Xbox Series Holiday Price Rises Confirmed

Microsoft is implementing significant price increases across its Xbox product line.

The company announced today that prices will rise for Xbox consoles, controllers, headsets, and select games. While console and accessory adjustments take effect immediately on May 1, first-party game prices will remain stable until holiday season, when new releases are expected to retail at $79.99.

These price adjustments apply worldwide, with headset increases limited to the U.S. and Canadian markets.

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Here are the new U.S. pricing details for Xbox hardware:

Xbox Series S 512GB - $379.99 (previously $299.99)
Xbox Series S 1TB - $429.99 (previously $349.99)
Xbox Series X Digital - $549.99 (previously $449.99)
Xbox Series X - $599.99 (previously $499.99)
Xbox Series X 2TB Galaxy Special Edition - $729.99 (previously $599.99)
Xbox Wireless Controller (Core) - $64.99
Xbox Wireless Controller (Color) - $69.99
Special Edition Controller - $79.99
Limited Edition Controller - $89.99 (previously $79.99)
Elite Wireless Controller Series 2 (Core) - $149.99 (previously $139.99)
Elite Wireless Controller Series 2 (Full) - $199.99 (previously $179.99)
Stereo Headset - $64.99
Wireless Headset - $119.99 (previously $109.99)

Regional pricing details are available on Xbox's official announcement page.

Microsoft provided IGN with this statement regarding the pricing changes:

"We recognize these adjustments present challenges, but they reflect current market conditions and rising development costs. Our priority remains delivering exceptional gaming experiences across all platforms while maintaining value for Xbox players."

While Microsoft hasn't specified which first-party titles will carry the $79.99 price tag, potential candidates include upcoming releases like Call of Duty 2024, Fable (now delayed to 2026), Perfect Dark reboot, Clockwork Revolution, Everwild, Gears of War: E-Day, Hideo Kojima's OD, or State of Decay 3. Double Fine is also developing an unannounced project.

Microsoft will host an Xbox Games Showcase 2025 alongside The Outer Worlds 2 Direct this June, where further details will likely emerge.

This marks the first Series S price increase since its 2020 launch. Microsoft maintained pricing stability in 2022 when PlayStation adjusted PS5 prices. While the Series X saw international price hikes in 2023 (excluding the U.S.), Game Pass subscriptions have undergone multiple global increases.

The magnitude of these increases may surprise consumers, but the decision aligns with industry trends. PlayStation recently implemented its second price adjustment in three years across European and Australasian markets.

The gaming industry has witnessed steady price escalation in recent years, with premium titles transitioning from $60 to $70 price points. Nintendo confirmed its upcoming Switch 2 will launch at $450, with Mario Kart World and other exclusives priced at $80—a strategy that drew mixed reactions amid current economic pressures.

These developments precede Nintendo's reevaluation of pricing strategies following U.S. tariff fluctuations. While console pricing remained stable, accessories weren't spared. Analysts speculate about potential post-launch adjustments, with ESA warning:

"Recent tariffs impact extends beyond any single manufacturer. From consoles to VR headsets, smartphones to gaming PCs - this affects the entire interactive entertainment ecosystem."

"Domestic manufacturers also face challenges sourcing components across borders. This industry-wide issue transcends corporate boundaries and will reshape pricing structures moving forward."

For gamers across all platforms, immersive experiences now come at a premium.