Microsoft Implements Second Xbox Console Price Hike This Year
Microsoft announced its second Xbox console price increase this year, effective October 3. Citing macroeconomic changes, both Xbox Series S and X models are affected.
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Overview
- Microsoft has announced a second price increase for its Xbox consoles in the US this year, impacting both the Xbox Series S and Xbox Series X models.
- The new price adjustments for Xbox consoles are scheduled to take effect on October 3, following a previous increase earlier in the year.
- The Xbox Series S 512GB console will now cost $400, up from $380, while the Xbox Series X will see its price rise from $600 to $650.
- These price hikes follow earlier increases, with the Xbox Series S originally $300 and the Xbox Series X previously $350 in December 2023.
- Microsoft attributes these repeated price increases to changes in the macroeconomic environment, a move that has drawn concern from critics.
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Analysis
Center-leaning sources frame this story by portraying Microsoft's Xbox price hikes as a detrimental decision that will "torpedo" the brand. They use loaded language to emphasize consumer "pain" and the lack of "reason to buy an Xbox," while selectively highlighting analyst warnings about declining hardware sales. The framing suggests an inevitable negative outcome for Microsoft's gaming division.
"But until and unless consumers start balking, it looks like ever-increasing console prices are here to stay."
ARS Technica"Microsoft will increase the prices of its Xbox Series consoles once again in October."
CNET"There is so little reason to buy an Xbox nowadays."
GizmodoArticles (3)
FAQ
The Xbox Series S 512GB console price increased to $400 from $380, and the Xbox Series X price rose to $650 from $600 effective October 3, 2025.
Microsoft has increased Xbox console prices twice in 2025, with the latest hike scheduled for October 3.
Microsoft cites changes in the macroeconomic environment as the reason for the repeated price increases of Xbox consoles.
The Xbox Series S originally launched at $300 and has increased to $400, while the Xbox Series X launched at $350 and now costs $650 after successive hikes.
Critics have expressed concern over the repeated price hikes of Xbox consoles, particularly due to the increasing cost burden on consumers.
History
- This story does not have any previous versions.