Alright, so here’s the thing. Microsoft—those folks behind Xbox—decided to shake things up with price hikes. And honestly, maybe it’s just me, but it feels a bit like finding your favorite snack costs way more suddenly. Anyway, they’re saying it’s because of “market conditions”—whatever that means. Now, the new Xbox Series X is gonna set you back $599.99. Ouch.
Why, Microsoft? Well, apparently stuff’s getting pricier to make. There’s a list of hikes: controllers, headsets, you name it. The whole shebang. But—here’s a twist—the Xbox Game Pass? No change. Well, for now, anyway. Maybe they just couldn’t justify hitting us there too. Who knows.
So, starting May 1, around the globe, prices shifted. Imagine all the gamers checking their bank apps, going “Oof, not today.” The shiny Series X with 1TB storage is $599.99. That’s a leap, right? And, oh boy, if you want the special, cosmic Galaxy Black version with 2TB, you better be ready to cough up $729.99. Pricey, huh? And the Series S isn’t left out; up by $80, now at $379.99. Makes me wonder if my wallet will ever forgive me.
There’s even a table saying where prices settled across the U.S., Europe, the U.K., and sometimes I wonder if anyone downstairs in accounting gets a headache keeping track. Controllers at $64.99, headsets at $119.99. And games? Yeah, those jumped too—like Mario Kart World’s price point or thereabouts.
So here Microsoft is, blaming tariffs and trade policies. I suppose they thought long and hard about it. They mentioned rising costs in a careful, almost philosophical way. Something about keeping value for Xbox gamers. Sure, but what about my monthly budget’s value?
Yet, the Game Pass subscription hasn’t budged since the last increase back in ’24 (actually not that long ago, if you think about it). June ’23 had a little nudge too. Maybe next, they’ll offer it with a side of fries just to keep things interesting.
Anywho, if you’re really eager, follow Tom’s on Google News. They seem to have the good stuff and updates quicker than a gaming console price hike.
