In the United States, Xbox prices are rising once more. This is the amount you will pay right now. Gamers will feel the pinch as tariffs drive up costs—see the full updated price list here.
Why the Price Hike?
Microsoft confirmed on Friday that prices for several Xbox consoles will go up in the United States, citing “changes in the macroeconomic environment.” While the company did not directly mention U.S. tariffs, the move comes against the backdrop of rising trade tensions and higher import duties imposed under President Donald Trump’s administration.
Accessories like controllers and headsets will remain unaffected, and Microsoft also clarified that prices in other countries are not changing for now.
The company admitted the increases are “challenging” for gamers but stressed they were made “with careful consideration.”
How Much More Will You Pay?
According to Microsoft’s updated price list, here’s what gamers in the U.S. will pay starting October 3, 2025:
Product New Price (RRP) Previous Price (RRP)
Xbox Series S 512GB $399.99 $379.99
Xbox Series S 1TB $449.99 $429.99
Xbox Series X (Standard) $649.99 $599.99
Xbox Series (Mid-tier) $599.99 $549.99
Xbox Series (2TB storage) $799.99 $729.99
This marks the second price hike in six months, following another increase back in May.
Sony and Nintendo Follow the Same Path
Microsoft isn’t alone in bumping up console prices. Rival Sony recently raised PlayStation 5 prices by $50 in the U.S., while Nintendo increased prices of its Switch consoles and Joy-Con controllers earlier this year.
Clearly, the tariffs and supply chain pressures are hitting all the big gaming companies hard—and consumers are paying the price.
The Tariff Trouble
President Trump’s tariffs on goods manufactured in China, Vietnam, and India are one of the biggest factors behind these rising costs. Xbox consoles are primarily made in China, and tariffs ranging between 10% and 40% apply to different parts—from chips to storage components.
With exemptions constantly changing, companies like Microsoft are forced to adjust prices almost overnight. While the stated goal of tariffs is to push more manufacturing back to the U.S., in the short term, it has meant higher costs for both companies and consumers.
A Silver Lining?
While the console prices are going up, Microsoft says it remains committed to offering “more ways to play more games across any screen.” The company is betting big on:
Xbox Cloud Gaming: letting players stream games without expensive hardware.
Xbox Game Pass Ultimate: offering access to hundreds of games at a monthly subscription.
Xbox Play Anywhere: bringing select games across PC and console.
These services could help soften the blow for gamers who feel priced out of new consoles.
What About the Xbox Ally?
Interestingly, the upcoming Xbox Ally handheld console, built with ASUS, still doesn’t have a confirmed retail price. Industry insiders say tariffs are the key reason for the delay, since the device is likely manufactured in China.
For comparison, the rival Lenovo Legion Go 2, also China-made, is priced as high as $1,350 in the U.S. Fans are hoping the Xbox Ally will be cheaper, but Microsoft’s silence on pricing just weeks ahead of launch has left many uneasy.
Conclusion
The most recent Xbox price increase from Microsoft is just an example of how tariffs and pressure from international trade are having a direct impact on regular consumers. American gamers will have to pay much more starting October 3, but currently, accessories and foreign markets are unaffected. Given that Sony and Nintendo are taking similar action, it is clear that rising expenses are quickly occupying the gaming industry. Working before price changes can be the best course of action for those who are willing to upgrade or buy a new console.