In a recent announcement, Microsoft, the renowned tech giant based in Washington, revealed a significant price increase for its highly sought-after Xbox consoles, controllers, games, and accessories in both the United States and Canada. The company cited challenging market conditions and escalating development costs as the primary reasons for this decision.
The rising prices are largely influenced by the severe tariffs imposed by former President Donald Trump on foreign goods, which have notably affected the tech industry. Most Xbox consoles and accessories are manufactured overseas, particularly in China, one of the largest hubs for imported technology. Although Microsoft did not explicitly mention China or the tariffs in its announcement, the implications of these external factors are evident.
According to Microsoft’s support page, the new pricing structure includes significant increases across various products. The Xbox Series S, which was previously priced at $299.99, will now retail for $379.99, marking an increase of $80 or 28%. Similarly, the Xbox Series X will see a price hike of $100, bringing its new price to $599.99, a 20% increase.
In addition to console prices, official Xbox controllers will also see a slight increase, going up by $5 from the usual $59.99. However, Microsoft has committed to keeping the prices for certain specialized controllers, such as the Adaptive Controller and the Adaptive Joystick designed for players with disabilities, unchanged.
For avid gamers, the price of new first-party Xbox game titles will rise by $10, now retailing at $79. Fortunately, Microsoft has stated that the prices for existing games will not be affected by this increase. In light of these adjustments, Microsoft acknowledged the challenges these changes may pose to its customers. The company emphasized that these decisions were made after careful consideration of the current market landscape and development costs.
Looking to the future, Microsoft reassured its community by stating, “We continue to focus on offering more ways to play more games across any screen and ensuring value for Xbox players.” The availability of the popular Xbox Series S and Xbox Series X consoles is expected to fluctuate over time, influenced by retailer stock and geographical factors.
For those looking to stay updated on Xbox products and pricing, it’s essential to monitor official announcements from Microsoft, as these changes will have a direct impact on the gaming experience in North America.
