Microsoft announced on Thursday that it will increase Xbox console prices worldwide, citing “market conditions” just days after Sony made a similar move with its PlayStation 5.
The tech giant also plans to raise prices for some new games developed by its video game subsidiaries.
In the United States, the entry-level Xbox Series S will jump from $299.99 to $379.99, a 27% increase. The premium Series X Galaxy Black model will now retail for $729.99, up from $599.99 previously – a 22% hike. Additionally, certain new games from Microsoft-owned studios will be priced at $79.99, up 14% from the current $69.99.
In Europe, the Series S will rise from €299.99 to €349.99, a 17% increase. In Australia, the Series S will start at $549 and Series X at $849.
“We understand that these changes are challenging, and they were made with careful consideration given market conditions and the rising cost of development,” the company said on its website.
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While not explicitly mentioned by Microsoft, Donald Trump’s tariffs on Washington’s trading partners have cast a shadow over the gaming industry.
Xbox consoles are primarily manufactured in China, which faces 145% US tariffs on numerous products under the Trump administration.
The Series S and X launched in late 2020 and have sold approximately 30m units, according to industry analysts’ estimates.
In mid-April, Sony announced price increases for several PlayStation 5 models in select markets, including Europe but notably excluding the United States. PS5 consoles are also primarily assembled in China. Nintendo has likewise delayed opening pre-orders for its Switch 2 console, whose debut came just days before Trump’s tariff announcement.
