Why I’m Breaking Up with Xbox — 2025 Price Hikes Explained
Microsoft has significantly raised prices across its Xbox platform in 2025. The nearly five-year-old hardware and subscription model that once offered some of the best value in gaming now looks very different:
- Xbox Series S (512GB): now $399.99
- Xbox Series X: $599.99 (digital) / $649.99 (disc)
- Game Pass Ultimate: raised to $30/month (a 50% increase)
These increases make it harder for new or casual players to enter the Xbox ecosystem. My own first-year cost (console + Game Pass) has nearly doubled under the new pricing.
Why this matters
Game Pass used to be a major selling point — hundreds of games and day-one releases for a low monthly fee. At $30/month, that value proposition is less clear, especially compared with alternatives like PlayStation Plus tiers and Steam sales.
Comparisons & context
- PlayStation and Nintendo have also adjusted prices, but Microsoft’s recent moves feel especially steep.
- Microsoft appears to be shifting revenue toward subscriptions — betting fewer customers paying more will offset churn.
Sources & where to read more
Official Xbox support announcement: Xbox support — pricing updates
Additional coverage: Lenovo Gaming coverage
Buy or compare consoles on Amazon: Xbox Series S on Amazon • Xbox Series X on Amazon
My take
For many players — especially those who bought into Xbox because of the low-cost Series S and Game Pass — this feels like a breaking point. I’m likely leaving the ecosystem, and I expect other budget-minded or casual gamers to consider the same.
What do you think: will you stick with Xbox, switch to another platform, or wait for deals? Share your thoughts below.