Current Xbox prices and what you get for each model

Microsoft sells three Xbox consoles right now: the Xbox Series S at $299, the Xbox Series X at $499, and the Xbox One S at $299 (though this older model is harder to find in stores). The Series S is the entry point — it plays the same games as the Series X but at lower resolution and frame rates. The Series X is the high-end option with the best graphics and fastest load times. Your choice depends on your TV and how much you want to spend, not on which games you can play, since both run the current game library.

These prices are what Microsoft sets officially, but you may find them cheaper during sales events like Black Friday, holiday shopping periods, or when retailers clear inventory. Prices also vary slightly by retailer — Best Buy, Walmart, Target, and Amazon sometimes run promotions. Used consoles from resellers cost less but come without a manufacturer warranty, so factor in that risk.

The console itself is only the starting cost. You will also need a controller (included with the console), a TV or monitor, an internet connection, and games. Game prices range from $20 to $70 depending on the title and how new it is. Many games are included free with Xbox Game Pass, a subscription service that costs $11.99 per month for standard access or $16.99 per month for Game Pass Ultimate, which also includes online multiplayer.

Key Takeaways

  • The Xbox Series S costs $299 and plays all current games at 1080p or 1440p resolution, making it the cheapest way to start.
  • The Xbox Series X costs $499 and plays games at 4K resolution with faster load times, but both consoles run the same game library.
  • Game Pass subscriptions ($11.99 to $16.99 per month) give you access to hundreds of games instead of buying each one separately.
  • Sales and promotions happen regularly, especially during holiday periods, so the actual price you pay may be lower than the official retail price.
  • Budget for a controller, games or a Game Pass subscription, and an internet connection beyond the console cost itself.

What the Series S and Series X actually do differently

The Xbox Series S and Series X run identical games and connect to the same online services. The difference is performance. The Series X outputs games at 4K resolution (3840 × 2160 pixels) on a compatible TV, while the Series S outputs at 1080p or 1440p. On a TV smaller than 55 inches or from more than 8 feet away, the difference is hard to see. On a large 4K TV viewed up close, the Series X looks sharper.

Frame rate is the second difference. Many newer games run at 120 frames per second on the Series X but 60 frames per second on the Series S. This matters most in fast-paced games like shooters or racing games, where smoother motion feels more responsive. In slower games like story-driven adventures, both consoles feel equally smooth.

Load times are faster on the Series X because it has a more powerful processor and storage drive. A game that takes 30 seconds to load on the Series S might take 10 seconds on the Series X. This adds up if you play a lot, but it is not a deal-breaker for casual players. The Series S also has less storage space (512 GB versus 1 TB on the Series X), though you can expand both with an external drive.

Where to buy and what to watch for

Major retailers like Best Buy, Walmart, Target, and Amazon stock Xbox consoles regularly. Microsoft's official store also sells them directly. Prices are the same across these retailers most of the time, so shop based on convenience and return policies. Best Buy and Walmart often have the fastest shipping if you order online.

Check whether the console comes with a controller and a cable. Most retail boxes include an HDMI cable and a power cable, but confirm this before buying from a third-party seller. If you are buying used, ask the seller whether the console powers on, whether the controller works, and whether it comes with original cables.

Avoid buying from unfamiliar online marketplaces or sellers with no reviews. Counterfeit consoles exist, though they are rare in major retailers. If you buy from a private seller, meet in person and test the console before handing over money. Many people sell used consoles when they upgrade, and these are usually reliable, but you lose the manufacturer's one-year warranty.

Game Pass and subscription costs

Xbox Game Pass is a subscription that gives you access to hundreds of games for a monthly fee instead of buying each game individually. Standard Game Pass costs $11.99 per month and includes console games and PC games. Game Pass Ultimate costs $16.99 per month and adds Xbox Live Gold (required for online multiplayer) and cloud gaming, which lets you play games on your phone or tablet.

If you plan to play online multiplayer, Game Pass Ultimate is usually cheaper than buying the subscription separately. Xbox Live Gold alone costs $10.99 per month or $109.99 per year. Game Pass Ultimate at $16.99 per month includes both Game Pass and Live Gold, so you save money if you want both.

