Microsoft hikes Xbox prices worldwide as gaming industry faces tariff uncertainty

NEW YORK (AP) — Amid a backdrop of ongoing tariff uncertainty, more and more gamers are facing price hikes.

Microsoft raised recommended retailer pricing for its Xbox consoles and controllers around the world this week. Its Xbox Series S, for example, now starts at $379.99 in the U.S. — up $80 from the $299.99 price tag that debuted in 2020. And its more powerful Xbox Series X will be $599.99 going forward, a $100 jump from its previous $499.99 listing.

“We understand that these changes are challenging,” Microsoft wrote in a Thursday Xbox support update and subsequent statement sent to The Associated Press. The tech giant didn’t point to tariffs specifically, but cited wider “market conditions and the rising cost of development.”

Beyond the U.S., Microsoft also laid out Xbox price adjustments for Europe, the U.K. and Australia. The company said all other countries would also receive updates locally.

https://apnews.com/article/xbox-raises-prices-tariffs-microsoft-cd746a5aed59f3f5403ab262d6e149f0

A lot of things are going to cost more thanks to the slobfather.