Microsoft Raises Xbox Console, Game Prices Amid Market Pressures

Microsoft has announced significant global price increases for its Xbox Series S/X consoles, accessories, and select new games, citing rising development costs, market conditions, and ongoing trade policy uncertainties such as newly imposed import tariffs. The base Xbox Series X now costs $599.99, the Series S $379.99, and accessories like controllers and headsets have also seen substantial hikes. Select new first-party Xbox games will be priced at $79.99 starting this holiday season, aligning with Nintendo's new price point for its upcoming Switch 2 games. These increases have sparked backlash among fans, who are blaming both Nintendo for setting a higher industry standard and U.S. tariffs for exacerbating costs. Meanwhile, Sony has raised console prices but has not yet increased the cost of games or peripherals, leading to speculation about whether further price hikes will follow across the industry. Despite these changes, the price of Xbox Game Pass remains unchanged.