The Xbox ecosystem is currently experiencing a major transformation with the significant increase in prices announced by Microsoft on May 1, 2025. This increase concerns both consoles and accessories and games, marking a strategic turning point for the American manufacturer in the world of economic economic conditions and growing development costs.
New pricing of Xbox Series and Accessories consoles
Microsoft has formalized an immediate price increase for its entire range of Xbox products. This increase, which takes effect today, particularly affects SERIES S and SERIES X with increases up to $ 100 for certain models. The controllers and helmets also undergo an upward price revision.
Here is the detail of the new prices applied to the United States For Xbox Series consoles:
- Xbox Series S 512 Go : 379,99$ (augmentation de 80$)
- Xbox Series S 1 To : 429,99$ (augmentation de 80$)
- Xbox Series X Digital : 549,99$ (augmentation de 100$)
- Xbox Series X standard : 599,99$ (augmentation de 100$)
- Xbox Series X 2 To Galaxy Special Edition : 729,99$ (augmentation de 130$)
Official accessories are not spared by this pricing revision. THE Xbox wireless controllers undergo variable increases Depending on the models, while the helmets see their price increase only in the American and Canadian markets.
| Accessory | New price | Old price |
|---|---|---|
| Xbox wireless controller (Core) | 64,99$ | 59,99$ |
| Xbox wireless controller (colorful) | 69,99$ | 64,99$ |
| Manette Elite Series 2 (Core) | 149,99$ | 139,99$ |
| Manette Elite Series 2 (Complete) | 199,99$ | 179,99$ |
Microsoft justifies these increases by current market conditions and the increase in development costs. The company stresses that it continues to focus on the offer of games accessible on different platforms while maintaining a value proposal for Xbox players.
Towards FIRST-Party games at $ 80 for the holiday season
The price increase is not limited to equipment. Microsoft also plans to increase the price of its exclusive games (FIRST-Party) to $ 79.99 during the holiday season 2025. This alignment with the general market trend marks a significant change for the Xbox ecosystem.
If no specific title has yet been officially confirmed at this new price, several major productions could be affected in the coming months:
- The next Call of Duty developed since the acquisition of Activision Blizzard
- Fable, recently postponed to 2026
- The Refect Dark Development Reboot
- Clockwork Revolution par inXile Entertainment
- Gears of War: E-Day par The Coalition
This new pricing policy is part of a global evolution of the video game market. In just five years, AAA game prices have gone from $ 60 to $ 70, and now $ 80 for certain titles. Nintendo also adopted this new standard for several 2 -edition Switch games, including the highly anticipated Mario Kart World set at $ 80 as soon as it is released.
The announcements expected during the Xbox Games Showcase in June 2025 and The Outer Worlds 2 Direct should provide more details on the first titles concerned by this new pricing policy.
A widespread trend in the video game industry
If this announcement of Microsoft may seem brutal, it is part of a broader movement of prices affecting the entire industry. PlayStation had already increased the prices of his PS5 twice over the past three years, the last increase dating from last week for several international markets.
Nintendo is no exception to this trend with its switch 2 announced at $ 450, a price that has aroused criticism but which analysts consider as inevitable in the face of current economic conditions. Uncertainties linked to new American customs tariffs could also lead to other post-launch increases.
The Entertainment Software Association has also alerted to the broader impact of these prices: “It is not simply Nintendo who will be affected. All the devices we play – consoles, VR headsets, smartphones, PC – will undergo the consequences of these measures. »»
This situation affects all actors, including American companies depending on components imported for the manufacture of their products. The association stresses that “the impact will be real regardless of the origin of the company – the whole industry will be affected. »»
For players, this generalized price increase represents an additional financial challenge, regardless of their favorite platform. Microsoft, which has so far maintained the prices of the Xbox Series S since its launch in 2020, finally joined the general movement of a market faced with growing economic challenges.
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