Microsoft has officially raised the price of all Xbox Series consoles, accessories, and select first-party games, with changes taking effect as of May 1, 2025. This sweeping move affects every corner of the Xbox ecosystem and comes just months before the competitive holiday shopping season.
With console costs jumping by as much as $130 and new game prices hitting $79.99, Microsoft is signaling a shift in its pricing strategy — one that aligns with broader industry trends but may leave gamers with sticker shock.
Xbox Console Price Increases: What’s Changed?
Here’s a breakdown of the new Xbox console prices in the U.S.:
| Console Model | Old Price | New Price | Increase |
|---|---|---|---|
| Xbox Series X (1TB) | $499.99 | $599.99 | +$100 |
| Xbox Series S (512GB) | $299.99 | $379.99 | +$80 |
| Xbox Series S (1TB) | $349.99 | $429.99 | +$80 |
| Xbox Series X Digital Edition (1TB) | $449.99 | $549.99 | +$100 |
| Xbox Series X 2TB Galaxy Black Special Ed. | $599.99 | $729.99 | +$130 |
You can see the latest prices on Xbox consoles and accessories on Amazon here: https://amzn.to/4d4dQf4
The price hikes come just months after the October 2024 refresh of the Xbox Series X, codenamed “Brooklin,” which introduced a sleeker, disc-less cylindrical design with improved internal components, 2TB of storage, and support for Wi-Fi 6E and Bluetooth 5.2.
First-Party Xbox Games Will Now Cost $79.99
Microsoft has confirmed that starting this holiday season, newly released first-party Xbox games will debut at $79.99 — a $10 increase from the $69.99 price point adopted during the Xbox Series X|S generation. This change brings Xbox in line with pricing already established by Sony and Nintendo for many of their AAA releases.
While Microsoft hasn’t confirmed which titles will carry the new pricing, major releases expected in late 2025 — possibly including titles from the Gears of War or Fable franchises — are likely candidates.
Accessory Price Hikes
The price bumps extend to accessories, including controllers and headsets:
| Accessory | New Price |
|---|---|
| Xbox Wireless Controller (Core) | $64.99 |
| Xbox Controller (Color Variants) | $69.99 |
| Xbox Controller (Special Edition) | $79.99 |
| Xbox Controller (Limited Edition) | $89.99 |
| Xbox Elite Controller Series 2 (Core) | $150.00 |
| Xbox Elite Controller Series 2 (Full) | $200.00 |
| Xbox Wireless Headset | $120.00 |
These changes follow the release of Microsoft’s new “Sebile” controller, which introduces a rechargeable, swappable battery and improved connectivity — but also arrives at a higher price.
Why the Sudden Price Increases?
Microsoft points to several converging economic pressures:
- Inflation and Supply Chain Woes: Ongoing inflation and lingering supply chain disruptions have increased production costs for hardware.
- Development Costs: AAA game development budgets now regularly exceed hundreds of millions of dollars. Higher retail prices help recoup these escalating investments.
- Tariffs and Trade Tensions: U.S. tariffs on imported electronics, particularly from China, have raised the cost of components and assembly.
- Parity with Competitors: Sony and Nintendo have already pushed prices upward for their consoles and games. Microsoft appears to be following suit rather than undercutting them.
What Else Is New in the Xbox Ecosystem?
Despite the higher prices, Microsoft has continued to refine the Xbox experience:
- Storage Expansion: Beta firmware now allows for external drives larger than 16TB using partitioning.
- Network Tools: New indicators help diagnose internet connection quality, especially for Xbox Cloud Gaming users.
- User Experience: UI tweaks have improved navigation, customization, and performance across the Series X|S dashboard.
Holiday Outlook: What Should Gamers Expect?
With Xbox hardware, games, and accessories all getting more expensive, buyers may be more discerning this holiday season. But Microsoft’s Xbox Game Pass, which remains at its current pricing tier (for now), could continue to serve as a cost-effective gateway to gaming. The subscription service now offers access to hundreds of titles, including day-one first-party releases.
If you’re looking to buy a new Xbox console, it may be wise to track retailer bundles, trade-in programs, or limited-time promotions — especially as Black Friday and Cyber Monday approach. Microsoft has not ruled out potential discounts later in the year, but they’re also not guaranteed.
Microsoft’s decision to raise prices across its Xbox lineup reflects the realities of a more expensive gaming industry. Whether the higher costs will impact sales — or simply become the new normal — remains to be seen. One thing is certain: the $500 console is officially a thing of the past.
