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Microsoft has announced a significant price increase across its Xbox ecosystem, affecting consoles, controllers, headsets, and some games. Starting today, May 1, the new prices will take effect globally, with the exception of headset prices, which will only rise in the U.S. and Canada. While game prices remain unchanged for now, Microsoft has indicated that new first-party titles will see a price jump to $79.99 around the holiday season.

Here are the new U.S. prices for Xbox products:

Xbox Series S 512 - $379.99 (up from $299.99)
Xbox Series S 1TB - $429.99 (up from $349.99)
Xbox Series X Digital - $549.99 (up from $449.99)
Xbox Series X - $599.99 (up from $499.99)
Xbox Series X 2TB Galaxy Special Edition - $729.99 (up from $599.99)
Xbox Wireless Controller (Core) - $64.99
Xbox Wireless Controller (Color) - $69.99
Xbox Wireless Controller - Special Edition - $79.99
Xbox Wireless Controller - Limited Edition - $89.99 (up from $79.99)
Xbox Elite Wireless Controller Series 2 (Core) - $149.99 (up from $139.99)
Xbox Elite Wireless Controller Series 2 (Full) - $199.99 (up from $179.99)
Xbox Stereo Headset - $64.99
Xbox Wireless Headset - $119.99 (up from $109.99)

For a comprehensive list of price changes by region, visit the official Xbox announcement page here.

Microsoft provided the following statement to IGN regarding the price increases:

“We understand that these changes are challenging, and they were made with careful consideration given market conditions and the rising cost of development. Looking ahead, we continue to focus on offering more ways to play more games across any screen and ensuring value for Xbox players.”

While the specific first-party titles that will cost $80 have not been confirmed, potential candidates include the next mainline Call of Duty, the new Fable (delayed to 2026), the Perfect Dark reboot, inXile’s Clockwork Revolution, Rare's Everwild, The Coalition's Gears of War: E-Day, Hideo Kojima’s OD, Undead Labs' State of Decay 3, and a new game from Psychonauts developer Double Fine.

More details on upcoming titles are expected at the Xbox Games Showcase 2025 and The Outer Worlds 2 Direct in June.

This marks the first price increase for Xbox Series S consoles since their 2020 launch, despite Microsoft's commitment to maintaining existing prices in 2022 when PlayStation raised PS5 prices. Xbox Series X prices were increased in 2023 in most countries, excluding the U.S., and Xbox Game Pass has seen multiple global price hikes.

Microsoft's decision to raise prices aligns with industry trends, following PlayStation's recent price adjustments in the UK, Europe, Australia, and New Zealand. Over the last few years, AAA game prices have risen from $60 to $70, and Nintendo has set $80 as the price point for some Switch 2 exclusives, including Mario Kart World. The Switch 2 itself will launch at $450, a price that has faced criticism but is considered inevitable given economic conditions.

Nintendo has also had to adjust its pricing strategy due to fluctuating U.S. tariffs, although the console price remained at $450, accessory prices were affected. Analysts suggest further price increases may occur post-launch, and the Entertainment Software Association has warned that the entire gaming industry will feel the impact of these economic pressures:

“You know what? It's been interesting with media coverage around video games and tariffs because just unfortunate coincidental timing that the Switch [2 reveal] was the same day as President Trump's announcement. There are so many devices we play video games on. There are other consoles, but as I was saying, VR headsets, our smartphones, people who love PC games, if we think it's just the Switch, then we aren't taking it seriously. This is going to have an impact.
“And even American-based companies, they're getting products that need to cross into American borders to make those consoles, to make those games. And so there's going to be a real impact regardless of company. This is company-agnostic, this is an entire industry. There's going to be an impact on the entire industry.”

These developments indicate that gaming is becoming more expensive across all platforms, reflecting broader economic trends and the rising costs of game development.