Xbox Console Prices Set for Second 2025 Hike, Adding Up to $150 in Six Months

For the second time this year, Microsoft is increasing the price of its Xbox Series X and Series S consoles, dealing another blow to the wallets of gamers in the United States. The latest adjustment, effective October 3, 2025, comes just months after a previous increase, raising the total cost of some models by a staggering $150 since the spring.

If you’ve been considering buying a new Xbox, the clock is ticking. The window to lock in current prices is rapidly closing, with major retailers honoring the pre-hike tags until October 2.

The New Xbox Price Breakdown: What’s Going Up in October?

The upcoming price adjustments affect all current-generation Xbox consoles, but only for customers in the United States. The increases are not uniform across the board, with the premium models seeing the most significant jumps.

Here’s a detailed look at the new pricing effective October 3, 2025:

Xbox Series X (Standard): Rising from $599.99 to $649.99, an increase of $50.
Xbox Series S (Entry-Level): Increasing from $379.99 to $399.99, an increase of $20.
Xbox Series X (Galaxy Black Special Edition): Seeing the largest jump, from $729.99 to $799.99, an increase of $70.

This October hike follows a similar round of increases that took effect in May. When combined, the price of the standard Xbox Series X, for example, has risen from its original $499.99 to $649.99—a total increase of $150 in less than six months. For more details on the initial change, you can refer to the official May 2025 pricing updates from Xbox Support.

Act Now: Where to Find Xbox Consoles at Current Prices

Gamers looking to avoid the extra cost have a narrow opportunity to do so. Retailers like Amazon, Best Buy, and Walmart are expected to sell through their existing inventory at current prices until the October 3 deadline.

As of now, you can still find consoles at their pre-October rates. For instance:

These links and prices are subject to change as the deadline approaches and stock sells out.

Why Are Xbox Prices Increasing Again?

Microsoft has pointed to "changes in the macroeconomic environment" as the reason for the adjustment. Industry analysts are more specific, citing significant new tariffs on electronics imported from China, Vietnam, and India. These trade policies have imposed duties ranging from 10% to 40% on key components used in gaming consoles.

Unlike smartphones and certain computer parts, which received exemptions, gaming consoles are bearing the full brunt of these tariffs. This has created substantial cost pressures that manufacturers like Microsoft are now passing on to consumers.

A Industry-Wide Trend: Sony and Nintendo Also Raising Prices

Microsoft is not alone in this move. The entire console gaming market is reacting to similar economic pressures.

Sony raised the price of the PlayStation 5 by approximately $50 in August 2025.
Nintendo also increased the price of its Switch console and various accessories following the announcement of the highly anticipated Switch 2.

This trend suggests that the era of stable console pricing may be over, at least for the foreseeable future.

A Silver Lining? What’s Not Going Up (For Now)

In an attempt to soften the blow for existing Xbox owners, Microsoft has confirmed that prices for peripherals like controllers and headsets will remain unchanged. Additionally, this particular price hike is limited to the US market. International pricing for regions like Europe and the UK will stay the same for now, though it’s worth noting that the May 2025 increase was a global adjustment.

The Bottom Line for Gamers

The consecutive price hikes from Microsoft signal a challenging period for the gaming hardware market. For US consumers, the message is clear: the cost of entry into the Xbox ecosystem is going up—again. If you’re on the fence about purchasing a new console, the days leading up to October 3 represent your last chance to buy at the current, already-increased price point before the new, higher tags take effect.