Man, so get this. Microsoft just tossed out this bombshell about jacking up prices on the Xbox stuff. I mean, we’re talking about everything from the Series S and X consoles to controllers and headsets. Seriously, even the games are getting a bump. All because of “market conditions”—whatever that means, right? So, now an Xbox Series X? It’s gonna hurt your wallet at $599.99 or €599.99, and if you want a base controller—that’s $64.99. And the new games this holiday? Brace yourself, they’re $79.99. It’s like, come on Microsoft!
They laid it out in some statement: “We’ve shifted prices worldwide as of May 1 for consoles and stuff. Oh, and expect the games to start at $79.99 this holiday.” Typical corporate speak. The Series X with a 1TB drive? Bumped a hundred bucks to $599.99. Then, in swoops the fancy Galaxy Black 2TB version at $729.99. That’s up $130, in case you were wondering. I bet your head is spinning—mine is too.
And hey, let’s not forget that big price jump on the Xbox Series S, which is up by $80 to now a cool $379.99. What a mess. The regular Series X without the snazzy Ultra HD Blu-ray? Oh, that’s $549.99. Awesome, if you’ve got cash to burn.
Now, dive into the money pit for accessories. The plain wireless controller? $64.99 should do it. Oh, and if you need a wireless headset? Well, you’re gonna cough up $119.99. But, here’s the kicker: brand new first-party game titles are shooting up to $79.99 around the holidays. I mean, it’s like Mario Kart World pricing. Who even decided these numbers?
Let’s talk geography—even outside the U.S., in places like Australia and Europe, people aren’t safe from the price hikes. Microsoft says this is because of costly development and, oh joy, trade policy uncertainty. And then there’s the little nugget about previously hiking prices mid-2024 after some June 2023 changes to subscriptions.
Microsoft wraps it up with some “careful consideration” talk about offering more games and whatnot, trying to make it sound hopeful. I guess, silver lining? Xbox Game Pass prices stay put—for now. Means there might be a glimmer of hope this madness won’t touch the subscription front… yet.
Oh yeah, if you’re still with me, Tom’s Hardware can keep you posted on this whirlwind. Because, duh, who doesn’t want more of this chaos delivered straight to their inbox? Follow them on Google News for even more fun and games.
