Microsoft has recently announced an increase in prices for Xbox consoles, controllers, and upcoming first-party games. The new hardware pricing takes effect immediately, while the price for new games will rise to $79.99 starting this holiday season. If you're considering purchasing an Xbox Series X|S or a new controller, acting quickly could save you money, as the updated prices are already reflected on Xbox's official store. However, you might still find the original prices at select retailers for the time being.
Xbox Series X
Xbox Series X - 1TB
Current Price: $499.99 at Amazon (Going Up to $599 Soon)
Xbox Series X 1TB Digital Edition - $449 (Going Up to $549 Soon)
The Xbox Series X stands out as Microsoft's flagship console, boasting the power to deliver games at stunning 4K resolution. As a proud owner, I find it surpasses even my PlayStation 5 in performance. If physical game collections are your preference, the standard model is your best bet. However, if you're comfortable with a fully digital library, the Digital Edition offers a $50 savings.
Xbox Series S
Xbox Series S - 512GB
Current Price: $299 (Going Up to $379 Soon)
Xbox Series S 1TB - $349 (Going Up to $429 Soon)
The Xbox Series S is perfect for gamers ready to dive into an all-digital future. While it offers less power than its Series X counterpart, it's optimized for 1440p gaming, making it an excellent choice for those who don't need 4K. With options in 512GB and 1TB storage capacities, I recommend opting for the 1TB model to accommodate today's increasingly large game sizes, especially considering the cost of additional storage.
Xbox Wireless Controllers
Out August 13: Xbox Wireless Controller – Sky Cipher Special Edition
Current Price: $60.96 at Amazon (Going Up to $79.99 Soon)
Not all Xbox controllers are facing the same price increase; some remain unaffected. Here's a breakdown of the forthcoming price adjustments:
- Xbox Wireless Controller (Core) - $64.99
- Xbox Wireless Controller (Color) - $69.99
- Xbox Wireless Controller - Special Edition - $79.99
- Xbox Wireless Controller - Limited Edition - $89.99 (up from $79.99)
- Xbox Elite Wireless Controller Series 2 (Core) - $149.99 (up from $139.99)
- Xbox Elite Wireless Controller Series 2 (Full) - $199.99 (up from $179.99)
With the fluid nature of controller pricing, the impact of these hikes might be less noticeable compared to the console price increases. However, acting swiftly could still help you secure a controller at the current, lower rate.
