Microsoft Announces Price Hikes For Xbox Consoles, Games, And Accessories
World financial uncertainties leave their mark on the video game industry
Mike Lind
5/2/20251 min read
Something that will likely be a recurring topic for months, if not years to come, is the impact world trade will have on consumer goods like video games. It's being felt soon, as Xbox has stated a new price structure for Series X and Series S consoles, controllers, first party games, and other accessories worldwide. The news comes by way of an update to their support page.
Series S consoles which began at $300USD, will jump to a beginning price of $380. if you're looking for a 1TB Series S, it will now cost $430, a sharp increase from $350USD.
If you want a console with a disc drive, a Series X console will begin pricing at $600, while the 2TB galaxy Black Edition will run you $700(!!!). The full price changes are as follows:
Xbox Series S 512 $379.99
Xbox Series S 1TB $429.99
Xbox Series X Digital $549.99
Xbox Series X $599.99 Xbox Series X
2TB Galaxy Black Special Edition $729.99
Consoles
Headsets & Controllers
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
Xbox Elite Wireless Controller Series 2 (Core) $149.99
Xbox Elite Wireless Controller Series 2 (Full) $199.99 Xbox Stereo Headset $64.99
Xbox Wireless Headset $119.99
"We understand that these changes are challenging, and they were made with careful consideration given market conditions and the rising cost of development," the update reads. "Looking ahead, we continue to focus on offering more ways to play more games across any screen and ensuring value for Xbox players."
This is becoming an expensive hobby. If and/or when the global trade meltdown ends, the odds of these prices retracting are minimal. It likely will be a matter or time before PlayStation makes a similar "adjustment". We know where Nintendo's pricing of console and select first party games stand for the time being. Video games are fun, and escapism is a necessity. But people also have to eat and pay bills.