The $70 Game Era Might Be Coming to a Close: Microsoft Reveals New Pricing Scheme for Xbox Consoles and Games

The traditional $70 price tag for video games could soon become obsolete. Microsoft has officially shared plans for a comprehensive restructuring of its pricing, impacting its Xbox Series console lineup, along with accessories and eventually, first-party titles. These alterations began to be implemented worldwide on May 1, 2024, signaling a notable transformation in the pricing framework of the gaming sector.

A New Pricing Period for Xbox

Microsoft’s updated pricing model brings significant increases across nearly all of its Xbox hardware and accessory offerings. The most substantial adjustments are evident in the Xbox Series consoles, experiencing price increases that vary from $80 to $130 based on the model. For instance, the Xbox Series X now retails for $599.99—an increase of $100 from the former price of $499.99. Even the more affordable Xbox Series S 512GB variant has seen a rise, moving from $299.99 to $379.99.

Here’s a summary of the updated prices:

Microsoft Xbox Series S/X & Accessories Price Changes

| Item | Old Price | New Price | Price Difference |
|————————————————–|———–|———–|———————-|
| Xbox Series S 512GB Edition | $299.99 | $379.99 | $80 |
| Xbox Series S 1TB Edition | $349.99 | $429.99 | $80 |
| Xbox Series X Digital Edition | $449.99 | $549.99 | $100 |
| Xbox Series X | $499.99 | $599.99 | $100 |
| Xbox Series X 2TB Galaxy Edition | $599.99 | $729.99 | $130 |
| Xbox Wireless Controller – Limited Edition | $79.99 | $89.99 | $10 |
| Xbox Elite Wireless Controller Series 2 (Core) | $139.99 | $149.99 | $10 |
| Xbox Elite Wireless Controller Series 2 (Full) | $179.99 | $199.99 | $20 |
| Xbox Wireless Headset | $109.99 | $119.99 | $10 |

These price increases are already in effect in the majority of global markets, with wireless headsets experiencing hikes only in the United States and Canada.

Software Price Surge Expected

Alongside hardware alterations, Microsoft has confirmed that software prices will also be revised. Beginning this holiday season, new first-party releases are projected to launch at $79.99—a $10 rise from the existing $69.99 benchmark. This aligns with similar announcements from Nintendo, which recently revealed that Mario Kart World for the forthcoming Nintendo Switch 2 will debut at $79.99.

Though the software price increase has yet to take effect, Microsoft’s announcement signifies a wider industry movement towards elevated game prices, likely influenced by escalating development expenses and inflationary factors.

Industry Consequences

The choice of Microsoft to hike prices arrives at a moment when the gaming industry struggles with rising production costs, extended development timelines, and increasing expectations for high-quality experiences. In its official statement, Xbox acknowledged the difficulties these modifications may bring for gamers:

“We recognize that these changes present challenges, and they were made after careful evaluation considering market circumstances and the increasing cost of development. Moving forward, we remain focused on providing additional methods for gamers to access a broader range of titles across any device while ensuring value for Xbox users.”

The company’s focus on value and accessibility indicates continued investment in services such as Xbox Game Pass, which provides a subscription-based alternative to purchasing individual games at full retail price.

Will Sony Follow Suit?

With both Microsoft and Nintendo now adopting the $79.99 price point for new game releases, attention turns to Sony. The PlayStation creator has yet to announce any alterations to its software pricing, but industry experts predict it may be only a matter of time before Sony conforms to this trend.

Conclusion: The New Pricing Reality of Gaming

Microsoft’s updated pricing framework represents a crucial development in the financial landscape of video gaming. As gaming costs rise, consumers might increasingly gravitate towards subscription services and digital sales to manage their entertainment expenses. Whether this signifies the conclusion of the $70 game era or the onset of a more expensive phase remains uncertain; however, one thing is evident: the gaming environment is evolving, and players will need to adjust.

For the moment, Xbox enthusiasts should brace themselves for elevated upfront costs associated with both consoles and games, while remaining vigilant on how the broader industry reacts in the coming months.