Hey there, tech lovers! Nuked here, ready to break down some juicy news about Xbox prices that’ll make you raise an eyebrow (or two).

Microsoft just announced that starting today, Xbox hardware and accessories will cost a bit more worldwide. Yep, you heard it right—console prices are going up, and some new first-party games this holiday season will carry a fresh $79.99 price tag.

In the US, the top-tier Xbox Series X with a disc drive has jumped from $499.99 to $599.99. The Digital Edition is also up, now at $549.99 instead of $449.99. Even the smaller Xbox Series S models are seeing noticeable hikes, with 1TB versions at $429.99 and 512GB models at $379.99.

These updated prices are live on Microsoft’s online store now. However, some retail shops might still have the old prices for a short time while stocks last. For headsets, the bump applies only in the US and Canada, likely due to trade tariffs shaking things up.

This isn’t just a random price tweak; it’s the first time Microsoft has raised their Xbox hardware prices in the US history of the console. Remember the Xbox One? That generation saw prices drop dramatically after launch, but this time, Microsoft’s taking a different approach amid rising costs and inflation.

In fact, when you adjust for inflation, the original $499.99 price of the Xbox Series X in 2020 is roughly equivalent to over $600 today. So, while the jump might sting, it kind of makes sense given the economic climate.

Software prices are evolving too. Some new Microsoft-published games will hit the shelves at $79.99 this holiday season, both digital and physical copies included. Don’t worry, existing games won’t be affected, and there’ll still be a mix of price points to choose from.

Interestingly, this new $80 price point mirrors similar moves from other big players. Nintendo’s upcoming Switch 2 launch title and other recent AAA games have nudged prices up, signaling a possible new norm for game pricing.

So, gamers, it might be time to tighten those wallets a bit, but keep your eyes peeled for any last-minute deals while the older prices linger in retail. Stay savvy and game on!