Microsoft Raises Xbox Console and Game Prices Amid Rising Costs

Microsoft has announced a notable increase in the recommended retail prices of its Xbox Series S and Series X consoles, along with controllers and headsets. This move reflects the company’s response to rising development costs and challenging market conditions.

The Xbox Series S, Microsoft’s most affordable console, will see its price rise from $300 to $380, an $80 increase. The Xbox Series X price is increasing by $100, from $500 to $600. The special edition 2TB Xbox Series X Galaxy Black now costs $730, surpassing the PlayStation 5 Pro’s price point.

Accessories are also affected: the base Xbox wireless controller’s price rises from $60 to $65, while the high-end Elite Wireless Controller Series 2 jumps from $145 to $200. Stereo and wireless headsets see increases to $65 and $120 respectively, though headset price hikes currently apply only in the US and Canada.

In addition to hardware, Microsoft plans to raise the price of new first-party games from $70 to $80 starting this holiday season. This change aligns Xbox pricing with some Nintendo Switch 2 titles and reflects the increasing costs of game development. However, games releasing before this period, such as Doom: The Dark Ages, will maintain their current pricing.

Despite these price increases, Xbox Game Pass pricing remains stable for now. The Game Pass Ultimate tier, priced at $20 per month, offers access to hundreds of games including new releases on day one. This subscription model becomes increasingly attractive as individual game prices rise, potentially encouraging more gamers to adopt the service.

Microsoft has raised Game Pass prices in recent years alongside new service tiers, so future increases cannot be ruled out. For now, gamers have a window to purchase games at current prices before the holiday season adjustments take effect.

These pricing changes are global, impacting markets in the UK, EU, Australia, and beyond, though headset price hikes are limited to North America. This reflects broader economic pressures including inflation and increased costs of manufacturing and development.

For developers, businesses, and gamers, these adjustments highlight the evolving economics of the gaming industry. Subscription services like Xbox Game Pass may become more central to gaming consumption, while hardware and game pricing continue to reflect rising production and development costs.