Microsoft is once again raising the price of its Xbox consoles in the United States, with the changes taking effect on October 3, 2025. This adjustment impacts all models of the Xbox Series X and Series S lineup, marking another price hike in response to economic pressures.
The company announced that the price increase is due to “changes in the macroeconomic environment,” which is widely understood to be linked to tariffs imposed by the Trump administration. While the increase is not uniform across all models, every console in the Xbox lineup will be affected.
The updated pricing will be as follows:
- Xbox Series S (512GB) – $399.99 (up $20)
- Xbox Series S (1TB) – $449.99
- Xbox Series X Digital – $599.99
- Xbox Series X – $649.99
- Xbox Series X 2TB Galaxy Black Special Edition – $799.99 (up $200 from last year’s launch price)
Rising Prices Across the Gaming Industry
This marks the second Xbox price hike in 2025, following a global increase in May. Microsoft’s move reflects a broader trend within the gaming industry. Sony raised PlayStation 5 prices earlier this year, and Nintendo has also increased the cost of the original Switch.
The timing is significant, as the Xbox Series X and Series S are nearing their fifth anniversary, making the higher prices more difficult for some gamers to accept. Holiday shoppers, in particular, may find fewer discounts, with “sale” prices now closer to the new suggested retail values.
What It Means for Gamers
For budget-conscious buyers, this latest price adjustment could make the entry-level Series S less appealing. The $799.99 price tag for the 2TB Galaxy Black Edition may also spark further debate, given its $200 jump in just one year.
Still, Microsoft has hinted at the development of its next-generation Xbox, which could factor into purchasing decisions. Some players may choose to buy a console now before prices go up, while others may prefer to wait for new hardware.
