On May 1, 2025, Microsoft announced a significant price increase for its Xbox Series X and S consoles, as well as for various peripherals including controllers. This decision, communicated through the company's official support page, reflects adjustments made globally, including in Japan, where prices have surged by approximately 1.3 to 1.4 times their previous amounts.
The Xbox Series X, which was previously sold for 66,978 yen, now carries a price tag of 87,980 yen, marking a substantial increase of about 20,000 yen. The 1TB Digital Edition of the console has also seen a noteworthy rise, from 59,978 yen to 79,980 yen. Similarly, the Xbox Series S has not been spared; the 512GB model's price has jumped from 44,578 yen to 62,480 yen, while the 1TB version has increased from 49,978 yen to 67,480 yen.
Controllers have also experienced price hikes. The Xbox Wireless Controller, bundled with a USB-C cable, is now priced at 9,130 yen, up from 6,578 yen, reflecting an increase of about 2,500 yen. The Xbox Elite Wireless Controller Series 2 has similarly been revised from 21,428 yen to 27,500 yen.
Microsoft attributed these price changes to a combination of market conditions and escalating development costs. The company stated, "After careful consideration, we have decided to adjust prices due to the rising costs associated with market conditions and development expenses." This is not the first time Microsoft has raised prices; last August, the company implemented a price increase of several thousand yen on its consoles, coinciding with a similar price adjustment for the PlayStation 5, which saw a hike of 13,000 yen.
The timing of this increase comes amid ongoing economic uncertainty, particularly influenced by factors such as tariffs that have been imposed since the administration of former President Trump. This has led to a fluctuating market environment, prompting companies like Microsoft to reconsider their pricing strategies.
In the United States, the price adjustments are equally notable. The Xbox Series S (512GB) will now retail for $379.99, up from $299.99, while the 1TB variant will see its price rise from $349.99 to $429.99. The Xbox Series X Digital Edition will be priced at $549.99, an increase from $449.99, and the standard Xbox Series X will now cost $599.99, up from $499.99.
In Europe, the price changes reflect a similar trend. The Xbox Series S (512GB) will increase from €299.99 to €349.99, while the 1TB model will rise from €349.99 to €399.99. The Xbox Series X Digital Edition will see a price increase from €499.99 to €549.99, and the standard model will jump from €549.99 to €599.99.
In the UK, the Xbox Series S (512GB) will now be sold for £299.99, up from £249.95, while the 1TB version will increase from £299.99 to £349.99. The Xbox Series X Digital Edition will be priced at £449.99, up from £429.99, and the standard version will rise from £479.99 to £499.99.
Retailers like Amazon.co.jp have already updated their listings to reflect the new prices, with the Xbox Series X being sold at the revised rate. While the increase in prices has raised concerns among consumers, Microsoft has indicated that these adjustments are necessary to sustain their operations in a challenging economic environment.
Moreover, Microsoft plans to introduce new first-party games during the upcoming holiday season, with some titles expected to be priced at $79.99, approximately 11,600 yen. However, details regarding the Japanese market for these new games are still pending.
The gaming community is closely monitoring these developments, as price increases can significantly impact consumer purchasing decisions. With the gaming industry continuing to evolve, players are left to wonder how these changes will affect the competition between major console manufacturers like Microsoft and Sony.
As the market adjusts, it remains to be seen how consumers will respond to these price hikes. Will gamers continue to invest in the Xbox ecosystem, or will they turn to alternative gaming options? Only time will tell, but for now, Microsoft’s pricing strategy reflects a broader trend of rising costs in the tech industry.