Xbox Series X Overview
When it comes to choosing an Xbox console, there’s no better bet for power and performance than the Xbox Series X. As Microsoft’s flagship console, it stands at the top of the Xbox family, delivering the most advanced gaming technology the brand has ever offered. Whether you’re chasing ultra-high frame rates or exploring massive open worlds in 4K, the Series X is built to exceed expectations.
In 2025, the Xbox Series X lineup has grown to include multiple versions, offering gamers more choice without compromising on performance. The original model continues to impress with its sleek, monolithic design and robust specs, while newer variants like the disc-less Xbox Series X “Brooklin” bring a fresh cylindrical design, 2TB of internal storage, and next-gen connectivity with Wi-Fi 6E and Bluetooth 5.2. This model is not just a visual refresh—it includes a redesigned motherboard and improved thermal system for quieter, more efficient operation.
No matter which version you choose, the heart of the Series X experience remains the same: raw power. With 12 teraflops of GPU performance, 8-core AMD Zen 2 CPU, and 16GB of GDDR6 memory, the console delivers incredibly detailed worlds, faster load times, and unmatched graphical fidelity. Games run at up to 120 frames per second in 4K resolution, making everything from competitive shooters to cinematic RPGs look and feel extraordinary.
One of the standout features of the Series X is DirectX ray tracing, which brings realistic lighting, shadows, and reflections to life. This technology makes in-game environments more immersive and visually striking—whether you’re sneaking through neon-lit cyberpunk alleys or exploring sun-soaked fantasy realms. Paired with a 4K HDR TV, the visual experience is simply stunning.
Storage also gets a serious upgrade with a custom NVMe SSD that powers the Xbox Velocity Architecture. Load times are slashed to seconds, and Quick Resume allows you to jump between multiple games without waiting or losing your progress. For players who manage large game libraries, the 1TB (or 2TB in the Brooklin model) capacity means less juggling and more playing.
The updated controller—especially the new “Sebile” model—features a refined ergonomic design, improved haptics, and a rechargeable, swappable battery system. It’s designed to complement the Series X’s seamless experience, bringing better precision and comfort to every game session.
If you’re a gamer who values cutting-edge performance, responsive gameplay, and breathtaking visuals, the Xbox Series X remains the best choice in Microsoft’s console lineup. It’s not just a step forward—it’s a leap into the future of gaming.
Xbox Console Features
Xbox consoles offer a range of capabilities that enhance gaming experiences. Each model provides different levels of performance, support for older games, and access to exclusive titles that can only be played on Xbox systems.
Performance and Graphics
The Xbox Series X stands as Microsoft’s most powerful console to date. It delivers 4K gaming at up to 120 frames per second, creating incredibly smooth gameplay. The system includes a custom AMD processor and 12 teraflops of GPU power.
The Series S offers a more affordable option while still providing next-gen performance. It targets 1440p resolution rather than 4K, making it perfect for gamers with standard HDTVs.
Both consoles feature:
- Quick Resume: Switch between multiple games instantly
- Xbox Velocity Architecture: Faster load times
- Variable Refresh Rate: Smoother visuals with compatible displays
The Series X includes a 1TB SSD, while the Series S comes with a 512GB SSD. Storage can be expanded on both systems with the Seagate Storage Expansion Card.
Backward Compatibility
Xbox offers impressive support for older games across multiple console generations. Players can access titles from four generations of Xbox, including original Xbox, Xbox 360, and Xbox One games.
Many backward compatible games receive enhancements on newer hardware. These include:
- Auto HDR: Adds high dynamic range to older games
- FPS Boost: Increases frame rates on select titles
- Enhanced visuals: Better resolution and texture filtering
The Series X can play physical discs from previous Xbox consoles, making it ideal for gamers with existing collections. The Series S is digital-only, so backward compatible games must be purchased digitally.
Most Xbox One accessories also work with the new consoles, saving players money when upgrading.
Exclusive Titles
Xbox consoles provide access to franchises that can’t be played on other platforms. Major exclusive series include:
- Halo: The iconic sci-fi shooter featuring Master Chief
- Forza: Both Motorsport (simulation) and Horizon (open-world) racing games
- Gears of War: The intense third-person cover shooter
All new first-party games arrive on Xbox Game Pass on day one. This subscription service gives players immediate access to hundreds of games without additional purchase.
