Microsoft Announces Global Price Hikes for Xbox Consoles, Games, and Game Pass Subscriptions in 2025. In a significant move affecting gamers worldwide, Microsoft has announced substantial price increases for its Xbox consoles, first-party games, and Game Pass subscriptions. These changes are attributed to rising development costs, inflation, and recent U.S. tariffs on Chinese imports.
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Xbox Console Price Increases
Effective immediately, the prices for Xbox consoles have risen across various regions:
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United States
Xbox Series X: Increased from $499.99 to $599.99.
For Xbox Series S: Increased from $299.99 to $379.99.
Xbox Series X 2TB Galaxy Special Edition: Now priced at $729.99.
United Kingdom
Xbox Series X: Now £499.99.
Xbox Series S: Now £299.99.
Europe
Xbox Series X: Increased by €50 to €599.99.
India
Xbox Series X: Currently priced between ₹55,990 and ₹59,990, depending on the bundle.
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Microsoft cites “shifting market dynamics and escalating development expenses” as reasons for these hikes. However, analysts suggest that the recent 145% tariffs imposed by the U.S. on Chinese-made goods, where most Xbox consoles are manufactured, have significantly impacted costs.
Price Increases for First-Party Games
Starting this holiday season, new first-party Xbox games will see a price increase:
United States
From $70 to $79.99.
Europe
From €70 to €79.99.
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This is the second time prices have increased since 2023, when the cost of games jumped from $60 to $70. The increase reflects the growing costs associated with game development.
Xbox Game Pass Subscription Adjustments
Microsoft is also adjusting the pricing for its Xbox Game Pass subscriptions:
United States
Xbox Game Pass Ultimate: Price increased from $14.99 to $16.99 per month.
Xbox Game Pass for Console: From $9.99 to $10.99 per month.
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India
Xbox Game Pass Ultimate: From ₹499 to ₹549 per month.
Xbox Game Pass for Console: From ₹349 to ₹379 per month.
Microsoft will implement these changes on July 6 for new subscribers, while existing members will begin seeing the updated rates on August 13.
Introduction of New Game Pass Standard Tier
Alongside the pricing changes, Microsoft is set to launch a fresh subscription option called the “Game Pass Standard” tier.
Price: $14.99 per month.
Features: Includes online console multiplayer access but excludes day-one access to first-party Xbox games.
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This move has drawn criticism from the U.S. Federal Trade Commission (FTC), which labeled the new tier a “degraded product” and expressed concerns over potential consumer harm following Microsoft’s acquisition of Activision Blizzard.
Impact on Indian Gamers
While there’s no official announcement regarding further price hikes for Xbox consoles in India, the recent adjustments in Game Pass subscription fees indicate a trend that could affect Indian gamers. Given that the PlayStation 5 is priced at ₹54,990 and often comes with promotional offers, Xbox may face increased competition in the Indian market.
