May 3, 2025, 8:55 am | Read time: 2 minutes
One might expect a console to become cheaper rather than more expensive after five years on the market. However, Microsoft finds itself compelled to sell the Xbox at a significantly higher price due to the uncertain market conditions.
Recently, Sony announced a price increase for the PlayStation 5 — now Microsoft follows suit with the Xbox. The company is selling its consoles and accessories for 8 to 25 percent more. By the end of the year, even games are expected to become more expensive.
Price Increase for Xbox — Consoles and Accessories Now More Expensive
Starting May 1, new prices for Xbox consoles and controllers apply worldwide. The company announced this in a statement on the Xbox support page. Particularly affected are the Xbox Series S and Series X, which are now up to 25 percent more expensive than before:
Consoles
- Xbox Series S 512 GB: 349.99 euros (previously 279.99 euros) — 25 percent more expensive
- Xbox Series S 1 TB: 399.99 euros (previously 349.99 euros) — 14 percent more expensive
- Xbox Series X Digital: 549.99 euros (previously 449.99 euros) — 22 percent more expensive
- Xbox Series X: 599.99 euros (previously 499.99 euros) — 20 percent more expensive
Accessories
- Xbox Wireless Controller (Core): 64.99 euros (previously 59.99 euros) — 8 percent more expensive
- Xbox Wireless Controller (Color): 69.99 euros (previously 64.99 euros) — 8 percent more expensive
- Xbox Elite Wireless Controller Series 2: 199.99 euros (previously 179.99 euros) — 11 percent more expensive
You can find the new pricing structure for Xbox consoles and accessories in Europe here.
The Xbox Series X is now priced at 599.99 euros, even more expensive than the disc version of the PlayStation 5. However, the Series S 512 GB version is most affected by the price increase, costing 349.99 euros, a full 25 percent more than before. Xbox headsets are exempt from the price increase, as they will only become more expensive in the U.S. and Canada.
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Games Could Soon Cost Up to $80
While game prices remain unchanged for now, Microsoft has already hinted that this will change by the holiday season:
“We will adjust the prices for some of our new first-party games to $79.99 starting this holiday season. This update applies to both physical and digital versions. However, various games and expansions will continue to be offered at different prices.”
The company cites challenging market conditions and rising development costs as reasons. Unlike other electronics, game consoles are not exempt from increased U.S. import tariffs on goods from China. Nintendo has already postponed the presale of the new Switch 2 in the U.S. for this reason. Sony also cited “the difficult economic environment, including high inflation and fluctuating exchange rates” as reasons for the PS5 price increase.