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Microsoft announced in May 2025 that select new first-party Xbox games would cost $79.99 in the United States. That was not a price increase for every Xbox game, and the best-known example, The Outer Worlds 2, was subsequently listed by Xbox at $69.99 for its Standard Edition. The current US Xbox Store listing checked October 8, 2026, shows the game at $69.99+.
Did Xbox raise game prices to $80?
Microsoft announced that select new first-party releases would carry a US price of $79.99 later in 2025. It was a limited announcement, not confirmation that all Xbox games—or every new Xbox release—would cost $80. The Associated Press reported Microsoft’s explanation as “market conditions and the rising cost of development.” AP also noted Microsoft did not specifically cite tariffs.
The available statements do not provide a quantified increase in development costs or a detailed calculation behind the proposed $10 change. So the explanation is the company’s broad rationale, not a disclosed breakdown that lets buyers independently trace how it arrived at $79.99.
Why did The Outer Worlds 2 become the example?
When Xbox announced editions for The Outer Worlds 2 on June 8, 2025, it initially drew attention as a $79.99 Standard Edition example. Xbox’s article was revised; its editor’s note states, “The price for the The Outer Worlds 2 Standard Edition has been revised to $69.99.” The same announcement listed the Premium Edition at $99.99. Xbox Wire’s announcement records the revised Standard Edition price.
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Obsidian later explained how the correction would be handled for people who had preordered. Depending on the storefront, the difference was to be refunded or credited. Its update describes the arrangements by platform: Obsidian’s update on preorder price differences.
What does The Outer Worlds 2 cost now?
As of October 8, 2026, the US Xbox Store listing checked for this article displays The Outer Worlds 2 at $69.99+. The listing also indicates Game Pass availability for specified tiers. Both the displayed purchase price and subscription eligibility are subject to change, so check the listing for your country, platform, and plan before buying. View the Xbox Store listing.
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For a purchase-versus-subscription decision, compare the current one-time price with the Game Pass tier you actually have access to, and confirm that the game is included for your platform. The listing’s Game Pass indication does not establish that every tier or device has access.
Independent reader supportYour contribution helps us test, update, and keep practical guides available for everyone.Why can the price differ by country?
A US price is not a promise of an equivalent converted price in every market. Microsoft says that if a publisher has not set a market-specific price, Microsoft Store may convert the US-dollar base price into local currency. Exchange-rate conversions can be adjusted over time, and publishers can override prices in particular markets. See Microsoft’s pricing and availability documentation for how regional pricing is handled.
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That means a $79.99 US announcement should not be treated as a global Xbox price. Check the store in your region for the price that applies to you; local currency, publisher-set pricing, and later storefront changes can all affect what appears.
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What to take from the $80 announcement
- Microsoft announced a $79.99 US price for select new first-party games in May 2025; it did not announce that all Xbox games would cost that amount.
- The Outer Worlds 2 was a prominent example, but Xbox revised the Standard Edition price in its announcement to $69.99.
- The US Xbox Store listing checked October 8, 2026, shows The Outer Worlds 2 at $69.99+, with Game Pass access indicated for specified tiers.
- Microsoft’s stated rationale was market conditions and rising development costs; the sources do not establish tariffs as the cause or provide a quantified cost breakdown.
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.
