Microsoft have announced they are introducing significant price increases worldwide for its Xbox consoles, controllers and games.
In a statement on the company’s QnA page, Miscroft announced: “As of May 1, we have adjusted recommended retailer pricing for our consoles and controllers worldwide. We also expect to adjust the pricing of some of our new, first-party games starting this holiday season.
“We understand that these changes are challenging, and they were made with careful consideration given market conditions and the rising cost of development. Looking ahead, we continue to focus on offering more ways to play more games across any screen and ensuring value for Xbox players.”
Consoles are becoming especially expensive in the UK. The Xbox Series X will now cost £20 more at £499.99. The 512GB Xbox Series S has increased by a whopping £50 and will now cost £299.99. And as for the 2TB Xbox Series X model, that has also increased by £40 and will now set consumers back an eye-watering £589.99.
Things are even worse for those across the pond in the United States with soaring prices likely caused by tariffs. The Xbox Series X has gone up by $100 (£75), the 512GB Xbox Series is now $80 (£60) dearer, and the 2TB Xbox Series X is up by $130 (£98) for US consumers which at $729.99 (£549) has made it even more expensive than Sony’s $699 (£527) PlayStation 5 Pro.
In addition to that, Microsoft also confirmed that games will become more expensive later this year too, stating: “We will adjust the pricing of some of our new first-party games starting this holiday season to $79.99. This update will apply to physical and digital versions. ” Earlier this year, Nintendo were met with major backlash after announcing the Nintendo Switch 2’s launch title Mario Kart World would be priced at the same $79.99 point.
It has not yet be confirmed what game titles will be affected by this price increase or whether these price hikes will come to the United Kingdom. It has at least been confirmed that they won’t have to pay extra for headsets which are only becoming more expensive in America and Canada. Microsoft also confirmed that the Xbox Game Pass will be maintaining its usual price.
Outside of this, Microsoft are also reportedly working hard on the next generation of consoles with leaks suggesting three new Xbox controllers are currently being developed. The rumoured controllers are each supposed to cover different price points to appeal as many people as possible but increasing prices may mean even the cheapest option is unobtainable for many.
New Xbox prices in the United Kingdom
- Consoles:
- Xbox Series S 512 – £299.99
- Xbox Series S 1TB – £349.99
- Xbox Series X Digital – £449.99
- Xbox Series X – £499.99 (was £479.99)
- Xbox Series X 2TB Galaxy Black Special Edition – £589.99
- Controllers:
- Xbox Wireless Controller (Core) – £59.99
- Xbox Wireless Controller (Colour) – £64.99
- Xbox Wireless Controller – Special Edition – £74.99
- Xbox Wireless Controller – Limited Edition – £74.99
- Xbox Elite Wireless Controller Series 2 (Core) – £124.99
- Xbox Elite Wireless Controller Series 2 (Full) – £169.99
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