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Xbox console prices are going up. Microsoft announced on June 25, 2026 that worldwide console prices would rise effective August 1, 2026, by US$100 for 512 GB models and US$150 for 1 TB models, and that the 2 TB model would be discontinued. That date has now passed, so the new prices should apply in most markets, though you should confirm the figure in your own region. The same announcement did not raise controller prices, and the game-price figure of US$79.99 comes from a May 2025 statement about some new first-party games, not a current price for Xbox games in general.
What changed on August 1, 2026
Xbox’s June 25, 2026 notice on Xbox Wire set out the console changes below. The notice describes changes by storage tier and does not give a full SKU-by-SKU list of new retail prices, so check your exact model on Xbox’s store listing for your country before you buy.
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| Model tier (as named in the notice) | Announced change | Effective date | Scope |
|---|---|---|---|
| 512 GB models | +US$100 | August 1, 2026 | Worldwide, according to Xbox |
| 1 TB models | +US$150 | August 1, 2026 | Worldwide, according to Xbox |
| 2 TB model | Sunset (discontinued) | Announced June 25, 2026 | Not stated per region |
These are change amounts, not finished price tags. The notice does not state the resulting local retail price for each region, and a retailer may price above or below the MSRP. If you start from the May 2025 US list prices below and add the increase, the Series S 512 GB would land near US$479.99 and a 1 TB Series S near US$579.99. That is arithmetic on a 2025 baseline, not a published 2026 price.
Why Xbox says prices are rising
Xbox’s notice gives its own explanation: “Unfortunately, console storage and memory prices have increased by more than 2.5x and we expect another doubling by the fall of 2027.” The statement is attributed to Team Xbox, the author of the Xbox Wire post. Treat both the 2.5x increase and the doubling forecast as Xbox’s claims. The forecast is a prediction, not a measured outcome, and this article does not independently verify component market data.
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The Associated Press also reported a Microsoft response to the changes: “We understand that these changes are challenging.” AP attributes the sentence to Microsoft without naming an individual spokesperson.
Historical US list prices (May 1, 2025)
Xbox published a US recommended retail price sheet dated May 1, 2025. These figures are a dated reference point for comparison, not current prices in any market. They predate the August 2026 changes, so do not use them as what you would pay today.
Consoles
| Console | US recommended retail price, May 1, 2025 |
|---|---|
| Xbox Series S 512GB | US$379.99 |
| Xbox Series S 1TB | US$429.99 |
| Xbox Series X Digital | US$549.99 |
| Xbox Series X | US$599.99 |
| Xbox Series X 2TB Galaxy Black Special Edition | US$729.99 |
Controllers
| Controller | US recommended retail price, May 1, 2025 |
|---|---|
| Xbox Wireless Controller Core | US$64.99 |
| Xbox Wireless Controller Color | US$69.99 |
| Xbox Wireless Controller Special Edition | US$79.99 |
| Xbox Wireless Controller Limited Edition | US$89.99 |
| Xbox Elite Wireless Controller Series 2 Core | US$149.99 |
| Xbox Elite Wireless Controller Series 2 Full | US$199.99 |
Are controllers getting more expensive?
The June 2026 console notice does not announce a controller price increase, and the sources reviewed for this article do not establish a 2026 controller price change. The controller figures above are May 2025 US list prices only. If you see a higher controller price now, it may reflect a retailer, region, or a change Xbox has made since those sources were published, so compare against the current Xbox store price rather than assuming an increase was announced.
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- What's in the box: Xbox Series S 512GB console, 1 Xbox Wireless Controller, High Speed HDMI cable.
- CPU: 8X Cores @ 3.6 GHz (3.4 GHz w/SMT) Custom Zen 2 CPU; GPU: 4 TFLOPS, 20 CUs @1.565 GHz Custom RDNA 2 GPU; SOC Die Size: 197.05 mm2.
- Memory: 10GB GDDR6 128 bit-wide bus; Memory Bandwidth: 8GB @ 224 GB/s, 2GB @ 56 GB/s.; Internal Storage: 512GB Custom NVME SSD
- Gaming Resolution: 1440p; Performance Target: Up to 120 FP.
- HDMI Features: Auto Low Latency Mode, HDMI Variable Refresh Rate, AMD FreeSync.
Are Xbox games really going to cost US$79.99?
No, not as a general rule. In May 2025, The Associated Press reported that Microsoft expected some new first-party games to reach US$79.99 during the 2025 holiday season. The statement was forward-looking and limited to some new first-party titles. It did not say that every Xbox game would cost that much, and it did not establish what any game costs in 2026.
To check a specific game, look at its listing on the Xbox store or on the retailer you plan to buy from. Prices for the same title can differ by region, edition, and whether it is physical or digital.
Lower-cost ways to buy
Xbox’s June 2026 notice described several routes that can reduce the upfront cost. Each one has conditions, and none of them is a guaranteed discount.
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- Access your favorite entertainment through apps like YouTube, Netflix, and more
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Certified refurbished consoles
Xbox said certified refurbished consoles are available through Microsoft Stores for up to US$100 off MSRP. The notice describes this as “up to” the amount, so the discount on a given unit depends on its model and current stock. Check the listing for the exact price before you assume any saving.
Previously played consoles
Xbox said it was working with retailers on previously played consoles. The notice does not provide a list of participating retailers, so ask a retailer directly whether it offers this and what its return and warranty terms are.
Buy-now-pay-later and interest-free financing
Xbox said eligible hardware can be bought with buy-now-pay-later or interest-free financing. Availability, terms, and eligibility vary by region and by the lender. Spreading payments does not lower the total you pay for the console, and it does not change the price. Calculate the full cost of any plan, including fees and late-payment terms, before choosing it.
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- What's in the box: Xbox Series S 512GB console, 1 Wireless Controller, High Speed HDMI cable.
- CPU: 8X Cores @ 3.6 GHz (3.4 GHz w/SMT) Custom Zen 2 CPU; GPU: 4 TFLOPS, 20 CUs @1.565 GHz Custom RDNA 2 GPU; SOC Die Size: 197.05 mm2.
- Memory: 10GB GDDR6 128 bit-wide bus; Memory Bandwidth: 8GB @ 224 GB/s, 2GB @ 56 GB/s.; Internal Storage: 512GB Custom NVME SSD
- Gaming Resolution: 1440p; Performance Target: Up to 120 FPS; HDMI Features: Auto Low Latency Mode, HDMI Variable Refresh Rate, AMD FreeSync.
How to check your real price
- Open the Xbox store page for your country and find the console or controller. Note the price shown, and whether it reflects the August 2026 change.
- Compare the Xbox price with at least one authorized retailer in your region, including any current refurbished or previously played offers.
- If you are buying a console, confirm the storage tier and format (disc or all-digital, where offered) before comparing prices. A 512 GB model and a 1 TB model are not interchangeable price comparisons.
- If you are considering financing, read the full terms and total cost before you check out.
The 2 TB model has been discontinued, so a listing for it may be old stock or a third-party sale. Compare any such offer carefully against the current models that remain on sale.
Prices in this article are drawn from Xbox’s own notice and its May 2025 US sheet, plus AP’s May 2025 report. They should be checked in your region before you buy.
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Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.
