Microsoft Increases Global Prices for Xbox Consoles, Controllers, Headsets, and Games Due to Market Conditions and Development Costs

Whoa, so Microsoft just threw a curveball on Thursday. They jacked up the prices on the Xbox Series S and X. Plus, controllers, headsets, and even games, right? All ’cause of “market conditions” and those sneaky rising development costs — whatever that means. Now get this, an Xbox Series X is gonna set you back $599.99. Seriously. And the basic controller? That’s a cool $64.99 now. But hey, Xbox Game Pass is still hanging in there without a price bump. Phew.

Somewhere in a Microsoft office, someone said, “Hey, as of May 1, let’s shake up the retailer pricing for our consoles and controllers globally.” Yeah, thanks, Microsoft. First-party games are jumping too. So, come holiday season, some new Xbox and PC games will be $79.99. No idea if this excites anyone.

The Series X with 1TB storage gets a $100 price boost — making it $599.99. And there’s this special 2TB version in Galaxy Black. Just saying Galaxy Black sounds cool, but it’s $729.99, which is — you guessed it — $130 more. Oh, and the Blu-ray-less Series X is now $549.99. More numbers to juggle: the Series S, with its dainty 512GB, is up $80 at $379.99. Meanwhile, the beefier 1TB version is chilling at $429.99.

Accessories? Yep, those too. The wireless controller now at $64.99, while the headset plugs up to $119.99. And want to hear something wild? Some new first-party games during holidays will run you $79.99, a bump from $70. Thanks, inflation. Even Nintendo’s in on this with its Mario Kart shenanigans — matching prices, huh?

These hikes? Not just a U.S. gig. It’s Australia, Europe, the U.K., everywhere. Microsoft blames development costs and trade snafus. Easy excuses? “We get it, these changes are a tough pill to swallow,” said Microsoft — or something like that. They’re all about getting games across screens but at what cost, hmm?

Xbox Game Pass stays the same, bless its digital heart. Less than a year ago, remember, they nudged console and subscription prices. June 2023 had them sneaking in a change too. What’s next? Who’s even keeping track anymore?

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