The recent surge in Xbox game and console prices has left many fans feeling anxious about the future of gaming affordability. With prices increasing by over $100 in some cases, the impact of tariffs and rising component costs is becoming painfully clear. This price hike isn’t just limited to the U.S.; gamers in Europe and Canada are also feeling the pinch, raising concerns about the sustainability of their gaming hobbies.

In a bold move that has sent shockwaves through the gaming community, Microsoft has announced that Obsidian Entertainment’s upcoming title, The Outer Worlds 2, will be the first Xbox game to carry an $80 price tag. This decision comes on the heels of Nintendo’s controversial pricing strategy with Mario Kart World, raising questions about the future of game pricing in an industry already grappling with consumer expectations and corporate greed.