Xbox Series X/S Price Hike Hits, Games Now $80

Hey, are you feeling the sting of that Xbox Series X/S price hike yet? Microsoft just dropped the bomb, and it’s a global gut-punch for gamers. Prices are climbing everywhere—US, UK, Europe, you name it. As someone who’s been through console wars and price spikes before, I can tell you this one’s gonna leave a mark. Let’s break it down, so you know what’s hitting your bank account.

Picture this: you’re eyeing that shiny 2TB Xbox Series X for your game nights. Well, brace yourself. In the US, it’s now $729.99—a $130 jump. That’s pricier than Sony’s PS5 Pro at $699. The standard 1TB Series X? Up $100 to $599.99. And the 512GB Series S, the budget-friendly option? It’s $379.99, an $80 hike. Over in Europe, the Series X costs €599.99 (up €50), the Series S is €349.99 (also up €50), and the 2TB model’s at €699.99. UK gamers, you’re looking at £499.99 for the Series X and £589.99 for the 2TB version. Ouch.

I remember saving up for my first Xbox 360 back in the day, and price hikes like this would’ve crushed my teenage dreams. These increases aren’t just numbers—they’re a real barrier for folks trying to jump into next-gen gaming.

It’s not just the hardware. Microsoft’s bumping up prices for some new first-party games to $80 starting this holiday season. Think Call of Duty 2025 and whatever else they’ve got cooking for Christmas. Current games are safe, but new releases? They’re gonna cost you. Microsoft’s Q&A says both physical and digital versions will hit that $80 mark, though they promise “a variety of price points” for other titles and expansions.

Here’s the silver lining: if you buy these games on the Xbox Store, you get Xbox Play Anywhere. That means one purchase, and you’re playing on both console and PC. Pretty sweet if you’re rocking both setups, but still, $80 stings.

Oh, and don’t think you’re dodging the bullet with accessories. Some controllers are seeing “small increases,” and in the US, headsets are getting pricier too. No specific numbers yet, but expect a few extra bucks tacked on. Good news? Xbox Game Pass prices are staying put—for now. Knowing Microsoft, though, I wouldn’t bet on that lasting forever.

Microsoft’s calling it “market conditions” and “rising development costs.” Fair enough—making games and consoles isn’t cheap. They’re also pointing to their latest financials, which show Xbox hardware sales tanking. Meanwhile, their gaming revenue’s still growing, thanks to Call of Duty, Minecraft, and Game Pass subs. They’re even bragging about being the top publisher on both Xbox and PlayStation last quarter. So, yeah, they’re squeezing margins on hardware to keep the lights on.

I get it. I’ve seen dev costs balloon over the years—AAA games are basically Hollywood blockbusters now. But as a gamer, it’s hard to swallow when your hobby gets pricier every year.

This Xbox Series X/S price hike is gonna hit hardest for new buyers. If you’re still on an older console, upgrading just got tougher. And with new games at $80, you might be pickier about what you pre-order. On the flip side, Microsoft’s betting on Game Pass and cross-platform play to keep you hooked. They’re pushing hard to make Xbox more than just a console—it’s a whole ecosystem across PC, cloud, and mobile.

Still, this news stinks, especially after a retail leak already spoiled the European price bumps. Rumors have been swirling about Microsoft pulling back from smaller markets, too. Makes you wonder where Xbox is headed long-term.

If you’re planning to grab a Series X or S, maybe check for deals before the new prices fully kick in on May 1st. Retailers might still have old stock at lower prices. And if you’re all about Game Pass, you’re probably dodging the worst of this—keep stacking those subscriptions while the price holds.

Look, I’ve been gaming since the days of blowing dust out of NES cartridges. Price hikes suck, but they’re part of the deal as tech gets fancier. Still, this Xbox Series X/S price hike feels like a bold move when Sony’s already flexing with the PS5 Pro. Let’s see how it plays out—your wallet’s the real MVP here.