Microsoft is increasing the recommended retail pricing of its Xbox consoles, accessories, and select games globally, with significant price hikes now in effect.
What’s changing?
Starting today, the Xbox Series X console sees a price increase of $100, now costing $599.99. The Xbox Series S 512GB model also jumps by $80, moving from $299.99 to $379.99. The 1TB version now costs $429.99. Microsoft’s newly introduced Xbox Series X Digital Edition will retail for $549.99, while the 2TB Galaxy Black special edition hits a new high at $729.99.
In Europe and the UK, prices are being adjusted accordingly. For instance, the Xbox Series S (512GB) now costs €349.99 / £299.99, and the Xbox Series X (1TB) will go for €599.99 / £499.99.
Accessories aren’t spared
Controllers and headsets are also impacted. The standard Xbox wireless controller now carries a price tag of $64.99, and the wireless headset is priced at $119.99. These changes align with current retail listings but are now officially recommended prices.
Games join the hike
New first-party Xbox games launching during the 2025 holiday season will also carry higher price tags, moving from $69.99 to $79.99 mirroring premium pricing seen in Nintendo’s Switch 2 titles.
Game Pass remains unchanged for now
While hardware and game prices are rising, Microsoft confirmed that Xbox Game Pass pricing will remain unchanged for the time being.
Context and market implications
This move follows a similar price adjustment made in June 2023 and comes amid broader uncertainty around Trump-era tariffs and global economic shifts. Microsoft’s CEO, Satya Nadella, highlighted during the company’s recent earnings call that Xbox had become a leading publisher by preorders and installs across both Xbox and PlayStation stores.
While Sony also raised prices for its PS5 consoles in Europe earlier this month, Microsoft’s new pricing strategy appears to position the Xbox brand for stronger holiday season performance but at a steeper cost for gamers.
