Microsoft Raises Prices for Xbox Consoles, Controllers, and Games
Microsoft has officially increased the prices of its Xbox Series X and Series S consoles, along with accessories like controllers and some first-party games. The new prices went into effect on May 1, 2025, and are part of a global pricing update by the company.
Xbox Console Prices Go Up
Gamers in the U.S. will now have to pay more for Xbox consoles. The Xbox Series X, which was previously priced at $499.99, will now cost $599.99. The more budget-friendly Xbox Series S has gone up from $299.99 to $379.99. These changes reflect a $100 and $80 increase, respectively.
Accessories Also See a Price Hike
The price increase doesn’t stop with consoles. Xbox accessories, including wireless controllers and headsets, have also become more expensive. A standard Xbox controller now costs $64.99, which is up from its previous price of $59.99. Specialized accessories and high-end headsets may see even steeper increases depending on the model.
New Xbox Games Will Cost More
Some upcoming first-party Xbox games will also be more expensive. New titles released by Microsoft will now be priced at $79.99 instead of the usual $69.99. This puts Xbox games in line with current pricing trends from other major game publishers.
Why Microsoft Is Raising Prices
Microsoft says the price increase is due to several global factors. These include higher development costs, inflation, supply chain disruptions, and new tariffs on imported goods. The company said in a statement that they understand this may be disappointing for customers but stressed the changes are necessary to keep up with rising expenses.
Impact on U.S. Gamers
For U.S.-based gamers, the higher prices may make it harder to afford new Xbox products. However, Microsoft continues to promote its Game Pass subscription service, which still offers access to hundreds of games for a flat monthly fee. As of now, there’s been no announcement about any increase in Game Pass pricing.
