Microsoft Increases Global Prices for Xbox Consoles, Controllers, Headsets, and Games Due to Market Conditions and Development Costs

Absolutely wild news from Microsoft this week — price jumps all over the place for the Xbox Series S and X, controllers, headsets, and yeah, even games. Talk about market gymnastics, huh? Now an Xbox Series X is gonna set you back $599.99. The basic controller? $64.99. And those shiny new games this holiday? Get ready to shell out $79.99. But hey, at least Xbox Game Pass is holding steady. Gotta find solace somewhere, right?

Microsoft’s like, "As of May 1, prices are adjusting globally." Which is corporate speak for: "Buckle up, wallets." Also, first-party games are getting nudged up to $79.99. Says it’s all due to "rising costs" but aren’t we all feeling that pinch?

The Series X with 1TB storage — now at $599.99, $100 more than before. Fancy a 2TB SSD in Galaxy Black? Well, that’s $729.99, up $130. No Ultra HD Blu-ray drive on your Series X? Yeah, that’s another $100 increase to $549.99. And if you’re looking at the Series S, the 512GB now costs $379.99 — $80 more. The 1TB version hit $429.99.

Swiping left on this news, here’s how the prices play out globally:

• Xbox Series S 512: $379.99 or €349.99 or £299.99
• Xbox Series S 1TB: $429.99 or €399.99 or £349.99
• Xbox Series X Digital: $549.99 or €549.99 or £449.99
• Xbox Series X: $599.99 or €599.99 or £499.99
• 2TB Galaxy Black Special Edition: $729.99 or €699.99 or £589.99

Controllers and accessories aren’t spared either — basic wireless? $64.99. The headset’s hitting $119.99. And the games, well, they’d better be worth the extra $10. They’re in good (or bad?) company with Nintendo’s Mario Kart World, leading the premium pricing charge.

It’s not just the U.S. feeling this — Australia, Europe, and the U.K. are right there too, thanks to those delightful trade policies and development costs squeezing everyone.

Microsoft says it’s all about "market conditions" and "offering value" to Xbox players. Still, change is hard. They know it — or want us to think they do.

Despite the hikes, Xbox Game Pass isn’t moving. Maybe they’re throwing us a bone since they bumped prices last year and slightly tweaked subs in June 2023. Gotta love when stability feels like a gift.

Catch all the latest chaos on Tom’s Hardware. Make sure to follow along for more eyebrow-raising updates.