see the $80 price tag, potential candidates include the next Call of Duty installment, the upcoming Fable game (delayed to 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. Additionally, Double Fine is working on a new game that might also fall into this category.

Gamers 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 increase for Xbox Series S consoles since their 2020 launch, despite Microsoft's earlier commitment to maintaining existing prices in 2022 when PlayStation raised PS5 prices. Xbox did increase Series X prices in most countries in 2023, excluding the U.S., and has adjusted Xbox Game Pass prices globally multiple times.

Microsoft's decision to raise prices follows a trend set by PlayStation, which recently implemented its second price hike in three years in the UK, Europe, Australia, and New Zealand. The gaming industry as a whole has been moving towards higher prices, with AAA games increasing from $60 to $70 over the last five years, and Nintendo planning $80 for certain Switch 2 exclusives like Mario Kart World.

Nintendo's Switch 2 is set to launch at $450, a price that has drawn criticism amid economic pressures. Despite this, the console's price remained unchanged due to fluctuating U.S. tariffs, though accessory prices have increased. Analysts speculate further price adjustments post-launch, and the Entertainment Software Association has warned that the entire gaming industry could be affected by these economic conditions.

As the cost of gaming continues to rise across all platforms, it's becoming an increasingly expensive hobby for enthusiasts worldwide.

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