DexertoIn a move that many expected, Xbox prices have seen a significant increase in 2025. And no, this isn’t a glitch or a temporary promotion.
Microsoft dropped the news on May 1: prices are going up on consoles, controllers, and soon, games. This increase is permanent and impossible to miss.
Game development costs are rising, inflation continues to take its toll, and Microsoft, like many others, is aiming to protect its profit margins. While Xbox raised hardware prices in 2023, this time the increases are more widespread and impactful.
Xbox is raising prices across the board
As announced by Microsoft, the Xbox Series X now costs $599.99, up $100 from before. The new 2TB Galaxy Black edition goes for a $729.99 price tag. That humble Series S (512GB) is now $379.99. The 1TB version climbs to $429.99. Even the digital-only Series X isn’t safe, jumping to $549.99.
Xbox Game StudiosSome Xbox first-party games will cost $79,99 starting this holiday season. This could potentially affect games like Fable, Gears of War: E-Day, and State of Decay 3, among others.
Controllers also got a bump. The standard wireless controller now sells for $64.99. Headset prices rose too, but only in the U.S. and Canada.
In their official statement, Microsoft said these were “careful” adjustments made based on “market conditions and the rising cost of development.”
| Product | Old Price | New Price | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Xbox Series X (1TB) | $499.99 | $599.99 | +$100 |
| Xbox Series S (512GB) | $299.99 | $379.99 | +$80 |
| Xbox Series S (1TB) | $349.99 | $429.99 | +$80 |
| Xbox Series X 2TB (Galaxy) | $599.99 | $729.99 | +$130 |
| Xbox Wireless Controller | $59.99 | $64.99 | +$5 |
| First-party Xbox Games (2025) | $69.99 | $79.99 | +$10 |
Despite the wave of hikes, Xbox Game Pass pricing isn’t changing. Microsoft confirmed that subscriptions remain untouched.
The new $79.99 game price isn’t just an Xbox problem. Nintendo is already there, and Sony has been flirting with it. Like streaming services, the industry is locking in a new normal, one price bump at a time.
