Much to the chagrin of already cost-conscious consumers, Microsoft announced Thursday it will raise retail prices for its Xbox consoles and games.
In a newly released brand announcement, Microsoft states new costs for consoles and peripherals, like controllers and headsets, will take effect immediately.
Game prices, unchanged at the time of writing, will reach $79.99 by the 2025 holiday season.
Nearly all price changes will affect consumers worldwide; headset costs will only rise for gamers in the United States and Canada.
The brand states that pricing for their Adaptive Controller and Adaptive Joystick will remain unchanged.
Microsoft’s statement, issued via its Xbox Support website, opens with:
As of May 1, we have adjusted recommended retailer pricing for our consoles and controllers worldwide. We also expect to adjust the pricing of some of our new, first-party games starting this holiday season to $79.99. Those titles purchased on the Xbox Store have the benefit of Xbox Play Anywhere, allowing players to buy once and play on console and PC at no additional cost.
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.
Hikes on five-year-old hardware is an interesting strategy, but less surprising when you remember the brand reported abysmal console sales figures earlier this year.
What to Expect
Microsoft revealed updated pricing for consoles and impacted accessories, and they’re…something.
Console Costs
- Xbox Series S 512 — $379.99 (was $299.99)
- Xbox Series S 1TB — $429.99 (was $349.99)
- Xbox Series X Digital — $549.99 (was $449.99)
- Xbox Series X — $599.99 (was $499.99)
- Xbox Series X 2TB Galaxy Special Edition — $729.99 (was $599.99)
Peripheral Pricing
- 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 (was $79.99)
- Xbox Elite Wireless Controller Series 2 (Core) — $149.99 (was $139.99)
- Xbox Elite Wireless Controller Series 2 (Full) — $199.99 (was $179.99)
- Xbox Stereo Headset — $64.99
- Xbox Wireless Headset — $119.99 (was $109.99)
Woof. I need a Tums.
Mixed feelings aside, we’ll likely find out more when the Xbox Games Showcase and The Outer Worlds 2 Direct air on June 8.
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A lifelong gamer raised on classic titles like Crash Bandicoot, Spyro, and Croc, Stephanie brings her expertise of gaming and pop culture to deliver unique, refreshing views on the world of video games, complete with references to absurd and obscure media.
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