Microsoft is once again raising the price of its Xbox Series X and Xbox Series S consoles, marking the second major increase this year. According to a report from Windows Central, the company will adjust the recommended retail pricing for its current generation hardware beginning October 3, 2025. The decision has been attributed to what Microsoft described as “changes in the macroeconomic environment.”
This move follows the first wave of price hikes that came into effect on May 1, 2025. At that time, the Xbox Series X’s standard edition jumped from its launch price of 499.99 dollars to 599.99 dollars, while the more affordable Xbox Series S rose from 299.99 dollars to 379.99 dollars. Accessories, including wireless controllers and headsets, were also subject to price adjustments during that period.
Unlike the earlier increase, this latest change appears to be limited to the United States. Analysts believe this strongly suggests tariffs and broader trade conditions are at least partially responsible. While the consoles themselves are being affected, Microsoft has clarified that controllers and headsets will retain their current pricing, at least for now.
Below is a breakdown of the Xbox hardware price changes from the original launch price, to the first increase in May 2025, and now the upcoming second adjustment in October 2025:
| Product | Launch Price | May 2025 Price | Oct 2025 Price |
|---|---|---|---|
| Xbox Series S (512GB) | $299.99 | $379.99 | $429.99 |
| Xbox Series S (1TB) | $349.99 | $429.99 | $479.99 |
| Xbox Series X (Standard) | $499.99 | $599.99 | $649.99 |
| Xbox Series X (Digital) | $449.99 | $549.99 | $599.99 |
| Xbox Series X 2TB Galaxy Black Special Edition | $599.99 | $729.99 | $779.99 |
Launched in November 2020, the Xbox Series X and Series S represent the fourth generation of Microsoft’s home consoles and are part of the ninth console generation, arriving alongside Sony’s PlayStation 5. Both consoles feature AMD-powered processors, support hardware-accelerated ray tracing, and use solid-state drives to deliver faster loading times.
Microsoft’s recent adjustment highlights the persistent challenges faced by hardware manufacturers, who are dealing with not only development costs but also uncontrollable global economic factors. For potential buyers in the United States, this change indicates that purchasing before October 3 may be the most cost-effective option.
