Microsoft is preparing another major price increase for Xbox Series X and Series S consoles in the United States, with the new pricing scheduled to take effect on August 1, 2026.
The standard Xbox Series X with a 1TB SSD and disc drive will rise from $649.99 to $799.99. The all digital Xbox Series X will increase from $599.99 to $749.99.
Xbox Series S buyers will also face considerably higher prices. The 512GB model is moving from $399.99 to $499.99, while the 1TB version will increase from $449.99 to $599.99.
These changes mean the disc based Series X will cost $300 more than its original $499 launch price. With the deadline approaching, remaining consoles listed near their current official prices may become more attractive, although stock levels and retailer pricing are already inconsistent.
New Xbox console prices begin on August 1
| Xbox model | Current price | New price | Increase |
|---|---|---|---|
| Xbox Series S 512GB | $399.99 | $499.99 | $100 |
| Xbox Series S 1TB | $449.99 | $599.99 | $150 |
| Xbox Series X Digital 1TB | $599.99 | $749.99 | $150 |
| Xbox Series X 1TB with disc drive | $649.99 | $799.99 | $150 |
The Series X remains the more capable option for players who want higher image quality, stronger performance, and a physical disc drive. It is designed primarily for 4K gaming and includes a larger SSD than the entry level Series S.
The Series S runs the same generation of games but targets lower resolutions and uses less powerful hardware. Its compact design and lower cost have traditionally made it the easier entry point into the Xbox ecosystem.
That value difference will become less convincing after August 1. A 512GB Series S at nearly $500 leaves less room between Microsoft’s budget console and more powerful hardware from competing platforms.
Available stock is already selling above official prices
Finding a standard Series X at or below its current official price has become difficult. Some listings are already considerably higher because of low availability or third party seller markups.
At the time of the latest inventory update, a disc based 1TB Series X was listed for $689 at one retailer, while another listing had climbed to $742. Previous discounts had briefly pushed the console closer to $573, but those offers were no longer available.
The white all digital Series X was available for about $598 through one listing, while another retailer offered it for approximately $625.
Series S pricing was more stable. The 512GB console remained available for around $398, while the 1TB version was listed near $448 at several stores.
| Console | Notable available price |
|---|---|
| Xbox Series X 1TB with disc drive | Around $689 |
| Xbox Series X Digital 1TB | Around $598 |
| Xbox Series S 512GB | Around $398 |
| Xbox Series S 1TB | Around $448 |
These prices can change quickly. Third party listings may also have different return policies, warranty terms, delivery fees, and seller ratings than products sold directly by major retailers.
Rising memory and storage costs are pushing hardware prices higher
Microsoft has linked the increase to higher manufacturing and component expenses. RAM and NAND flash storage prices have placed pressure on several parts of the technology industry, affecting computers, handheld gaming devices, consoles, and other electronics.
Xbox consoles depend on both high speed memory and SSD storage. When those parts become more expensive, hardware manufacturers must either accept lower profit margins or pass some of the cost to buyers.
The wider market may remain under pressure through 2027 and beyond. This creates the possibility of additional hardware price changes if supply constraints continue or demand for advanced memory rises further.
That does not guarantee another Xbox increase, but it reduces the likelihood of consoles returning to their original launch prices soon.
Storage expansion cards may also become more expensive
Xbox Series X and Series S consoles use proprietary expansion cards for storing and directly playing current generation games. Standard USB drives can hold many titles, but some games must be transferred back to the internal SSD before they can run.
A 1TB Seagate expansion card was listed for around $199. The 2TB model had dropped from $349.99 to $274.99, while the larger 4TB version was discounted from $699.99 to $539.99 but unavailable.
Alternative WD Black C50 cards were also listed, although availability and pricing varied significantly between capacities and retailers.
| Expansion card | Listed price |
|---|---|
| Seagate 1TB | Around $199 |
| Seagate 2TB | Around $274.99 |
| Seagate 4TB | Around $539.99, out of stock |
| WD Black C50 2TB | Around $299.99 |
Storage can become a problem quickly, especially on the 512GB Series S. Large games may consume more than 100GB before downloadable content and future updates are included.
Expansion cards offer performance close to the console’s internal storage and allow compatible games to run directly from the card. Their main disadvantage remains the high cost compared with conventional external SSDs.
Buyers should compare total cost before the deadline
Purchasing before August 1 may avoid the official price increase, but that does not make every current listing a good deal. Some sellers have already raised prices beyond the existing recommended level.
The standard Series X is the better long term choice for players who use discs, buy second hand games, or want stronger 4K performance. The digital Series X provides similar performance without an optical drive, although its value depends on the size of the discount.
The Series S remains suitable for smaller spaces, casual gaming, and lower resolution displays. Its limited storage and weaker graphics hardware should be considered carefully once the 512GB model reaches $499.99.
Anyone planning to buy an Xbox should compare the console price, seller reputation, warranty coverage, storage capacity, and possible expansion costs. The August 1 increase makes the current window important, but stock shortages and third party markups mean careful comparison is still necessary.
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