Microsoft Hikes Xbox Prices in the U.S. Amid Economic Shifts and Tariff Pressures
REDMOND, Wash. — Microsoft announced on Friday that it will raise the retail prices of several Xbox consoles in the U.S. starting October, citing the impact of a shifting macroeconomic environment.
The company clarified that accessories such as controllers and headsets will remain unaffected, and pricing across other countries will stay unchanged.
Although Microsoft did not directly blame recent U.S. tariffs, many analysts believe that the Trump administration’s trade policies are contributing to rising costs for consumer electronics. Several companies have already warned that such policies could push up prices across key product categories.
“We understand these adjustments may be difficult, but they were made after careful review of the current environment,” Microsoft explained in a statement.
This marks the second Xbox price increase in the U.S. this year. Competitors Sony and Nintendo have also adjusted console prices upward in response to tariff-driven cost pressures.
New Xbox Pricing (Effective October)
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Xbox Series S: $399 (up from $379)
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Xbox Series S 1TB: $449
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Xbox Series X Digital: $599 (up by $50)
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Xbox Series X with Disc Drive: $649 (up by $50)
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Xbox Series X 2TB Edition: $799 (previously $729)
Industry experts say these price hikes reflect not only tariffs but also broader economic factors including supply chain challenges and inflation. Despite the increases, demand for next-generation consoles remains high, as gamers continue to seek premium performance and exclusive titles.
