Microsoft Raises Xbox Dev Kit Price Amid Wider Hikes

Microsoft raised the price of Xbox Development Kits from $1,500 to $2,000, a 33% increase that took effect immediately worldwide and which the company said was an “adjustment reflects macroeconomic developments.” The dev‑kit hike is part of a wider 2025 wave of price increases across the Xbox ecosystem, including two console price increases and an approximately 50% rise to Xbox Game Pass Ultimate. Microsoft also reiterated that a next‑generation Xbox is in development described as a “very premium, very high‑end curated” device and said it is pivoting toward more multi‑platform publishing. Reporters and analysts point to US tariffs on Chinese imports, production and currency pressures, and broader inflation as likely drivers of the increases. Developers warn the higher dev‑kit cost, combined with recent layoffs, studio closures and other ecosystem price rises, could raise barriers for smaller studios and discourage ports and platform support, while Microsoft says it remains committed to supporting developers.