- Microsoft is raising the price of first-party video games to $80. The move comes as the company also increases the price of its console and peripherals. Hardware price increases are effective immediately. Game prices will see increases this holiday.
You’ll have to save more before you pick up the next Call of Duty or Halo game. Microsoft has announced a series of price increases that will see the recommended retail price of its first-party games increase to $79.99.
The systems used to play those games are seeing a stiff increase in price as well. The Xbox Series S (512GB) is seeing prices increase by $80 from $299.99 to $379.99. The 1 TB Xbox Series X will cost $100 more, jumping to $599.99. And if you want the high-end 2 TB special edition Xbox Series X, that will now run you $729.99. Controllers will now cost $65.
The hardware price increases are effective immediately, the company said. Game prices will increase this holiday season.
Microsoft isn’t the first to embrace the $80 price point for games. Nintendo broke that ground earlier this year, announcing that Mario Kart World, an exclusive title for its new Switch 2 console, would carry a price tag of $79.99. Sony, which makes the PlayStation, has not announced any changes to its first party games yet, but the industry typically prices titles equally.
Microsoft did not cite tariffs as a reason in announcing the price increases. Like many Big Tech companies, the company has donated to Trump’s inauguration fund. Trump has lashed out when other tech firms have cited tariffs as a reason for higher prices, most recently angrily calling Amazon founder Jeff Bezos after reports emerged the company was considering displaying the added cost of tariffs on certain items. (Amazon now says it will not do so.)
“We understand that these changes are challenging, and they were made with careful consideration given market conditions and the rising cost of development,” Microsoft said in a statement. “Looking ahead, we continue to focus on offering more ways to play more games across any screen and ensuring value for Xbox players.”
Microsoft did not increase prices on its Game Pass program, which gives players access to a Netflix-like catalog of titles that can be played on demand.
