On May 1, Microsoft announced a series of price increases for its Xbox Series S and Series X consoles, controllers, headsets, and select first-party games, attributing the changes to “market conditions” and escalating development costs. The Xbox Series X now retails at $599.99, while the base controller is priced at $64.99, and upcoming first-party games will cost $79.99.
Updated Pricing for Xbox Consoles and Accessories
The cost of the Xbox Series X, which features 1TB of storage, has risen by $100 to $599.99. A premium version of the Series X with a 2TB SSD and available in Galaxy Black is now priced at $729.99, reflecting a $130 increase. The digital edition of the Xbox Series X has also seen a $100 increase, bringing its price to $549.99. The 512GB Xbox Series S is now $379.99, up by $80, while the 1TB version is priced at $429.99.
| Console | New price in the U.S. | New price in Europe | New price in the U.K. |
| Xbox Series S 512 | $379.99 | €349.99 | £299.99 |
| Xbox Series S 1TB | $429.99 | €399.99 | £349.99 |
| Xbox Series X Digital | $549.99 | €549.99 | £449.99 |
| Xbox Series X | $599.99 | €599.99 | £499.99 |
| Xbox Series X 2TB Galaxy Black Special Edition | $729.99 | €699.99 | £589.99 |
Price Adjustments on Accessories and Games
The wireless controller’s price has increased to $64.99, and the wireless headset now costs $119.99. Additionally, several first-party game titles will launch this holiday season at $79.99, reflecting a $10 increase compared to many previous titles, aligning with contemporaneous pricing trends in the gaming industry.
Global Impact of Price Changes
These price adjustments are not limited to the United States; they will affect consumers in regions including Australia and Europe. Microsoft attributes these changes to rising development costs and uncertainties in trade policies. As stated by the company, “We understand that these changes are challenging… and made with careful consideration given market conditions and the rising cost of development.”
Xbox Game Pass Pricing Stability
Despite the overall price increases, subscription rates for Xbox Game Pass will remain unchanged at this time. This decision may stem from Microsoft’s previous price hikes for consoles and subscriptions in mid-2024 and earlier adjustments in June 2023.