Xbox Prices Jump Again: Series X Now $649.99 — Up $150 as U.S. Tariffs Bite

Microsoft is raising Xbox console prices in the United States again, with new rates taking effect on Oct. 3. This is the second U.S. hardware price increase from Microsoft in six months, and it pushes some models substantially higher than they were earlier this year.

• New U.S. prices and effective date
• How much prices have moved compared to earlier this year
• Microsoft’s announcement and unchanged items
• Industry moves and tariff context
• What this means for buyers

New Xbox prices in the U.S.

Starting Oct. 3, Microsoft lists the following U.S. retail prices for new Xbox consoles:

• Xbox Series S 512 GB — $399.99 (was $379.99)
• Xbox Series S 1TB — $449.99 (was $429.99)
• Xbox Series X Digital — $599.99 (was $549.99)
• Xbox Series X — $649.99 (was $599.99)
• Xbox Series X 2TB Galaxy Black Special Edition — $799.99 (was $729.99)

How much higher compared to earlier prices

To put this in perspective, before Microsoft’s May price increase an Xbox Series X sold for $499.99. As of Oct. 3, that same model will be $150 more than it was four months earlier.

Likewise, the 2TB Galaxy Black Special Edition has increased by roughly $200 since April 30, when it was priced at $599.99. In short, the cumulative increases over two rounds of adjustments have pushed several models notably higher in a short span of time.

Microsoft’s announcement and unchanged items

Microsoft attributed the pricing updates to broader economic factors. In its notice, the company said the changes were “due to changes in the macroeconomic environment”; the company announced Friday.

Microsoft also said that pricing for Xbox controllers and headsets will remain the same, and that pricing in non-U.S. markets will remain unchanged for now.

Industry moves and tariff context

These Microsoft increases follow similar moves across the console market. For example, Sony raised PlayStation 5 prices in the U.S. by $50 roughly one month before this Microsoft announcement, and Nintendo adjusted prices on original Switch units and Joy‑Con 2 controllers in August.

Additionally, U.S. tariff policy on goods manufactured in China, Vietnam, and India has been cited as a factor raising costs for companies and potentially pushing higher prices onto consumers; see this Yahoo report for ongoing coverage.

What it means for buyers

For now, buyers in the U.S. will face higher sticker prices on Xbox consoles starting Oct. 3. Accessories like controllers and headsets are unchanged, and Microsoft says non-U.S. pricing remains the same, but the situation could shift again if economic or trade conditions change.