Microsoft is preparing to raise Xbox Series X and Xbox Series S prices in the United States on August 1, giving prospective buyers a limited window to purchase either console at its current price. The increase affects every major current generation Xbox model, with the standard Xbox Series X expected to reach $799.99 and the Xbox Series X Digital Edition rising to $749.99.
The Xbox Series S range is also becoming more expensive. The 512GB model will move from $399.99 to $499.99, while the 1TB version is set to increase from $449.99 to $599.99. These changes make the Series X and Series S noticeably more expensive than they were at launch, especially for buyers who also need extra storage.
Microsoft has linked the higher prices to rising manufacturing and component costs. Memory and storage prices have become more difficult for hardware companies to manage, and the wider market is facing continued pressure from demand for advanced chips and other components.
Xbox console prices before and after August 1
The upcoming increases are large enough that buyers may want to compare the current prices with the new official pricing before deciding whether to wait.
| Xbox console | Current price | Price from August 1 |
|---|---|---|
| Xbox Series S 512GB | $399.99 | $499.99 |
| Xbox Series S 1TB | $449.99 | $599.99 |
| Xbox Series X Digital Edition | $599.99 | $749.99 |
| Xbox Series X with disc drive | $649.99 | $799.99 |
The biggest increase affects the standard Xbox Series X with an optical disc drive. That model launched at $499.99 and will cost $799.99 after the change, representing a total rise of $300 over its original launch price.
Current retailer prices vary, but some consoles remain slightly below Microsoft’s standard rates. The 1TB Xbox Series X has recently appeared at Walmart for $648, while the Xbox Series X Digital Edition has been listed around $598. The 1TB Xbox Series S has also been available below its normal price at select retailers.
Storage expansion cards may also become harder to justify
The console itself is only one part of the cost. Xbox Series X and Series S owners often need expansion storage because many current games take up a large amount of space. A 1TB or 2TB expansion card can quickly become necessary if you keep several large games installed at once.
Some cards are already expensive, although discounts are available on certain models. The WD Black C50 2TB expansion card has appeared around $249.99, while larger Seagate cards can cost much more. These cards let you run current Xbox Series games directly from the extra storage, unlike many external USB drives that are better suited for older titles.
| Storage option | Typical current price | Best for |
|---|---|---|
| 1TB expansion card | Around $150 to $190 | A moderate library of current games |
| 2TB expansion card | Around $249 to $300 | Players who keep many large games installed |
| 4TB expansion card | Around $550 or more | Large digital libraries and less frequent deleting |
Buying before the increase may make sense for some players
The August 1 deadline matters most if you already planned to buy an Xbox Series X or Series S this year. Waiting for a major price reduction may become less realistic once the new pricing takes effect, particularly if hardware costs continue to rise through 2027.
The Series X remains the stronger option for players who want higher performance, more storage, and a disc drive. The Series S is still the lower-cost entry point, but its upcoming price makes the difference between the two models less comfortable than before.
For buyers who need an Xbox soon, the next few weeks may be the better time to watch retailer inventory and compare bundles before the new prices become standard.
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