In 2025, innovations in the Xbox Series X are expected to set trends in the gaming industry, especially with hardware. For avid gamers or those considering transitioning to next-generation gaming, this guide encompasses everything you need to know. From important price hikes to new hardware and game releases, this explainer is one to keep in your vault.
What Has Changed in the United States for the Xbox Series X?
Xbox Series X Price Hike
The most recent developments show the United States, alongside the rest of the world, has undergone another substantial price increase for the Xbox Series X console and its related accessories. Microsoft has increased the retail price of the console by $100, raising the Xbox Series X model price from $499.99 to $599.99.
This does not stop here as Microsoft has also increased the price for first-party game titles to $79.99, alongside an increase in peripheral controllers and overall accessories.
What Led the Change?
Due to the lingering impacts of tariffs and shipping complications, the technology sector is dealing with rising inflation, supply chain difficulties, and growing production costs. As reported by Reuters, Microsoft and other firms are being forced to reconsider their pricing models to sustain profitability.
For those living in the United States, this implies that their transition to the Xbox ecosystem will cost them a lot more starting in 2025.
What About Other Parts of the World?
Even though this article discusses the United States, it’s important to note that price increases are universal.
- Eurozone: Xbox Series X now sits at €599.99.
- UK: Priced at £499.99, with the advanced 2TB Xbox Series X being sold for £589.99.
Microsoft does not seem to be tailoring these price changes toward specific regions, as these adjustments indicate their shift in strategy on a global scale.
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New Xbox Series X Model: Introducing the Brooklin
Talking about the price increases, the company also announced some information related to hardware refreshes. A revamped Xbox Series X model, codenamed Brooklin, is planned for release in the second half of 2024 but will be heavily discussed in 2025.
Brooklin Highlights
- 2TB storage increase
- No disc drive (Only Digital)
- Front-facing USB-C with Power Delivery
- Supports Wi-Fi 6E
- Bluetooth 5.2
This redesign integrates Brooklin into Microsoft’s vision for the console family by upgrading the Xbox’s systems and hardware to improve connectivity and refine the console’s shape. The Brooklin’s digital-only setup aligns with Microsoft’s transition to an all-digital ecosystem.
Interestingly, Brooklin’s price is rumored to be synced to the upcoming Series X pricing, which stands between $499 to $599 depending on the region and availability.
New Controller: ‘Sebile’
Brooklin is expected to come with a new Xbox controller, dubbed Sebile internally. It comes with several additions to enhance the player experience, including:
- Modular thumbsticks
- Precision haptic feedback
- Accelerometer
- Lift-to-wake function
Microsoft is attempting to make Xbox more engaging by incorporating these advanced features into peripherals, making the Xbox ecosystem more responsive.
Xbox in India: A Glimpse Into the Global Picture
Even though this article is tailored for the US audience, it’s worth paying attention to important markets like India, where the Xbox Series X is now selling for ₹55,990, which is around $670 USD after several price increases. Other accessories, like the wireless controller, have also seen new price tags.
Further restricting accessibility in these markets are limited regional restocks and distribution challenges. Cost strategies are impacting gamers all over the globe, as highlighted in the Indian example.
2025 Game Releases: Highlights
Even with additional costs and alterations to hardware, the Xbox Series X retains its crown for its unparalleled game selection. Here’s a list of notable mentions scheduled for release in 2025:
- Shadows of Assassin’s Creed
- Release Date: March 20, 2025
- Setting: Feudal Japan
- Publisher: Ubisoft
- Key Feature: New stealth gameplay mechanics with dual-character control
- Doom: The Dark Ages
- Release Date: May 15, 2025
- Genre: Medieval shooter
- Publisher: Bethesda
- Borderlands 4
- Release Date: September 23, 2025
- New Characters: New cast of Vault Hunters
- Setting: Completely new planet
- The Outer Worlds 2
- Expected: Last quarter of 2025
- Developer: Obsidian Entertainment
- Features: An escalation in RPG system mechanics, narrative depth, space exploration
- GTA VI
- Release Date: TBA 2025
- Publisher: Rockstar
- Details: Most awaited release, likely to reset open-world gaming benchmarks
Anticipation surrounding these titles is likely to push hardware limits while increasing system-sellers deemed necessary to justify the expensive ownership costs.
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The Horizon: Portable Xbox and Xbox’s New Generation Vision
Microsoft isn’t solely focused on the Xbox Series X. According to Gadgets360, they aim to release a Windows handheld gaming console by 2025. This handheld console trend follows the release of the Steam Deck and ASUS ROG Ally.
Looking further down the road, Microsoft’s next-gen Xbox is set to launch in 2027, boasting a new hybrid cloud and local computing system for enhanced performance.
Final Thoughts: Will Microsoft’s Xbox Series X Still Be Relevant in 2025?
Even with the current price hike on the Xbox Series X, it still offers extreme value with its additional hardware, enhanced ecosystem, and impressive controllable games. The Brooklin model, alongside the new controller, further cements Microsoft’s vision toward innovation, and the upcoming titles ensure that the Xbox continues to be the face of gaming in 2025.
Investing in the Series X console primarily boils down to what US gamers consider the most valuable—a massive library of premium games, a powerful and future-ready device, and ever-expanding digital services.
Xbox Series X still maintains its dominance in the gaming industry and is considered one of the top choices for both seasoned and casual gamers, despite the hefty price tag.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q1. Why did the price of Xbox Series X go up in 2025?
A: The price increase is due to rising global production costs, inflation, supply chain disruptions, and new tariffs. Microsoft adjusted prices worldwide to reflect these challenges.
Q2. How much does the Xbox Series X cost in the US now?
A: As of 2025, the Xbox Series X retails for $599.99 in the United States, a $100 increase from its original launch price.
Q3. What is the Xbox Series X ‘Brooklin’?
A: ‘Brooklin’ is a redesigned, digital-only version of the Xbox Series X. It features a new cylindrical design, 2TB storage, USB-C front port, and enhanced connectivity like Wi-Fi 6E.
Q4. Is Xbox Series X still worth buying in 2025?
A: Yes. Despite the price hike, the Xbox Series X offers excellent value with powerful hardware, a strong library of current and upcoming games, and a refreshed model launching soon.
Q5. What new games are coming to Xbox Series X in 2025?
A: Top upcoming games include Assassin’s Creed Shadows, Doom: The Dark Ages, Borderlands 4, The Outer Worlds 2, and GTA VI.
Q6. Will Xbox release a handheld console?
A: Reports suggest Microsoft is working on a Windows-based handheld gaming device set to launch in 2025, tapping into the portable gaming market.
Q7. When is the next-generation Xbox expected?
A: Microsoft is planning to release its next-gen Xbox console in 2027, focusing on a hybrid model that blends cloud and local computing.
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