Microsoft Hikes Xbox Console and Game Prices

Microsoft has announced global price increases for its Xbox Series X and Series S consoles, accessories, and some new first-party games, attributing the hikes to market conditions, rising development costs, and new U.S. tariffs on imports from China. The Xbox Series X will now retail at $599.99, up from $499.99, and the Series S at $379.99, up from $299.99, with similar increases for controllers and headsets—though headset price hikes are limited to the U.S. and Canada. Hardware and accessory price changes take effect immediately, while the price of some new first-party games will rise to $79.99 from $69.99 starting in the 2025 holiday season. Nintendo and Sony have implemented similar price increases on their gaming hardware and software. Microsoft stated that existing game prices remain unchanged, and that the changes reflect broader industry pressures, including production costs and trade policies. The company also noted that these developments may encourage more players to consider Xbox Game Pass, which has not seen a price increase.