Today’s Xbox Summer Game Fest showcase delivered an exciting hour filled with significant revelations, ranging from a brand-new Call of Duty trailer to the introduction of Xbox’s innovative handheld PC device. Among the noteworthy announcements, the event also marked a pivotal moment in gaming history with the unveiling of the first-ever $80 Xbox game. The highly anticipated Outer Worlds 2, developed by Obsidian Entertainment, kicked off the showcase with an engaging trailer. Following the event, both Xbox and Obsidian presented further insights into this upcoming open-world RPG sequel.
As excitement built around the Outer Worlds 2, pre-orders opened, unveiling a shocking price point of $80. This news sparked a wave of negative reactions from the gaming community, but it was not entirely unexpected. Xbox had previously announced its plans to raise game prices to $80 during a press briefing in May. Furthermore, just last month, the company confirmed that it would also be increasing prices for all hardware and accessories.
While Xbox officials didn’t elaborate on the reasons behind the price hike, industry experts speculate that economic factors, including President Trump’s ongoing tariff war, may be influencing this decision. Although price increases for Xbox consoles and accessories are being observed globally, the disparity is particularly pronounced in the U.S. market. This strategic move to raise prices aligns with a broader trend in the gaming industry, which has seen several companies, including Nintendo, adopt similar pricing models.
It’s important to note that Xbox isn’t the first gaming company to set a game price at $80. Nintendo generated significant buzz when it announced that Mario Kart World on the Switch 2 would be priced at $80, sending ripples through the gaming community. Additionally, many analysts predict that highly anticipated titles, such as GTA 6, expected to launch in May 2026, will likely follow suit with similar pricing.
The gaming industry has not only adjusted to the $70 game price point in recent years but now stands on the brink of a new threshold as Xbox sets the precedent for $80 games. As one of the most popular and expensive hobbies, gaming continues to evolve, raising concerns about affordability for consumers. With Xbox leading the charge, it seems inevitable that other gaming companies will soon follow suit, further solidifying the trend towards higher gaming costs.
