Microsoft shocks with hefty Xbox price hike, games to cost $80

[zohaibahd]

Facepalm: As of today, the entry-level Xbox Series S will cost $379.99 for the 512GB model and $429.99 for the 1TB version – an $80 to $130 increase over last year's pricing. Meanwhile, the Xbox Series X Digital has jumped to $549.99, and the flagship Series X now carries a hefty $599.99 price tag. Even premium models like the limited-edition 2TB Galaxy Series X haven't been spared, rising from $599.99 to a steep $729.99.

Microsoft has unleashed a wave of price hikes across its Xbox hardware and software lineup, citing market pressures and rising development costs. Nearly the entire lineup is affected, from the latest Xbox Series X and S consoles to accessories like controllers and headsets.

Most of Microsoft's Xbox accessories have also seen noticeable price hikes. The standard wireless controller now starts at $64.99, while colored versions are priced at $69.99. The premium Elite Series 2 controller is now $149.99 for the core model and $199.99 for the complete package. Headsets aren't immune either: the basic stereo headset is now $64.99, and the highly-rated wireless version has increased from $109.99 to $119.99.

Still, the real kick in the shins may be yet to come for avid gamers. Microsoft's statement adds that it plans to standardize pricing for some of its upcoming first-party game releases at a premium $79.99 price point. The company has attempted to soften the blow by highlighting the "value" of its Xbox Play Anywhere initiative, which allows players to access purchased games on both console and PC.

"We understand that these changes are challenging, and they were made with careful consideration given market conditions and the rising cost of development," it added.

Reading between the lines, supply chain issues and broader economic pressures have likely contributed to the decision. Regardless of the reasons, the hikes make switching to – or staying within – the Xbox ecosystem a more premium proposition.

With the holiday release schedule still months away, it remains to be seen whether Microsoft has any surprise rabbits to pull from its hat to ease the sticker shock. The company's next big reveal is scheduled for the Xbox Summer Showcase on June 8.

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Microsoft shocks with hefty Xbox price hike, games to cost $80

 

[NumberNine]

Not really shocking, most informed people fully expected this after Nintendo decided to lead by example with the Switch 2. Can't leave money on the table. Price fixing requires solidarity.

 

[yRaz]

Not really shocking, most informed people fully expected this after Nintendo decided to lead by example with the Switch 2. Can't leave money on the table. Price fixing requires solidarity.

Before I buy a game I ask for around $1/hr for entertainment. As long as they meet that criteria then I will consider it a good buy. I typically wait for steam sales anyway. Before Oblivion remastered, the last game I paid full price for was BG3

 

[Kotters]

Xbox is the last of the big three to raise prices. This isn't really a surprise.

 

[m4a4]

Just makes me feel even better moving to PC only gaming years ago.
Don't remember the last AAA game I bought at full price (or wanted to). AA and "lower" games have been great to play while big companies keep showing consumers how greedy and out of touch they are.

 

[0dium]

Well. I remember times where they decided you can't borrow games from I friend. They quickly rolled back that decision. So... there's PlayStation

 

[GABulldog]

I play a lot of early access games on Steam. Why? For one they're cheaper and number two the developers are always involved with the game. I would say the early access games are the same or better than these high profile games that are more expensive. I am always willing to support new independent game developers if they make a good game.

 

[airbornex]

It feels like Microsoft is quietly repositioning Xbox as a premium ecosystem, but at these prices, they’ll need more than just Game Pass to keep people from reconsidering.

 

[kira setsu]

I play a lot of early access games on Steam. Why? For one they're cheaper and number two the developers are always involved with the game. I would say the early access games are the same or better than these high profile games that are more expensive. I am always willing to support new independent game developers if they make a good game.

I don't think bragging that you buy unfinished games is a hill to cheer on pal?

you're just a playtester who isn't getting paid, sure, some games will honor their promise and actually release a true product but steam is riddled with broken, abandoned early access money traps, probably more of those than actual ea games that reached the finish line.

hell, the fact that early access games are now brave enough to offer expansions/dlc & whatnot for cash for their raw *** games is probably one of the most f***ed up things happening in the industry.

 

[umeng2002]

Now all they need are games

 

[toooooot]

Little did they know that they soulless uninspired games were the main reason for making less and less money

 

[Kirby1]

Microsoft has actually been crushing it lately with game pass releases. They're finally offering some good value with their subscription.

 

[GABulldog]

I don't think bragging that you buy unfinished games is a hill to cheer on pal?

you're just a playtester who isn't getting paid, sure, some games will honor their promise and actually release a true product but steam is riddled with broken, abandoned early access money traps, probably more of those than actual ea games that reached the finish line.

hell, the fact that early access games are now brave enough to offer expansions/dlc & whatnot for cash for their raw *** games is probably one of the most f***ed up things happening in the industry.

What you said was total nonsense. It sounds like you picked the wrong games. Who's fault is that? You actually sound like a poster child for the corporate gaming companies.

Who cares if the game isn't a "finished product" as you say, just as long the developer is active in the game development and advancements. So far the early access games I've been playing the developers have been active everyday, updating and refining the game. Even if you initially had to pay $10 for a DLC plus the cost of the game which is about $15, it still comes out cheaper than paying $80 for a game. That's also not including paying for a game pass.

 

[GodisanAtheist]

And here come the rolling waves of inflation...

Thank god we elected Donald to solve the whole inflation issue.

 

[LimyG]

Better they release a new more powerful console. It would have to be better, at least by decent amount than PS 5 Pro.