Xbox has expanded its studio lineup in recent years. Bethesda’s acquisition brings franchises like The Elder Scrolls, Fallout, and DOOM exclusively to Xbox platforms. The Activision Blizzard deal adds Call of Duty, Diablo, and more to the Xbox family.
Choosing the Right Xbox for You
Selecting an Xbox depends largely on how much you want to spend and what types of games you enjoy playing. Each Xbox model offers different features that might matter more or less depending on your specific needs.
Budget Considerations
The Xbox Series X and Series S have different price points that fit various budgets. The Series S is the more affordable option, typically costing about $300, while the Series X runs around $500. This $200 difference is significant for many shoppers.
What does this price difference get you? The Series X offers more storage—1TB compared to the Series S’s 512GB. This means players won’t need to buy extra storage as quickly with the X model.
For those on a tight budget, the Series S provides excellent value. It still plays all the same games as its bigger brother, just at lower resolutions. Many gamers don’t notice or care about the visual differences, especially on smaller TVs.
Game Preferences
The type of games you play should influence which Xbox you buy. The Series X is more powerful and supports true 4K gaming, making it ideal for visually-rich titles and competitive games where every frame matters.
Do you prefer physical game discs? The Series X includes a disc drive while the Series S is digital-only. This matters for collectors, those who buy used games, or people with slow internet connections who don’t want to download huge game files.
Some older Xbox games run better on Series X through backward compatibility. Players with large libraries of Xbox One games might appreciate these performance boosts.
For casual gamers who mainly play indie titles or use Xbox Game Pass, the Series S offers nearly identical experiences at a lower cost. Most popular multiplayer games run smoothly on both systems.
Frequently Asked Questions
Xbox consoles have evolved with different features, performance levels, and price points. Players often have specific questions about which model best fits their gaming needs and budget.
What is the difference between Xbox Series X and Series S?
The Xbox Series X and Series S differ mainly in power, storage, and price. The Xbox Series X has more power and nearly twice the storage capacity of the Series S.
Series X supports true 4K gaming while Series S targets 1440p resolution. Series X includes a disc drive, but Series S is digital-only with no disc slot.
The Series X costs more but offers premium performance for serious gamers. Series S provides a more affordable entry point to next-gen gaming.
Which Xbox console is known for having the best value for the price?
The Xbox Series S offers excellent value with its lower price point while still delivering next-gen gaming capabilities. It provides access to the same game library as the Series X for much less money.
The Xbox One S was also known for great value during its generation. It combined 4K video streaming, a UHD Blu-ray player, and solid gaming performance at a mid-range price.
Xbox Game Pass further enhances the value of any Xbox console by providing access to hundreds of games for a monthly fee.
What are the top features that distinguish the best Xbox consoles?
The best Xbox consoles feature powerful processors and graphics capabilities. The Series X stands out with its ability to run games at 4K resolution and up to 120 frames per second.
Quick Resume is a standout feature on newer Xbox consoles. It lets players switch between multiple games without losing progress.
Backward compatibility is another key feature, with newer Xbox consoles able to play games from previous generations. This gives players access to thousands of titles across the Xbox library.
How does the Xbox One S compare to newer models?
The Xbox One S lacks the processing power of Series X and Series S. Games load slower and run at lower framerates on the older hardware.
However, the One S still offers 4K video streaming and a UHD Blu-ray drive. Many players find it suitable for casual gaming and media consumption.
Most new games still release on Xbox One S, though this will change as developers focus more on next-gen hardware.
Which Xbox console is recommended for hardcore gamers?
The Xbox Series X is the best choice for hardcore gamers seeking top performance. Its powerful hardware delivers 4K gaming at high frame rates with minimal loading times.
Series X has 1TB of storage compared to Series S’s 512GB. This extra space is valuable for players with large game libraries.
Serious gamers who want the best visual fidelity, fastest load times, and smoothest gameplay will benefit most from the Series X’s premium features.
Can you list the best Xbox consoles for overall gaming experience?
The Xbox Series X tops the list for overall gaming experience. It offers the best graphics, fastest loading times, and most storage space of any Xbox.
Many gamers consider the Xbox 360 one of the best consoles ever made due to its excellent game library and groundbreaking online features.
The Xbox Series S ranks highly for players who want next-gen features at a lower price point. It delivers impressive performance despite its smaller size and lower cost.
