Xbox consoles are getting another price bump starting October 3rd. The Series X jumps from $599.99 to $649.99, while the Series S moves from $379.99 to $399.99.

Microsoft blames “changes in the macroeconomic environment” – corporate speak for tariffs. Translation: trade policies are making things cost more, and you’re paying for it.

The silver lining? Prices outside the US stay the same, and controller/headset costs won’t change.

Breaking Down the Price Increases

New US pricing starting October 3rd:

• Xbox Series X: $649.99 (up $50)
• Xbox Series S: $399.99 (up $20)
• 2TB Galaxy Black Special Edition Series X: $799.99 (up $70)

These aren’t small bumps. The premium 2TB model now costs $200 more than when it launched nearly a year ago at $599.99.

The Bigger Picture: Six Months of Pain

Microsoft already raised Xbox prices worldwide in May. Those increases hit hard – $100 more for the Series X and $80 for the Series S.

Total damage over six months:

• Series X: $150 increase total
• Series S: $100 increase total
• 2TB Special Edition: $200 increase in under a year

That puts the Series X at PlayStation 5 pricing territory, while the budget-friendly Series S approaches what the Series X originally cost.

Context: Microsoft’s Pricing Strategy

This marks the second price hike in 2024, following earlier increases in 2023. Microsoft also planned to bump first-party game prices to $80 this holiday but walked back those changes in July after pushback.

The company seems caught between rising costs and consumer resistance to higher gaming prices.

Console price increases during a generation’s lifespan remain unusual. Typically, hardware gets cheaper over time as manufacturing costs decrease and competition intensifies.

What this means for buyers:

• Budget gaming just got more expensive
• The Series S loses some value proposition appeal
• PlayStation 5 pricing looks more competitive
• Waiting for sales becomes more important

Microsoft’s pricing moves suggest the gaming industry is grappling with cost pressures that won’t disappear quickly. For consumers, it means the days of cheap console gaming are fading fast.