Xbox Series X and S prices are going up again in the U.S.
Starting October 3, U.S. players will pay up to $70 more in the second Xbox price hike in six months.
If you’ve been eyeing an Xbox Series X, brace yourself as prices are climbing again. On October 3, Microsoft will raise U.S. console prices across the board, citing “changes in the macroeconomic environment.”
The Series X goes from $599.99 to $649.99, the Series S (512GB) from $379.99 to $399.99, the Series S (1TB) from $429.99 to $449.99, and the Series X Digital Edition from $549.99 to $599.99. The sharpest bump hits the 2TB Galaxy Black Special Edition, which jumps from $729.99 to $799.99. Controllers and headsets aren’t changing, but that’s small comfort if you were saving for the main machine.
For U.S. players, it stings twice because this is déjà vu: Microsoft already raised console prices back in May, citing inflation and supply chain issues. Add it all up, and in just six months, the Series X has gotten $150 pricier, while the Series S is up $100. The Galaxy Black Special Edition launched at $599.99 a year ago. By October, it’ll likely cost $799.99. Ouch.
Emmanuel Umahi
The official explanation is the “macroeconomic environment,” which is corporate shorthand for tariffs and rising costs. But here’s the twist: outside the U.S., prices aren’t changing, at least, not yet. That leaves players in Europe, Asia, and elsewhere wondering if (or when) the hikes will land on their shores.
What does this say about Xbox more broadly? Well... that Microsoft is clearly under pressure to make its hardware business pay off. It even flirted with raising first-party game prices to $80 this holiday before walking it back. And while Game Pass keeps players hooked, Xbox still trails PlayStation and Nintendo Switch in global sales. Raising the Series X to $649.99, just $50 shy of the PS5 Pro’s $699.99, could make Sony’s option look like the stronger deal if you’ve got the budget.
For gamers, the question now is less about why and more about how to respond. Do you buy before October 3? Do you wait for the rumored mid-cycle refresh? Or, if you’re outside the U.S., do you sit tight and hope your region dodges the hike a little longer? Either way, time is ticking.
Emmanuel Umahi
