Xbox Series X and S: Buy Before Price Increase

Microsoft has recently announced a price increase for Xbox consoles, controllers, and upcoming games. The new recommended retail prices for hardware are effective immediately, while the $79.99 price tag for new first-party games will be implemented this holiday season. If you've been considering purchasing a new Xbox Series X|S or a controller, now is the time to act, as the higher prices are already in effect on Xbox’s official store. However, you can still find the older, lower prices at select retailers, but act quickly as these deals won't last long.

Xbox Series X

Xbox Series X - 1TB

Xbox Series X - $499 (Going Up to $599 Soon)

• Get it at Amazon
• Get it at GameStop
• Get it at Walmart (third-party seller)

Xbox Series X 1TB Digital Edition - $449 (Going Up to $549 Soon)

• Get it at Amazon
• Get it at GameStop
• Get it at Target
• Get it at Walmart (third-party seller)

The Xbox Series X stands as the flagship model, boasting the power to run games at 4K resolution. It's a powerhouse, and I personally find it even more enjoyable than my PS5. For those who value physical media, the standard model is the way to go. However, if you're comfortable with a fully digital library, the digital edition offers a $50 saving.

Xbox Series S

Xbox Series S - 512GB

Xbox Series S 512GB - $299 (Going Up to $379 Soon)

• Get it at Amazon
• Get it at GameStop
• Get it at Target
• Get it at Walmart

Xbox Series S 1TB - $349 (Going Up to $429 Soon)

• Get it at Amazon
• Get it at GameStop
• Get it at Target
• Get it at Walmart

For gamers ready to embrace an all-digital future, the Xbox Series S is an excellent choice. However, it's worth noting that it has less raw power than the Series X, designed to run games at 1440p resolution. If this resolution suits your needs, the Series S is a fantastic option. It's available in both 512GB and 1TB models. Given the large file sizes of modern games and the cost of additional storage, I recommend opting for the 1TB version.

Xbox Wireless Controllers

Out August 13: Xbox Wireless Controller – Sky Cipher Special Edition

Some Xbox controllers are also seeing a price increase, though not all models are affected equally. The pricing for controllers has been more dynamic than for consoles, so the price hikes might be less noticeable. Here are the updated prices for Xbox controllers:

• Xbox Wireless Controller (Core) - $64.99
• Xbox Wireless Controller (Color) - $69.99
• Xbox Wireless Controller - Special Edition - $79.99
• Xbox Wireless Controller - Limited Edition - $89.99 (up from $79.99)
• Xbox Elite Wireless Controller Series 2 (Core) - $149.99 (up from $139.99)
• Xbox Elite Wireless Controller Series 2 (Full) - $199.99 (up from $179.99)