Nintendo and Microsoft have announced significant price increases for their gaming consoles and accessories, citing rising production costs and market conditions.

Microsoft has raised the prices of its Xbox consoles and accessories in the U.S., which occurred around May 1, 2025. The Xbox Series S now costs $379.99, up from $299.99, while the Xbox Series X is now $599.99, a $100 increase from its previous price of $499.99. Also, the Xbox Series X Galaxy Special Edition is now priced at $729.99, up from $599.99. These adjustments represent increases of over 20% for most models

Microsoft has also announced that new first-party Xbox games will retail for $79.99 starting this holiday season, aligning with recent pricing trends set by competitor, Nintendo.

Nintendo’s upcoming Switch 2 console, set to launch on June 5, 2025, is priced at $450, a major increase from the original Switch’s launch price of $300. This price hike is due to new U.S. tariffs on electronics imported from China and Vietnam, where Nintendo manufactures its consoles.

In addition, Nintendo has raised prices for some of its accessories and games. For example, the Mario Kart World game, a launch title for the Switch 2, is priced at $80, reflecting the company’s strategy to adjust prices based on content value and development costs.

These price increases come amid broader industry trends, including inflation and rising development costs, prompting other companies like Sony to adjust their pricing strategies accordingly.

Consumers are advised to consider these price adjustments when planning their gaming purchases and to explore subscription services like Xbox Game Pass, which may offer more cost-effective access to a wide range of games.

Sources:

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