Xbox and Microsoft cave, dropping the $80 price on The Outer Worlds 2 and possibly future titles as well

Today, Xbox and Microsoft backed down on their first $80 game: The Outer Worlds 2. An update via The Outer Worlds social media page explained that the upcoming sci-fi RPG from Obsidian would reduce in cost to the more common $70 price point. Not many games have made the jump to $80 yet, but recently Nintendo has been leading that charge. Mario Kart World practically started a movement, and fans who want to experience upgraded versions of games like Super Mario Party Jamboree or Legend of Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom might find themselves paying a total of $80 as well. Thankfully, for some reason, fans of The Outer Worlds won’t have to break the bank completely.

The Outer Worlds won’t cost players $80 after all, Microsoft and Xbox have backed down

The Outer Worlds social account has shared a few memes about the price drop, which can be admittedly funny self-aware gags. The initial announcement has an image of the original price crudely scratched out and replaced, while the moon-headed mascot whistles innocently. The post reads: “As an organization devoted to making sure that corporations do not go unfettered, we at the Earth Directorate have worked with [REDACTED] to revise the price of The Outer Worlds 2.” The “[REDACTED]” bit was not added by me, and is likely a reference to parent company Microsoft, although they are still trying to maintain character.

We don’t have much detail about why this choice was made, other than the cheeky line from this social media post: “We have received your SOS via skip drone about the pricing…” which implies that it was based on community feedback. The Outer Worlds 2 is planned to launch on October 29th, 2025, and pre-orders went live in early June. It could be possible that the first month and a half of pre-orders didn’t reach the heights that Xbox, Microsoft, or Obsidian were hoping for.

In a statement to Windows Central, an Xbox spokesperson explained: “We’re focused on bringing players incredible worlds to explore, and will keep our full priced holiday releases, including The Outer Worlds 2, at $69.99 – in line with current market conditions.” This seems to imply that Xbox is also backing off from their promise to increase other game prices this holiday season as well. For now, this is a step in the right direction, but it can’t help but feel like a temporary measure. Xbox still wants to do this. They might have just realized they pulled the trigger too early or with the wrong game.

Responses on social media have been lukewarm at best. Many comments argue the price should drop another $10, echoing a “too little, too late” attitude. There are some fans mixed in, thanking The Outer Worlds for the change, but overall, the initial price seems to have left a sour taste in people’s mouths.

The Outer Worlds 2 will also be available on Xbox Game Pass, allowing some players to avoid the huge one-time purchase. But we will have to wait to see how this change affects ongoing pre-order sales and how the launch goes in October. If you’ve already pre-ordered the game, Xbox is offering refunds at the point of purchase starting today with some retailers, with the rollout to other locations expected in the coming days, according to Windows Central. To take advantage of the new price, you’ll have to pre-order again.

The Outer Worlds 2

October 29, 2025

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• Xbox
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• Obsidian Entertainment
• Xbox Game Studios / Microsoft Gaming
• The Outer Worlds (series)