Xbox to Raise Game Prices to $80 Globally by Holiday Season
Xbox has confirmed that it will increase the prices of its hardware and games, with first-party game titles set to reach $79.99 starting this holiday season.
The price hikes, which begin immediately for Xbox consoles and accessories, are part of a global adjustment that Microsoft attributes to inflationary pressures and the growing costs of game development.
In a statement shared with IGN, the tech giant said, “We understand that these changes are challenging, and they were made with careful consideration given market conditions and the rising cost of development. Looking ahead, we continue to focus on offering more ways to play more games across any screen and ensuring value for Xbox players.”
The move positions Xbox as the second major publisher, after Nintendo, to raise its game prices to the $80 mark. Earlier this year, Nintendo announced that games for its next-generation Switch console would carry the same price tag, with certain regions, including parts of Europe, seeing further increases – especially for physical copies.
During its most recent earnings call, Microsoft reported rising revenue from Xbox game sales, even as hardware revenue continued to decline.
It remains unclear how this pricing trend will affect the release strategy for anticipated titles like Grand Theft Auto VI, though analysts expect that Take-Two Interactive, the game’s publisher, could follow suit to capitalize on the higher price point.
Xbox’s latest decision signals a broader industry shift toward more expensive gaming experiences, even as platform holders seek to balance value through subscription services and cross-platform access.
