Microsoft is once again increasing the prices of its Xbox consoles in the US, just five months after implementing a global price hike. Effective October 3, the more affordable Xbox Series S will see a $20 increase, while the powerful Xbox Series X will cost an additional $50. The company cited “changes in the macroeconomic environment” as the reason for this latest adjustment.
Specifically for US consumers, the 512GB Xbox Series S model will rise from $379.99 to $399.99. The 1TB Series S will now be priced at $449.99, up from $429.99. For the Xbox Series X, the digital-only variant moves from $549.99 to $599.99, and the disc edition will jump to $649.99.
Even the premium 2TB Galaxy Black Special Edition of the Xbox Series X is seeing a significant $70 price increase, bringing its cost to $799.99. This new price point notably surpasses that of the PS5 Pro, which currently retails for $749.99 in the US.
In a statement, Microsoft acknowledged that “these changes are challenging” and were made “with careful consideration.” The company affirmed its commitment to “offering more ways to play more games across any screen and providing value for Xbox players.” This statement was shared on a support page detailing the new pricing.
These updated Xbox prices will officially take effect in the US on October 3. Importantly, Microsoft clarified that pricing for its consoles in other international markets will remain unchanged. Similarly, the cost of Xbox controllers and headsets is not expected to be affected by this latest hike.
Xbox’s Second Price Increase This Year
This isn’t the first time Xbox enthusiasts have faced a price adjustment this year. Microsoft previously increased the prices of its Xbox consoles and accessories in May, citing market conditions and rising development costs. That earlier hike saw the Xbox Series S consoles jump by $80 and the Series X by $100.
Furthermore, Microsoft had initially announced plans to increase the price of some first-party games from $70 to $80, starting this holiday season. “The Outer Worlds 2,” slated for an October 29 release on PC, PS5, and Xbox Series S/X, was set to be the first title affected. However, the company later reversed this decision in July, confirming that the game would retain the standard $70 price tag, aligning with industry norms for current-generation triple-A titles.
In reassuring news for gamers, Microsoft has confirmed that its other upcoming first-party releases will also avoid a price increase. The company stated, “We’re focused on bringing players incredible worlds to explore, and will keep our full priced holiday releases, including The Outer Worlds 2, at $69.99 – in line with current market conditions.”