Xbox Fans React to Shocking New Price Increases

In many ways, 2025 is shaking out to be a shockingly expensive year for gaming. Earlier this year, Nintendo surprised everyone by debuting its first $80 games. Then, in response to market conditions changes due to tariffs, PlayStation, Xbox, and Nintendo all broke tradition by raising the price of their older consoles. With the holidays approaching, no one wants to hear that the cost of a new gaming console is getting more expensive. But for Xbox fans, unfortunately, that’s exactly the situation.

Back in May, Microsoft announced an increase in prices for individual games as well as consoles. At that time, the Xbox Series S was headed up to $379, while the Series X was slated to increase to $599. Now, those prices are going up yet again as Microsoft is once again bumping up the cost of several of its consoles. If you were hoping to snag an Xbox Series X this holiday season, it’s now going to cost you $650, while even the most budget-friendly Series S will run you $400. Naturally, fans are incredibly frustrated to see the prices of 5-year-old consoles continue to rise.

For Xbox Fans, “The Price Is Just Getting Worse and Worse”

For Xbox fans in the U.S., the price for several models of both the Xbox Series S and Series X will be increasing. The new prices are as follows:

• Xbox Series S (512 GB) – $399.99 (up from $379.99)
• Xbox Series S (1 TB) – $449.99 (up from $429.99)
• Xbox Series X (Digital) – $599.99 (up from $549.99)
• Xbox Series X – $649.99 (up from $599.99)
• Xbox Series X (2 TB Black Special Edition) – $799.99

Gamers in the r/xbox Subreddit already have some strong reactions to the news of yet more Xbox price increases. Quite a few gamers recall buying current-gen Xbox consoles on sale as recently as last year for just $350. Even with that being a discount, it’s still staggering to see the console bump up $300 in the space of a year, when it’s now going on five years old.

With many big games skipping the Xbox One this year, including Battlefield 6, plenty of Xbox fans were hoping to finally upgrade to a Series X or Series S. Now, it looks like even discounts from holiday sales could have the consoles priced higher than they were at launch. And fans aren’t too happy about it.

Many are saying the price increase is a wild move from Microsoft and that the consoles simply aren’t “worth anywhere near that price.” With the next generation of consoles likely headed our way in the next few years, many don’t see the point of paying so much for what will soon go the way of older systems like the PS4 and Xbox One.

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Cost Comparison of Xbox, PS5, & Switch Following Price Increases

This latest price increase puts the Xbox Series X well above the cost of its closest competitor, the PS5. Given that Xbox is also moving away from console exclusives, many gamers just don’t see who would be willing to pay these new prices for the console. It’s also making everyone a little nervous about what the next generation of consoles is going to cost.

Microsoft claims the price increases are related to the “changing macroeconomic environment,” according to Windows Central. Given that the price is only increasing in the U.S., this almost certainly means the decision is at least partly the result of ongoing financial strain thanks to the U.S. tariff situation.

For now, it looks like only consoles themselves will be going up in price. Controllers and other accessories will be staying the course, at least for the time being. Either way, the holiday season is looking like it’ll be a difficult time for those who were hoping for a console as a gift this year.

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