Microsoft has raised the prices of its Xbox Series consoles again, and this time it’s U.S. gamers who will feel the pinch starting October 3. This isn’t the first price increase this year, but it’s a big one, with prices going up $20 to $70 across the board. Let’s break it down, model by model, and what it means for anyone looking to buy a new Xbox.
The Xbox Series S, the digital-only console with 512GB of storage, now costs $399.99, up from $379.99. That’s a $20 increase for the base model, which is still the cheapest way to get into Microsoft’s gaming ecosystem. If you need more space, the 1TB version of the Series S is now $449.99, also a $20 increase from $429.99. These small bumps keep the Series S as a budget option, but it hurts for price-conscious buyers.
- Experience brighter worlds, vivid imagery, and sharper details with 4K gaming and up to 120 FPS that makes everything feel so real it’s unreal.
- Quick Resume: Seamlessly switch between your favorite games and pick up right where you left off.
- Backward compatibility: Play four generations of games, including games that are optimized for Xbox Series X|S to look and play better than ever.
The big boy, the Xbox Series X, gets a $50 price increase, now $649.99 from $599.99. This console with the disc drive and all the bells and whistles is for gamers who want the full package. The digital-only version of the Series X also goes up $50, now $599.99 from $549.99. The priciest of the bunch, the Xbox Series X 2TB Galaxy Black Special Edition, takes the biggest hit, going up $70 to $799.99 from $729.99. That’s a lot to ask for a console with extra storage but no performance boost over the standard Series X.
These changes come on the heels of Microsoft’s May price increases, the second round of price bumps in 2025. The company cites “changes in the macroeconomic environment” as the reason, which is code for tariffs. Unlike Sony, which applied a flat $50 increase to all its PS5 models, Microsoft’s price hike varies by console, with the high-end 2TB model taking the biggest hit. Controllers and headsets are still the same price, so at least there’s no additional cost for accessories.
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