Microsoft Increases Prices Globally for Xbox Consoles, Controllers, Headsets, and Games Due to Market Conditions and Development Costs

Sure, here’s a rewritten version:

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Okay, so Microsoft made some moves on Thursday that made my wallet cry a little. Yeah, the Xbox Series S and X just got pricier, along with controllers and headsets. I mean, I get it—market blah blah and development costs, right? But now, snagging an Xbox Series X sets you back $599.99 in the U.S. ($599.99 in Europe too, for the transatlantic folks).

Controllers? They’re now $64.99. Games this holiday are hitting $79.99. But hey, Xbox Game Pass stays put, so maybe there’s hope.

They said, “As of May 1, we have adjusted retail pricing worldwide.” Because, sure, that makes spending more fun, right?

Oh, and get this: if you’re eyeing the 1TB Xbox Series X, it’s now $599.99—which is $100 more. Feeling fancy? The Galaxy Black Special Edition with 2TB is $729.99. Don’t even get me started on the Blu-ray drive-less one—that’s $549.99.

Flipping through the list of price hikes felt like reading a grocery list of heartbreak. The 512GB Series S is at $379.99 now. The 1TB version sits at $429.99. Yeah, I know, this is… a lot, right?

And can we talk accessories? That base wireless controller? $64.99. The headset increased too—to $119.99. And just as I was wrapping my head around all of this, I noticed first-party game prices will echo Nintendo’s vibe at $79.99 this holiday.

Microsoft took apart my budget like confetti thrown in the air—or maybe like a cat with a roll of toilet paper. They cited “development costs” and “trade policy uncertainties” as the culprits, affecting not just the U.S., but Australia, Europe, the U.K., and beyond. Makes sense, I suppose. Kind of.

They said, “We understand these changes are challenging.” Yep, challenging my patience maybe. “We focus on offering more games on more screens.” At least they’re thinking about us, I guess? Amidst all this price-raising chaos, they promise value for Xbox players. Call me skeptical, but we’ll see.

Funny enough, Xbox Game Pass stays the same. Maybe because they upped it last year? Not that I’m complaining.

Anyway, I’m off to go ponder what my gaming future looks like. Might need a snack for this one—something that doesn’t require a credit check.