Microsoft announced on Thursday that it will raise prices for its Xbox consoles globally, pointing to “market conditions” as the reason behind the hike—just days after Sony implemented a similar increase for its PlayStation 5. Reports Technology News
Alongside console pricing changes, the company also confirmed upcoming price hikes for select new titles developed by its in-house gaming studios.
In the United States, the entry-level Xbox Series S will see its price rise from $299.99 to $379.99—a 27% jump. The high-end Series X Galaxy Black edition will now retail at $729.99, up from its previous $599.99 price tag, marking a 22% increase. Meanwhile, select new releases from Microsoft-owned developers will be priced at $79.99, up 14% from the current $69.99.
In Europe, the Xbox Series S will increase from €299.99 to €349.99, reflecting a 17% hike. In Australia, the Series S will start at $549, while the Series X will retail at $849.
“We understand that these changes are challenging, and they were made with careful consideration given market conditions and the rising cost of development,” the company said on its website.
While Microsoft did not directly reference it, Donald Trump’s tariffs on key U.S. trading partners have cast a long shadow over the gaming industry, potentially contributing to rising production costs and price adjustments across the board.
