Gamers got hit with some pretty big news on May 1, 2025. Microsoft officially announced a massive price hike on all things Xbox. That includes consoles, controllers, headsets, and even some games—although game prices won’t change until later this year.

And yes, this is not just a small bump. Prices are jumping by $50–$130 in many cases. It’s the biggest Xbox price shift we’ve seen in years, especially in the U.S., where the Series S and Series X consoles had remained mostly stable since launch.

Why Is Microsoft Raising Xbox Prices Now?

In a statement given to IGN, Microsoft said these changes are due to market conditions and the rising cost of game development. They also said they’re still focused on giving players more ways to play and more value in the long run.

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It’s the same reason we’ve heard from other companies, including Sony and Nintendo, who’ve also raised prices recently.

Microsoft’s gaming division, which includes Xbox and Game Pass, is a major part of the company’s overall business. The company itself is worth around $3.15 trillion as of 2025, making it one of the most valuable companies in the world. Still, even Microsoft isn’t immune to rising production costs and supply chain issues.

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What Are the New Xbox Console Prices?

Here’s a breakdown of how much you’ll now pay for Xbox consoles in the U.S.:

• Xbox Series S (512GB) – $379.99 (was $299.99)
• Xbox Series S (1TB) – $429.99 (was $349.99)
• Xbox Series X Digital Edition – $549.99 (was $449.99)
• Xbox Series X – $599.99 (was $499.99)
• Xbox Series X 2TB Galaxy Special Edition – $729.99 (was $599.99)

That’s up to $130 more for the special edition console. Even the smaller Series S jumped by $80, which is a big deal for budget-conscious gamers.

Are Xbox Controllers and Accessories Getting More Expensive Too?

Yes, unfortunately. Here’s the new pricing for Xbox accessories in the U.S.:

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• 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 (was $79.99)
• Xbox Elite Wireless Controller Series 2 (Core) – $149.99 (was $139.99)
• Xbox Elite Wireless Controller Series 2 (Full) – $199.99 (was $179.99)
• Xbox Stereo Headset – $64.99
• Xbox Wireless Headset – $119.99 (was $109.99)

Only the headset price changes apply exclusively to the U.S. and Canada, while console and controller price increases are global.

Are Xbox Games Going Up in Price Too?

Not right away—but it’s coming.

Microsoft says it will start charging $79.99 for new, first-party games by holiday 2025. That’s a jump from the current $69.99 standard that has already been in place for the past couple of years.

Some upcoming titles that might be part of this $80 wave include:

• The new Call of Duty
• Fable (delayed to 2026)
• Perfect Dark reboot
• Clockwork Revolution (by inXile)
• Everwild (by Rare)
• Gears of War: E-Day (by The Coalition)
• OD (by Hideo Kojima)
• State of Decay 3
• Double Fine’s next project

There’s also the Xbox Games Showcase 2025 and The Outer Worlds 2 Direct happening in June, which will likely offer more details.

Is This the First Xbox Price Hike?

No—but it’s the most aggressive one we’ve seen in the U.S.

Microsoft did raise the price of Xbox Series X in other countries back in 2023, but kept U.S. prices steady. Before that, they promised in 2022 to keep console prices the same, even when Sony raised the price of the PS5.

They’ve also raised prices on Xbox Game Pass more than once. So this is definitely part of a wider trend in Xbox’s pricing strategy.

How Does Xbox Compare to Other Platforms Now?

With these increases, Xbox consoles are now closer to PlayStation and Nintendo Switch 2 prices.

• The PS5 has already seen two price hikes in many countries.
• The Switch 2, expected to launch later this year, is set at $450, and Nintendo is rumored to raise prices again post-launch.
• AAA games now cost $70–$80 across most platforms.

The truth is, all companies are responding to global inflation, tariffs, and higher development costs. Even the Entertainment Software Association said the entire gaming industry is being affected—no matter which company you support.

So… Is It a Bad Time to Be a Gamer?

Let’s be real—gaming is getting expensive. Consoles, accessories, and games are all climbing in price. And whether you play on Xbox, PlayStation, Nintendo, PC, or even VR, you’re likely to feel it.

Still, fans hope Microsoft will balance these price hikes with better services, stronger exclusives, and game value through Game Pass and cloud play.

Only time will tell if players stay loyal through the price changes—or start looking for better deals elsewhere.