Xbox console prices rise globally with new games set to cost up to $80

Microsoft has confirmed a worldwide price increase for Xbox consoles, accessories, and some upcoming first-party games, with the changes already in effect across the US, UK, and Europe.

The details:

• The Xbox Series X will now retail for £499.99 / €599.99 in Europe, up £20 / €50. The 512GB Series S sees a larger jump to £299.99 / €349.99, up £50. The new 2TB Series X model will cost £589.99 / €699.99 — a £40 / €50 increase. In the US, price hikes are steeper. The Xbox Series X is now $599.99, up $100, while the Series S 512GB jumps to $379.99, up $80. The 2TB model now costs $729.99, making it more expensive than Sony’s upcoming $699 PlayStation 5 Pro.
• Select upcoming first-party Xbox titles will also increase to $79.99 in the US, starting this holiday season. Microsoft has not yet confirmed pricing changes for the UK, but said existing games would remain unaffected. “We will adjust the pricing of some of our new first-party games starting this holiday season to $79.99,” Microsoft said in a Q&A. “This update will apply to physical and digital versions.” The company also noted that controllers, and in the US, headsets, will see minor price adjustments. Xbox Game Pass pricing will remain unchanged.
• A Microsoft spokesperson acknowledged the hikes were “challenging,” citing development costs and global market conditions in a statement given to Eurogamer. “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. “Looking ahead, we continue to focus on offering more ways to play more games across any screen, and ensuring value for Xbox players.”
• The update follows Microsoft’s latest financial results, which showed a continued decline in Xbox hardware sales but overall gaming revenue growth, largely driven by Call of Duty, Minecraft, and Game Pass subscriptions. Microsoft also noted it remained the top publisher across both Xbox and PlayStation during the quarter.

Other gaming news:

• Nintendo has updated its eShop chart system to prioritise revenue over units sold in a move aimed at limiting the prominence of low-effort, ultra-cheap games often referred to as "shovelware" or "AI slop."
• Epic Games says it will bring Fortnite back to iOS and drop all litigation if Apple applies a recent US court ruling worldwide.