The Game Pass library changes monthly — Microsoft adds new games and removes others. You can see the full list on the Xbox website before you subscribe. Some popular games stay in the library for years, while others rotate out after a few months. If a game leaves and you want to keep playing it, you can buy it at a discount as a Game Pass subscriber.

Budget for controllers and accessories

Each Xbox console comes with one controller. If you want to play with a friend on the same console, you will need a second controller, which costs $69.99. Extra controllers are sold separately at all major retailers. You can also use older Xbox One controllers with the Series S and Series X, so if you have one from a previous console, you can reuse it.

A rechargeable battery pack for the controller costs $25 and lasts several years. Without it, you will use disposable AA batteries, which cost more over time. A charging dock that holds two controllers costs around $30 and is convenient if you play regularly.

You do not need special cables or adapters beyond what comes in the box. The console connects to your TV with the included HDMI cable and plugs into power with the included cable. If your TV does not have HDMI ports, you cannot use a modern Xbox — you would need an older model or a different console.

Internet speed and online requirements

Xbox consoles require an internet connection to read games, receive updates, and play online multiplayer. You do not need extremely fast internet — Microsoft recommends a minimum of 5 Mbps for online gaming and 35 Mbps to read a large game in a reasonable time. Most home internet plans meet this requirement.

You can use either a wired ethernet connection (fastest and most stable) or Wi-Fi (convenient but slightly slower). If your router is far from the console, a wired connection is worth the effort because it reduces lag in online games. You can buy a long ethernet cable cheaply at any electronics store.

Game downloads are large — a modern game can be 50 to 150 GB. On a 35 Mbps connection, this takes 4 to 12 hours. On slower internet, it takes longer. If you have a data cap on your internet plan, check how much you can read per month before you buy many games.

Comparing total startup costs

Here is what a realistic first-year budget looks like. The Xbox Series S console costs $299. One extra controller is $69.99. A rechargeable battery pack is $25. Game Pass Ultimate for 12 months is $203.88. That total is roughly $598, and you have a console, two controllers, online multiplayer, and access to hundreds of games.

If you buy individual games instead of Game Pass, add $40 to $70 per game. Most people buy 3 to 5 games in the first year, which would add $120 to $350 to the total. With Game Pass, you avoid this cost because the subscription includes a rotating library.

The Xbox Series X costs $200 more upfront ($499 instead of $299), so your first-year total would be around $798 instead of $598. Whether that extra cost is worth it depends on your TV size and how much you care about 4K graphics. If you have a smaller TV or do not have a 4K TV yet, the Series S is the better value.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use my old Xbox One games on the Series S or Series X?

Most Xbox One games work on the newer consoles, and you can transfer your digital games automatically. Physical game discs from Xbox One also work in the Series X, but the Series S has no disc drive, so you can only play digital games on it. Check the Xbox website to see whether a specific game is compatible before you buy.

Is the Xbox Series S worth it if I already have a 4K TV?

The Series S still plays all the same games and works fine on a 4K TV — it just displays them at lower resolution. If you sit far from the TV or have a smaller screen, you will not notice the difference. If you sit close to a large TV and want the sharpest image, the Series X is worth the extra $200.

Do I have to pay for Xbox Live Gold to play online?

Yes, you need either Xbox Live Gold ($10.99 per month) or Game Pass Ultimate ($16.99 per month) to play multiplayer games online. Some free-to-play games like Fortnite do not require a subscription, but most paid games do. Game Pass Ultimate includes Live Gold, so it is the better deal if you want both.

What happens if I cancel my Game Pass subscription?

You lose access to all Game Pass games when ready. Games you bought separately stay on your console and you can still play them. If you want to play a Game Pass game again later, you can resubscribe or buy the game outright.

Can I return an Xbox if I change my mind?

Return policies vary by retailer. Best Buy, Walmart, and Target typically allow returns within 14 to 30 days if the console is unopened or in original condition. Amazon has a 30-day return window. If you buy from Microsoft's official store, you have 60 days. Check the retailer's policy before you buy.