Xbox Series X|S Price Increase 2025: In a major shakeup for gamers worldwide, Microsoft has officially raised the prices of Xbox Series X|S consoles, accessories, and select first-party games—with the steepest spikes hitting U.S. consumers. Starting May 1, 2025, these price increases are now in full effect across global markets.
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Xbox Series X|S Price Increase 2025: U.S. Gets Steepest Hike, New Games to Cost $80
What’s Changing?
According to updates from Microsoft and major retailers, here’s how pricing is shifting:
Xbox Console Price Hike (U.S.):
- Xbox Series X (1TB): Up $100, now $599
- Xbox Series S (512GB): Up $80, now $429.99
- Xbox Series X 2TB Galaxy Black Edition: Now $729 (+$130)
In percentage terms, the Xbox Series S saw the most dramatic increase—up 27% from its original price. This could make entry-level next-gen gaming less accessible, especially for budget-conscious players.
Game Prices Are Going Up Too
Alongside hardware, some first-party Xbox titles will launch at $79.99 beginning this holiday season. Microsoft has confirmed these will be implemented on a title-by-title basis, but big upcoming franchises (think Call of Duty) are expected to reflect this new standard. This marks a shift from the previously common $69.99 pricing seen in the early years of the current console generation.
Xbox Series X|S Price Increase 2025 : Xbox Series X|S Prices Just Jumped Worldwide — U.S. Sees Steepest Hike, New Games to Cost $80 This Holiday Season
Notably, titles purchased through the Xbox Store may include “Play Anywhere” support, meaning one purchase grants access on both Xbox consoles and Windows PCs—softening the blow for some gamers.
Accessories See Price Hikes Too
- Controllers and headsets are also affected, particularly in the U.S. and Canada. While prices for essential gear like the Adaptive Controller remain unchanged, most standard controllers will carry a higher MSRP going forward.
Why Is Microsoft Raising Prices Now?
Despite reporting record-breaking Q3 revenue of $5.721 billion, Xbox hardware sales hit an all-time low for the current generation. Microsoft cites economic volatility, rising development costs, and global inflation as the key reasons behind this pricing restructure.
Xbox Series X|S Price Increase 2025 : Xbox Series X|S Prices Just Jumped Worldwide — U.S. Sees Steepest Hike, New Games to Cost $80 This Holiday Season
This move echoes earlier strategies by Sony, which raised PlayStation 5 prices across Europe, the UK, and Australia in response to similar economic pressures. With Nintendo’s upcoming Switch 2 rumored to debut at a higher-than-expected price, it’s clear that next-gen gaming will be significantly costlier across the board.
The Bigger Picture
With inflation, rising tariffs, and global supply chain challenges, these pricing changes may not be the last. Analysts are already predicting that future consoles could launch at significantly higher prices, unless mitigated by innovations in cloud gaming or hybrid handheld models.
Xbox Series X|S Price Increase 2025 : Xbox Series X|S Prices Just Jumped Worldwide — U.S. Sees Steepest Hike, New Games to Cost $80 This Holiday Season
Whether you’re considering buying a new Xbox or stocking up on accessories and games, now might be the time to act before the next price wave hits. And if you’ve been holding off on subscribing to Xbox Game Pass—thankfully, those prices remain unchanged… for now.
FAQs
The price increase took effect on May 1, 2025.
The Xbox Series X price increased by $100, now costing $599.
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