All Xbox Items Getting A Price Hike

Gamers worldwide feel the heat as Microsoft officially rolls out price increases across nearly all Xbox-related items. Everything under the Xbox banner is getting more expensive, from consoles and accessories to first-party games. This move comes amid global economic pressures, development cost hikes, and international tariff uncertainties, shaking up the gaming landscape just ahead of the 2025 holiday season.

Console Prices Going Up

Leading the list of price hikes are the Xbox Series consoles. The Xbox Series X, Microsoft’s flagship console, is now retailing for $599.99 in the U.S.—a $100 jump. The more budget-friendly Series S didn’t escape the bump either, now going for $379.99, up from its previous $299.

In European markets, prices have also risen, with the Series X hitting €599.99 and the Series S climbing to €349.99. U.K. gamers are seeing similar increases: £499.99 for the Series X and £299.99 for the Series S.

This marks the first significant console price shift for Microsoft since the current generation launched, and it places the Xbox Series X closer to high-end PC pricing—raising concerns among fans about affordability and competitiveness.

Games and Accessories Don’t Get Left Behind

Microsoft says it’s not only increasing the price of the hardware—it’s also raising the price of first-party games to $79.99 this holiday season. This follows a growing trend in the gaming industry where major publishers have started charging $70+ for new AAA titles.

With blockbuster exclusives and Game Pass hits expected soon, this change could shift how consumers view the cost of new games. Accessories are also being impacted: the Xbox Wireless Headset has gone up to $119.99, while the Elite Series 2 Controller now retails at $199.99. These are hefty price tags, especially for gamers who’ve already invested in the Xbox ecosystem but now need to spend even more to stay up-to-date.

Why the Price Hikes?

Microsoft explains the increases as a response to rising production and development costs and overall economic “uncertainty.” They’re not the only ones doing it—competitors like Sony and Nintendo have also adjusted pricing in recent months.

A big factor is inflation and rising labor costs in manufacturing. But perhaps most notably, U.S.-China trade tensions are playing a role. Many Xbox consoles and components are made in China, and tariffs on Chinese electronics—some as high as 145%—are significantly increasing costs. That added pressure makes it hard for companies to maintain last year’s pricing levels.

What This Means for Gamers

With prices now hitting or exceeding the $100+ range for accessories and games, gamers should consider the financial impact of upgrading hardware or buying new peripherals. Microsoft still highlights the value of Xbox Game Pass, which offers access to a large library of games for a monthly fee, as its way of maintaining accessibility.

But for players who prefer physical copies or high-end gear, there’s no escaping the fact: gaming is getting more expensive.

Final Thoughts

The price hikes are a significant moment in the Xbox story. While Microsoft isn’t alone in raising prices, the timing—right before the holidays—adds pressure on both casual and hardcore gamers. As economic conditions evolve, players should be prepared for more price shifts in the near future. For more gaming gear recommendations, check out Total Apex Gaming!