In a significant move impacting gamers worldwide, Xbox has announced an increase in the pricing of its consoles and controllers due to the tariffs enacted during the Trump administration. This decision also comes with the expectation of a price hike for some of its upcoming first-party games, set to take effect this holiday season.
As of today, the recommended retail price for the Xbox Series X has been raised to $599.99, marking a $100 increase from its previous price. The Xbox Series S, a more affordable option, will now retail for $379, up from $299.99. This adjustment reflects the ongoing economic pressures and market conditions that have affected the gaming industry.
While existing games will maintain their current prices, Xbox plans to raise the price of some upcoming first-party titles from the standard $69.99 to $79.99. This change will apply to both digital and physical versions of the games. Although a specific date for this price increase has not been provided, Xbox has confirmed that it will take effect during the holiday season. Furthermore, Xbox assures that “different games and expansions will continue to be offered at a variety of price points,” giving gamers options in their purchasing decisions.
In addition to console prices, Xbox has also indicated that pricing for headsets will experience changes in both the U.S. and Canada. However, the prices for the adaptive controller and adaptive joystick will remain unchanged. This strategic pricing approach aims to cater to the diverse needs of gamers, including those requiring specialized equipment.
According to Xbox, these pricing changes were made after careful consideration of the current market conditions and the rising costs associated with game development. An Xbox representative stated, “We understand that these changes are challenging, and they were made with careful consideration given market conditions and the rising cost of development.” The company emphasizes its commitment to providing gamers with various options to play their favorite titles across different screens while maintaining value for Xbox players.
The announcement of the price increase follows Microsoft’s recent quarterly earnings report, which highlighted a 5% increase in overall gaming revenue, despite a 6% decline in hardware sales. In a related move, Nintendo announced last month that it would retain the previously set price of $449.99 for its upcoming Switch 2 console, although it would increase prices for certain accessories due to tariff uncertainties.
As the gaming landscape continues to evolve amid economic challenges, gamers can expect to see shifts in pricing strategies from major companies like Xbox. For the latest updates on pricing and product availability, gamers are encouraged to stay informed through official Xbox channels.
