Microsoft Bumps Up Xbox Prices Worldwide, Games to Follow at $80

Microsoft just rolled out some major price increases for its Xbox consoles and accessories, and it’s catching attention everywhere. Across the board, Xbox hardware is going up by $80 to $100, and by the end of the year, we’ll be seeing new games priced at $79.99 too.

Let’s break down what’s changing. Here are the updated console prices:

• Xbox Series S (512 GB) now $379 (was $300)
• Xbox Series S (1 TB) now $430 (was $350)
• Xbox Series X Digital now $550 (was $450)
• Xbox Series X now $600 (was $500)
• Xbox Series X (2 TB) now $740 (was $600)

Accessories like controllers and headsets aren’t spared either, with many seeing price bumps too.

While Microsoft hasn’t said much about the cause, it’s hard to ignore the timing. The US recently imposed heavy tariffs on Chinese imports, between 125% and 145%, and since Xbox hardware is largely made in China, these cost spikes were likely unavoidable. Though Microsoft didn’t mention the tariffs directly, they did release a statement saying the changes were made carefully, with current market pressures and the growing costs of development in mind.

“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”

This price hike doesn’t stop at hardware. Microsoft also confirmed that starting this holiday season, some first-party games will be priced at $79.99. This matches a similar move from Nintendo, which priced Mario Kart World at $80 not long ago. Industry watchers suspected others would follow, and here we are.

“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.”

On the upside, Microsoft reminded gamers that buying digital games on the Xbox Store includes Xbox Play Anywhere. That means a single purchase lets you play the game on both your Xbox console and your PC, no extra charge.

While fans might be frustrated, Microsoft is unlikely to be alone for long. With the tariffs affecting the entire industry, we could see Sony and Nintendo following suit in the near future. For now, though, Xbox players are feeling the pinch first.