Microsoft announced another round of price increases for all Xbox Series X|S consoles in the United States, taking effect October 3. This marks the second price hike in 2025, following earlier increases in May.
The price changes will only affect US customers, with Microsoft pointing to “changes in the macroeconomic environment” as the driving factor. Industry analysts widely connect these increases to tariffs affecting manufacturing in China and Vietnam, where Xbox consoles are produced.
How Much More Will You Pay?
Under the new pricing structure, the base model Xbox Series S (512GB) will increase by $20 to $399.99, while the 1TB version jumps to $449.99. The digital-only Xbox Series X faces a steeper $50 increase to $599.99, with the disc-drive version also rising $50 to $649.99. The premium 2TB Galaxy Black Special Edition sees the largest bump at $70, bringing it to $799.99.
For budget-conscious gamers, this represents a significant shift. The Xbox Series X now costs $150 more than it did in April 2025, when it was priced at $499.99 before the May increase.
“We understand that these changes are challenging, and they were made with careful consideration,” Microsoft stated on its website. The company emphasized it’s working on “offering more ways to play across any screen” for Xbox players.
Similar Posts
Industry-Wide Trend
Microsoft isn’t alone in raising console prices. Sony increased PlayStation 5 prices by $50 in August, though the PS5 still undercuts the Xbox Series X by approximately $100 following this latest hike. Nintendo also raised prices on original Switch consoles and Joy-Con 2 controllers after launching the Switch 2.
What makes these increases unusual is the timing. Historically, console prices decrease as systems age into the later stages of their lifecycle. Instead, this generation has seen multiple mid-cycle price increases across all major manufacturers.
For gamers considering a purchase, the October 3 deadline creates a brief window to buy at current prices. Some retailers may run promotions to clear inventory before the new recommended retail prices take effect.
The price increases also highlight the growing appeal of alternative gaming options. Microsoft continues to expand Xbox Cloud Gaming quality and availability, potentially offering a more affordable entry point for players unwilling to pay the higher hardware costs.
As the 2025 holiday season approaches, these significant price changes could reshape competitive dynamics in the console market, especially with the Xbox Series X now positioned at a notably higher price point than its rivals.