Microsoft’s Surface lineup, once a beacon of premium yet accessible Windows hardware, just got a lot pricier. In a move that’s left tech enthusiasts and casual buyers alike scratching their heads, Microsoft has bumped up the base prices of most existing Surface models by roughly 20 percent. The news first broke through a now-deleted article from XDA, and while the original post vanished without a trace (and no Wayback Machine snapshot to save us), the price hikes are very real and very noticeable. From Surface Laptops to Surface Pros to—yes, even power bricks—Microsoft’s latest pricing strategy is hitting consumers where it hurts: their wallets.

The 13.8-inch Surface Laptop and the 13-inch Surface Pro, both of which previously started at a reasonable $999.99, now kick off at $1,199.99. That’s a $200 jump for devices that haven’t changed in specs or design. Curiously, the 15-inch Surface Laptop dodged the bullet, holding steady at its original $1,299.99 price tag. New Surface devices launched this week, like the latest 12-inch Surface Pro and 13-inch Laptop models, are unaffected by the hikes, which makes their already steep prices seem a bit more intentional in hindsight. It’s almost as if Microsoft was softening the blow for the new gear by making the old ones pricier.

But it’s not just the devices themselves. Accessories are taking a hit too. The 65W Surface power supply, once $89.99, now costs $119.99. The beefier 127W version? That’ll set you back $174.99, up from $124.99. If you’re quick, though, you might still snag these at their original prices from retailers like Best Buy, which haven’t yet updated their listings to reflect Microsoft’s new pricing. Pro tip: check stock soon, because those deals won’t last.

This isn’t an isolated move. Just last week, Microsoft raised prices on its Xbox lineup. The Xbox Series X now costs $80 more, while the Series S tacks on an extra $100. It’s starting to feel like Microsoft is playing a game of “how much can we charge?” across its entire hardware portfolio.

Microsoft hasn’t issued an official statement explaining the Surface price increases, which leaves us piecing together the puzzle. One likely culprit is the global supply chain, which has been a mess for years. Rising costs for components, shipping, and labor have forced many tech companies to pass expenses onto consumers.

Microsoft’s Surface line has always been a bit of a paradox. It’s not about dominating market share—Apple’s iPads and MacBooks still rule the premium space, and budget laptops from HP and Lenovo outsell Surface by a wide margin. Instead, Surface is Microsoft’s showcase for Windows, a way to set the bar for what a premium PC should be. But with these price hikes, Microsoft risks alienating the very audience it’s trying to woo.

The timing is odd, too. We’re in the thick of the AI PC era, with Microsoft heavily pushing its Copilot Plus platform. The company wants Surface to be the face of this AI-driven future, but jacking up prices on older models could sour consumer sentiment.

If the new Surface prices are giving you sticker shock, you’ve got options. For one, retailers like Best Buy might still have older Surface models at pre-hike prices until stock runs out. A quick check on Best Buy’s site confirms the 65W and 127W power supplies are still listed at $89.99 and $124.99, respectively, as of this writing. Act fast.

For budget-conscious buyers, refurbished or older Surface models are worth a look. Sites like Microsoft’s Certified Refurbished Store often sell previous-gen Surface Pros and Laptops for 20-30% less than retail, with full warranties. Just make sure to double-check specs, as older models might lack the horsepower for AI workloads.

Microsoft’s 20 percent price hike on Surface devices and accessories is a bold move, but it’s not entirely unexpected. Supply chain pressures, inflation, and a push toward newer AI-focused hardware all play a role. Still, the timing stings. With Apple, Dell, and Lenovo offering compelling alternatives, Microsoft is gambling that brand loyalty and Windows’ ecosystem will keep Surface fans on board.

For now, if you’re eyeing a Surface, shop smart. Hunt for deals at retailers, consider refurbished units, or weigh whether a competitor’s device might better suit your needs. And if you’re just here for the power brick, grab that 65W charger before it’s $119.99 everywhere.