In the midst of ongoing tariff uncertainty, the prices of Xbox consoles and accessories are on the rise. Microsoft recently increased the retail prices for its Xbox Series S and Xbox Series X worldwide. For example, the Xbox Series S now starts at $379.99 in the U.S., up $80 from its debut price of $299.99. The more powerful Xbox Series X will now be priced at $599.99, a $100 increase from its previous listing of $499.99.
Microsoft acknowledged the challenges posed by these price changes in a statement to The Associated Press, attributing the adjustments to broader market conditions and rising development costs. The company also announced price adjustments for Xbox products in Europe, the U.K., Australia, and other countries.
These price hikes come amidst a turbulent period for the gaming industry, fueled by new tariffs initiated by U.S. President Donald Trump and subsequent retaliatory measures from countries like China. Economists predict that these tariffs will lead to higher prices for various consumer goods, particularly electronics, due to the interconnected global supply chain.
Sony and Nintendo have also been affected by the trade wars, with Sony raising prices for PlayStation 5 consoles in select markets and Nintendo delaying preorders for the Switch 2 to assess tariff implications. Microsoft’s earnings report for the January-March quarter showed impressive revenue growth, but the full impact of the tariffs is yet to be fully realized.
