Reflecting continuous changes in the gaming sector, Microsoft has declared major price hikes for its Xbox systems, accessories, and next first-party games in a broad action. Announced on May 1, the news verifies that Xbox Series systems and peripherals will experience notable price increases effective immediately; first-party game pricing are expected to follow by the 2025 holiday season.
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New Prices Take Effect Across Hardware Lineup
Nearly all the Xbox hardware in the U.S. is impacted by the revised pricing structure; worldwide changes are also being implemented in most areas. Especially, this is the first price rise for Xbox Series S consoles since their 2020 launch.
These are the updated U.S. retail prices 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)
Peripheral devices have also been impacted:
- Xbox Wireless Controller (Core) – $64.99
- Xbox Wireless Controller (Color variants) – $69.99
- Special Edition Controllers – $79.99
- Limited Edition Controllers – $89.99 (up from $79.99)
- Elite Series 2 Controller (Core) – $149.99 (up from $139.99)
- Elite Series 2 Controller (Full) – $199.99 (up from $179.99)
- Xbox Stereo Headset – $64.99
- Xbox Wireless Headset – $119.99 (up from $109.99)
At the moment, headset pricing increases only affect the United States and Canada.
First-Party Games to Reach $79.99 by Holiday 2025
Microsoft has verified, although the cost of games stays same for the time being, its first-party games will start debuting at a new standard price of $79.99 by the 2025 Christmas season. Though particular titles were not mentioned, expected releases that might fit this new pricing structure include:
- The next Call of Duty game
- The much anticipated Fable remake, now postponed to 2026
- Everwild, Clockwork Revolution, and Perfect Dark
- Hideo Kojima’s OD, State of Decay 3, and Gears of War: E-Day
- Double Fine, creator of Psychonauts, has a new initiative.
More information is anticipated during the next Xbox Games Showcase 2025 and the Outer Worlds 2 Direct, both set for June.
Microsoft’s Statement on Price Hikes
Microsoft said in a statement to trendblog that these rises made sense.
These adjustments are difficult, we know, and they were done with great thought considering market conditions and the growing development expense. Looking forward, we keep our attention on providing more options to play more games on any screen and making sure value for Xbox users.
A Broader Industry Trend
Microsoft’s action reflects a growing trend in the video game sector, where AAA title pricing has climbed from $60 to $70 over the last five years. Now, both Microsoft and Nintendo are pushing that boundary further to $80 for their premium games. Nintendo’s forthcoming Switch 2 will sell for $450, with first-party games like Mario Kart World also charging $80.
Economic Pressures and Tariffs Add Fuel to the Fire
Behind the scenes, changing tariffs and rising production costs keep stressing platform holders all around. The Entertainment Software Association just warned that these problems are impacting all businesses in the sector, no matter where they are located.
Many of the gadgets we use to play video games… PC games, cellphones, VR headsets. Should we believe it’s only the Switch, we are not treating it properly. The whole sector will be affected by this.
The Cost of Gaming in 2025
The financial strain of keeping current with hardware and software changes is becoming increasingly obvious as users confront rising pricing on all gaming systems. Gaming in 2025 will be more expensive—no matter where you play given Microsoft joining Sony and Nintendo in increasing costs and ongoing economic difficulties.
