Xbox Price Increase: Consoles, Controllers & Games Cost More

Xbox Price Adjustments Announced by Microsoft

On Thursday, Microsoft revealed that it will be implementing price increases across a range of its Xbox products.

Console Price Updates

The price adjustments will affect Xbox Series X and Xbox Series S consoles. Retailers are being advised to increase prices by $80 to $100, contingent on the specific model.

Initially launched nearly five years ago, the Xbox Series S and Series X were priced at $299.99 and $499.99, respectively. Microsoft is now suggesting a retail price of $379.99 for the entry-level Xbox Series S and $599.99 for the Xbox Series X.

Controller and Game Pricing Changes

The standard Xbox Wireless Controller will see a price increase to $64.99. Furthermore, the Elite Series 2 controllers will be priced at $149.99 and $199.99, depending on the particular variant.

Xbox is also adjusting the pricing structure for its first-party game titles. Select games, starting this holiday season, will be available for $79.99.

Industry Trend and Reasoning

This move by Xbox mirrors a similar decision made by Nintendo, who also increased the price of its first-party games to $79.99 for upcoming titles on the Switch 2 console.

Microsoft has indicated that these price adjustments were made after careful evaluation of current market conditions and the increasing expenses associated with game development.

Impact of Tariffs

The decision is potentially linked to proposed tariffs on imported goods, previously announced during the administration of President Donald Trump. These tariffs also influenced the preorder phase for the Nintendo Switch 2.

Similar to Xbox, Nintendo responded by raising prices on certain accessories, while still aiming to launch the Switch 2 console at a price point of $449.99.