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

Oh, man, so Microsoft just decided to bump up the prices on pretty much everything Xbox-related. I mean, sure, “market conditions” and “rising development costs,” right? Whatever that means. Now, if you’re eyeing an Xbox Series X, you’re looking at $599.99. Yup, that’s a hundred bucks more than before. And don’t get me started on those controllers—they’re now $64.99. Not what you’d call a steal.

They’ve said that come May 1, the price tags we’re used to seeing are kinda old news. Imagine trying to save up only to find out the price jumped when you weren’t looking. Been there. Microsoft is talking about hiking the prices of their new games too—those first-party ones you play on both Xbox and PC. We’re talking $79.99 for some holiday releases. Why do I feel like everything’s getting more expensive, but my wallet’s not? Just me?

Oh, and the fancy Xbox Series X with 1TB storage—it’s $599.99 now, up by a cool hundred. If you want to splurge on the Galaxy Black 2TB version, brace yourself for $729.99. Those numbers make my head spin. Seriously though, what happened to affordable gaming?

Quick flashback: I distinctly remember a time when gaming felt like this escape that didn’t break the bank. Guess those days are a bit of a blur now, right? Also, for those of you without an Ultra HD Blu-ray drive, that version’s up $100 too, priced at $549.99. Meanwhile, the Xbox Series S, that cute little thing, costs $379.99 for the 512GB version. Need more space? The 1TB is $429.99.

And controllers! Holy cow, even those are pricier. We’re talking $64.99 for the basic one. Headsets? Now they’re $119.99. Makes you wonder if these things have secret gold linings or something. Games priced at $79.99? That’s $10 more than before. It’s like they’re trying to compete with Nintendo’s pricing. Oh boy.

The new prices aren’t just a U.S. thing either. Europe, the U.K., Australia—they’re in this boat too. So we hear, rising development costs, trade policy ups and downs, yadda yadda. I suppose they “considered” this “carefully.” I always love that wording. Makes it sound all thoughtful and considerate. But come on, it’s still a price hike, let’s be real.

Good news—at least for now—is the Xbox Game Pass stays the same. I guess because they just messed with the prices last year and can’t do it again. Seems like Microsoft entertains us every year with these price dances. Funny how that works.

Anyway, if you’re looking to dive into the world of Xbox, just brace yourself for some wallet-ache. Or you could always distract yourself with a game or two. The joys of gaming!