The PS3 and Xbox 360 normalized the idea of paying more than $50 for a controller. That trend will not just continue with the next generation of consoles, but they’re also going to become more expensive.
Over the weekend, Microsoft announced the prices for some of the accessories that will launch alongside the Xbox One. A wireless controller for the console will cost $59.99 – the cost of a new game. In comparison, the current Xbox 360 wireless controller costs $49.99.
In more news that will make your wallet cry out in agony, the product page confirms that the Xbox One wireless controller will continue the tradition of only shipping with two AA batteries. If you want to have a rechargeable solution, you’ll have to buy the Play and Charge kit. The rechargeable battery and USB cable will retail for $24.99, or it can be bought with the controller for $74.99.
As Microsoft confirmed last month, the Xbox One will not be shipping with a headset. The company is working on a solution that would allow Xbox 360 owners to use their current headsets with the new console, but others will not have one. For those consumers, they’ll have to pony up $24.99 for an Xbox One headset.
With all these rising prices, it makes you nostalgic for the days of cheaper accessories. That’s where Microsoft comes in to confirm that a year of Xbox Live will still cost $59.99. Of course, Microsoft is no stranger to raising the price of Xbox Live so I wouldn’t get too comfortable with the current price.
[h/t: CNET]