Xbox Series X Climbs to $650 as Microsoft Adjusts for Tariffs

• Microsoft will raise Xbox Series X prices to $650 (from $600) and Series S to $400 (from $380) starting Oct. 3, marking the second price increase this year ahead of the holiday season.
• The company attributes the hikes to "macroeconomic conditions," which industry observers link to Trump administration tariffs on imports from countries like China, where Xbox hardware is manufactured.
• At $650, the Series X becomes one of the most expensive mainstream consoles, potentially putting it at a disadvantage against Sony's PlayStation 5 and Nintendo's Switch 2.

Microsoft will increase prices for its Xbox Series X and Series S gaming consoles in the U.S. starting Oct. 3, marking the second such hike this year. The Series X will rise to $650 from $600, while the Series S will cost $400, up from $380. In May, Microsoft raised the Series S price to $380 from $300 and the Series X to $600 from $500.

The software giant has attributed the increases to "macroeconomic conditions," language that industry observers say reflects tariffs imposed during the Trump administration on imports from countries including China, where Xbox hardware is manufactured.

Gaming accessories such as controllers and headsets aren't affected, at least for now. Microsoft said in a statement that it remains focused on "offering more ways to play more games across any screen and providing value for Xbox players."

Still, the timing is notable: The hike lands just weeks before the Xbox ROG Ally handheld device, developed with Asus, arrives on shelves. Microsoft hasn't shared pricing for that device yet.

The increase also comes amid a broader strategic pivot for Xbox. Earlier this year, Xbox President Sarah Bond suggested the company's next generation of gaming experiences won't be tied to a single piece of hardware or locked to one store. That vision stands in sharp contrast to today's announcement, where console buyers face higher upfront costs.

For players, the latest price bump makes the Series X one of the most expensive mainstream consoles on the market. At $650, it now finds itself in a tougher spot against Sony Group Corp.'s PlayStation 5 and whatever new hardware Nintendo Co. has in preparation. It's also another reminder that global trade policies and supply-chain costs are increasingly being felt at the checkout counter, long after the initial console launches.