Microsoft Raises Global Prices on Xbox Consoles, Controllers, Headsets, and Games Due to Market Conditions and Development Costs

So, Microsoft just decided to shake things up a bit with Xbox pricing. I mean, did anyone see this coming? Maybe it’s just me, but everything feels pricier these days — like my morning coffee, which, by the way, now costs as much as a small car. Anyway, back to Xbox: they’re upping prices, and not just on the consoles. We’re talking controllers, headsets, even those shiny first-party games.

So here’s the rundown. As of May 1, they’ve bumped the Xbox Series X up to $599.99. I know, right? A whole $100 more. The Series X with all the bells and whistles, like the 2TB SSD — in Galaxy Black, no less — is a crazy $729.99 now. Feel like I need to catch my breath just saying it.

Even the Series S isn’t safe. The 512GB version is jumping $80 to a cool $379.99. And get this, the controllers? Those little gadgets we can’t live without — now $64.99. I’m starting to think I need a side hustle to afford my hobbies.

The U.K. and Europe aren’t getting a free pass either. Prices up everywhere. Microsoft blames “market conditions” and development costs or something. Maybe it’s legit. Or maybe we just can’t have nice things anymore.

Oddly enough, Xbox Game Pass is staying put. Funny that, since they last jacked it up less than a year ago. Guess they figured we needed a break somewhere.

Oh, and those import tariffs. Yeah, those are part of the equation too. Global economy stuff — honestly, it’s all a bit over my head, but sure sounds important.

I suppose Xbox is trying to focus on giving us more ways to play. Maybe we’ll all just adapt and move on. But for now, it’s time to rethink my budget. Maybe cut back on those lattes.