4K gaming on a large OLED TV at at least 60fps full scale. Or 120fps with DLSS, FSR, and hopefully no frame gen tricks.

That would match a decent but not high end 2025 gaming rig.

Asking for too much. Maybe. But so are MS with their across the board price hikes for the hardware.

Games price hikes are more understandable, especially as they have, "Game Pass," which works for many.

I'm 100% PC, but a powerful console for under $900 that performs as well as as a fairly decent gaming rig would be a bargain. And great for TV large screen high res, HD.

I wouldn't buy the long in the tooth xbox s, or xbox x premium console. Too weak for non compromized 4k large TV gaming.

I know it very unlikely. But it would be a bold move. With the right games they may do very very well. Might. It's not like MS to do anything that people want, so I guess I should just dream on!!

 

[LimyG]

What you said was total nonsense. It sounds like you picked the wrong games. Who's fault is that? You actually sound like a poster child for the corporate gaming companies.

Who cares if the game isn't a "finished product" as you say, just as long the developer is active in the game development and advancements. So far the early access games I've been playing the developers have been active everyday, updating and refining the game. Even if you initially had to pay $10 for a DLC plus the cost of the game which is about $15, it still comes out cheaper than paying $80 for a game. That's also not including paying for a game pass.

I am not really disagreeing with you here because it depends on the individual. People like you are good for the games industry.

However I care a lot about buying Unfinished products.
Heck, even some 'Final release," games are not really finished.

Bugs and crashes just make a game not fun. But as I said at the beginning, nothing wrong with people who like early access. It depends on the person. I can understand why being a part of the development, in a sense, is appealing. Just not my cup of tea though.

 

[Megalomaniac]

As an Xbox Live account holder, I must say that Xbox gaming has gotten less and less interesting with every single new console release after Xbox 360.

And now their exclusive games have dried up entirely.

Everyone's desperately waiting for GTA:VI and that's a shame.

 

[p51d007]

Gee, I wonder how many companies, will use the "tariffs" as an excuse to jack up prices even though they may not really be impacted by the tariffs, just to make a quick buck. /s

 

[uzerlinux8]

I get that $50 million to develop a game ten years ago doesn't hold the same as the present and game budgets have risen exponentially. And the budgets of some games are hitting the almost billion dollar mark.
But that doesn't make the games any better or good to play. Basically like 80 percent of big budget games are flops anyways and slop in the form of sequels, remakes, and IP adaptations. Execs though demand more and more of this as its a license to print money.

 

[GABulldog]

I am not really disagreeing with you here because it depends on the individual. People like you are good for the games industry.

However I care a lot about buying Unfinished products.
Heck, even some 'Final release," games are not really finished.

Bugs and crashes just make a game not fun. But as I said at the beginning, nothing wrong with people who like early access. It depends on the person. I can understand why being a part of the development, in a sense, is appealing. Just not my cup of tea though.

I agree with you that it's all about personal choice. I also agree with you that an early access game can get frustrating if there is bugs in the game and the developer is not on top of it.

What the other person said I couldn't let it slide. He was trashing the independent game developers and people who play them. Right now I play The Infected, No One Survived, New Cycle, and Endzone 2. All these games are considered early access which I think is because the games are being updated all the time. When the games come out of early access is up to the developers.

 

[J95qRP7]

Before I buy a game I ask for around $1/hr for entertainment.

I've been doing the same, but I price my threshold at $2/hr. I guess my standards need to come up a little.

 

[LimyG]

I agree with you that it's all about personal choice. I also agree with you that an early access game can get frustrating if there is bugs in the game and the developer is not on top of it.

What the other person said I couldn't let it slide. He was trashing the independent game developers and people who play them. Right now I play The Infected, No One Survived, New Cycle, and Endzone 2. All these games are considered early access which I think is because the games are being updated all the time. When the games come out of early access is up to the developers.

Yep. Fair enough.

 

[LimyG]

As an Xbox Live account holder, I must say that Xbox gaming has gotten less and less interesting with every single new console release after Xbox 360.

And now their exclusive games have dried up entirely.

Everyone's desperately waiting for GTA:VI and that's a shame.

I don't have xbox live. Useful to hear your opinion.
It's a shame. But not surprising. This is MS afterall!!

 

[LimyG]

I get that $50 million to develop a game ten years ago doesn't hold the same as the present and game budgets have risen exponentially. And the budgets of some games are hitting the almost billion dollar mark.
But that doesn't make the games any better or good to play. Basically like 80 percent of big budget games are flops anyways and slop in the form of sequels, remakes, and IP adaptations. Execs though demand more and more of this as its a license to print money.

What you say is true. Whatever happened to new ideas, and bugless fully tested games on release day. (The exception would be huge games like Baldurs gate etc. - would take unknown time to fully check for any possible bug.)

The problem I believe is the same as you allude to:,

Basically like 80 percent of big budget games are flops anyways and slop in the form of sequels, remakes, and IP adaptations.

Edit: There are still some really great innovative games that leave the feeling that the devs love games themselfs. But usually I don't get that feeling. Never get that feeling from Ubishiiite.

 

[Watzupken]

I've used both the Xbox One X and Series X and I can't help but feel there is very little value left buying an Xbox given that there is no exclusives. What I find on Xbox, I will be able to find on PC or other platforms. Moreover, you can find these games cheaper on platforms such as Steam over some time. So while you save some on buying the console vs PC, you end up paying more for the games. Game Pass helps, but again, its available for Xbox and PC alike.