Microsoft Raises Prices on Xbox Consoles, Accessories, and Games — Players Brace for a Costlier Future

Gamers around the world are waking up to a wave of price increases from Microsoft that affects nearly everything in the Xbox ecosystem — from consoles to controllers, and even game prices looming on the horizon. As of today, May 1, 2025, these new prices are officially in effect across most regions.

In a statement to IGN, Microsoft acknowledged the tough news:

“We understand that these changes present a challenge, and they were made with market conditions and rising development costs in mind. Going forward, we remain committed to delivering more ways to play more games across any screen and providing value to Xbox players.”

What’s Going Up and Where?

The new pricing affects consoles and accessories globally, with the notable exception of Xbox headsets, which will only see price changes in the United States and Canada. Here’s how the updated pricing now looks for European buyers:

  • Xbox Series S (512 GB): €349.99

  • Xbox Series S (1 TB): €399.99

  • Xbox Series X (Digital): €549.99

  • Xbox Series X: €599.99

  • Xbox Series X 2TB Galaxy Special Edition: €699.99

As for controllers:

  • Standard Xbox Wireless Controller (Core): €64.99

  • Colored Editions: €69.99

  • Special Editions: €79.99

  • Limited Editions: €89.99

  • Elite Series 2 (Core): €149.99

  • Elite Series 2 (Complete): €199.99

While the prices of first-party games haven’t changed just yet, Microsoft has confirmed that new titles will begin rolling out at €79.99 / $79.99 later this year, likely around the holiday season.

Which Games Might Get the €80 Tag?

Although the company hasn’t provided a list of specific titles, several high-profile projects could potentially carry the new price tag. Among them are:

  • The next Call of Duty installment

  • The long-awaited reboot of Fable, now delayed until 2026

  • Perfect Dark’s revival

  • Clockwork Revolution by inXile

  • Everwild from Rare — which Phil Spencer recently tested

  • Gears of War: E-Day from The Coalition

  • OD, the enigmatic new project by Hideo Kojima

  • State of Decay 3 from Undead Labs

  • A new title in the works from Double Fine, creators of Psychonauts

Fans are expected to get more clarity during June’s Xbox Games Showcase 2025, followed by a dedicated Direct for The Outer Worlds 2.

A Trend Sweeping the Industry

Microsoft isn’t the only one adjusting its pricing model. Just last week, Sony announced a second round of PlayStation price hikes across the UK, Europe, Australia, and New Zealand — the second such increase in just three years.

The broader gaming industry has been steadily raising prices over the last half-decade. What used to be a $60 price tag for AAA games has crept up to $70 — and in some cases, even higher. Nintendo recently set a new precedent with Mario Kart World, a Switch 2 exclusive, priced at $80. The upcoming Switch 2 console itself is expected to launch at €510, a move that has drawn criticism from longtime fans but has been defended by analysts citing today’s challenging economic landscape.

However, Nintendo’s plans may not be set in stone. New U.S. tariffs are reportedly forcing the company to rethink pricing strategies, with analysts speculating that further price bumps could follow after launch.

A Global Issue Beyond Consoles

The Entertainment Software Association (ESA) has also weighed in on the mounting economic pressure. A spokesperson pointed out that this isn’t an isolated case — it’s an industry-wide concern:

“The reveal of the Switch 2 coinciding with a major tariff announcement from President Trump was unfortunate timing, but it’s telling. The gaming landscape includes much more than just consoles — we’re talking about VR headsets, smartphones, and PCs, too. Any company involved in hardware production is feeling the squeeze. This isn’t just Nintendo or Microsoft. It’s a systemic issue affecting the whole industry.”

Even companies headquartered in the U.S. are not immune. Many of the parts used in gaming hardware must cross international borders, which makes them susceptible to tariffs and inflation. The resulting increase in production and logistics costs is now trickling down to consumers.

A Shift in Strategy — And a New Normal?

For Microsoft, this is the first time prices for the Xbox Series S have risen since the system launched in 2020. Notably, when Sony raised PS5 prices in 2022, Microsoft pledged to hold its own rates steady. But that changed in 2023 when the Xbox Series X saw a price increase in most countries, excluding the U.S. Meanwhile, Game Pass — one of the company’s biggest selling points — has also undergone several global price hikes in recent years.

The current wave of price adjustments may signal a new normal in gaming, one where premium experiences come with a premium cost. While Microsoft emphasizes its ongoing investment in accessibility and cross-platform gameplay, there’s no denying the strain that these changes place on consumers — especially in an economic climate already stretched by inflation, tariffs, and global instability.

The Bottom Line

No matter which platform you prefer — Xbox, PlayStation, Nintendo, or PC — it’s becoming increasingly clear: gaming is getting more expensive. While companies like Microsoft promise continued innovation and value, players may need to brace themselves for fewer impulse purchases and more selective spending habits.

In a world where the price of play keeps climbing, many gamers are left wondering: Is this the future of fun — or the cost of staying in the game?