Xbox prices have gone up, but not uniformly across the lineup

When Microsoft launched the Xbox Series X and Series S in November 2020, the Series X cost $499 and the Series S cost $299. In 2022, Microsoft raised the Series X price to $599 in most markets — a $100 increase. The Series S price stayed at $299 initially, then Microsoft discontinued it in some regions while keeping it available elsewhere. By 2024, the original pricing structure had shifted: the Series X remained at $599, and Microsoft introduced the Series S All-Digital Edition at $299 alongside a higher-capacity model. The actual price you pay depends on which console you buy and where you live.

The price increase was not universal or permanent. Microsoft raised prices in response to inflation, supply chain costs, and manufacturing expenses that affected the entire console industry. Other factors included the strength of the US dollar against other currencies and regional market conditions. Some retailers occasionally discount these consoles below the official price, particularly during sales events or when new stock arrives.

Key Takeaways

  • The Xbox Series X price rose from $499 to $599 in 2022, while the Series S remained at $299 for most of its lifecycle.
  • Microsoft cited inflation and manufacturing costs as reasons for the price increase, which affected console makers across the industry.
  • The Series S All-Digital Edition offers the same performance as the original Series S but at the same $299 price point.
  • Actual prices vary by retailer and region, and discounts appear regularly during sales periods or stock refreshes.
  • The older Xbox One consoles are no longer manufactured, so used or refurbished models may offer lower entry prices if you find them available.

Why Microsoft raised the Series X price in 2022

Microsoft announced the $100 price increase for the Series X in July 2022, citing rising costs across manufacturing, logistics, and components. The company faced the same pressures affecting other electronics makers: semiconductor shortages had driven up chip costs, shipping expenses remained elevated, and labor costs increased. The Series X uses more powerful hardware than the Series S, which made it more sensitive to these cost increases.

The timing followed two years of supply constraints that had made both consoles hard to find. By mid-2022, stock was more readily available, and Microsoft used the price adjustment to reflect what the company considered the true market value of the hardware. The Series S, which uses less expensive components, did not receive a price increase at that time.

How the Series X and Series S prices compare to older Xbox models

The Xbox One X, released in 2017, launched at $499 — the same price as the Series X at launch. The original Xbox One launched in 2013 at $499 as well. When you account for inflation over a decade, the Series X at $599 is actually cheaper in real terms than those earlier models were when new. However, the Series X is also more powerful than either of those consoles, so you are paying more money for significantly better performance.

Microsoft discontinued manufacturing Xbox One consoles in 2020, so you cannot buy a new one from official retailers. Used and refurbished Xbox One models are available through secondary markets and some retailers, often at prices well below the original $499. If you want the lowest entry price and do not need the latest performance, a used Xbox One S or One X can be found for $150 to $300, though availability varies by location and condition.

What you get for the higher Series X price

The $599 Series X includes a 1TB solid-state drive, a disc drive for physical games, and hardware capable of running games at up to 4K resolution at 120 frames per second. The Series S at $299 has a 512GB drive, no disc drive, and runs games at up to 1440p resolution at 120 frames per second. Both consoles play the same games, but the Series X handles higher visual quality and faster load times in demanding titles.

The price difference reflects these hardware gaps. If you play games that push visual quality — like Starfield, Forza Motorsport, or Cyberpunk 2077 — the Series X's extra power becomes noticeable. If you play less demanding games, use Game Pass (which includes hundreds of titles), or primarily play online multiplayer, the Series S performs well at its lower price. The choice depends on what you actually play, not on which console is "better" in absolute terms.

Regional price differences and where to check current pricing

Xbox console prices vary by country due to taxes, import duties, currency exchange rates, and regional retail markups. The $599 US price for the Series X does not directly translate to other currencies at a 1:1 ratio. In the United Kingdom, for example, the Series X costs £449, which is higher in real purchasing power than the US price. In Canada, the Series X costs CAD $649. These differences reflect local economic conditions, not inconsistency on Microsoft's part.

To find the current price in your region, check Microsoft's official Xbox website for your country, or visit major retailers like Best Buy, Amazon, Walmart, or your local electronics store. Prices at these retailers are usually the same, but occasional sales or bundle deals appear. Refurbished consoles sold directly by Microsoft or through certified retailers often cost $50 to $100 less than new units and come with the same warranty.

Whether the price increase affects your decision to buy

The Series X price increase matters most if you were planning to buy one and had a specific budget in mind. A $100 difference can push the console out of reach for some households, or it might mean choosing the Series S instead. If you have already decided to buy an Xbox, the price is what it is — you cannot negotiate it down at official retailers. If you are still deciding between Xbox and PlayStation, the price difference between the Series X ($599) and PlayStation 5 ($499 for the standard model) is now $100, whereas they launched at the same price.

The Series S remains a strong value at $299 if you do not need 4K gaming or a disc drive. Game Pass, which costs $11.99 per month for console access, is often a better long-term investment than the console itself — you get access to hundreds of games rather than buying them individually. Some people find that a lower-priced console plus Game Pass fits their budget better than a higher-priced console with fewer included games.

Used and refurbished Xbox options if the new price is too high

If the current Series X or Series S prices exceed your budget, refurbished models offer the same hardware at a discount. Microsoft sells refurbished Series X consoles for around $499 and refurbished Series S units for around $249, though availability changes. These units have been tested, repaired if needed, and come with a one-year warranty. The risk is lower than buying used from a private seller, and the savings are real.

Used Xbox Series X and Series S consoles appear on Facebook Marketplace, eBay, and local classified sites. Prices for used units typically range from $400 to $500 for a Series X and $200 to $250 for a Series S, depending on condition and whether the original box and accessories are included. When buying used, inspect the console in person if possible, ask about the return period, and verify that the seller has not linked it to their own account. Older Xbox One models are cheaper but no longer receive new games or updates at the same pace as the Series generation.

Frequently Asked Questions

Will Xbox prices go down soon?

Microsoft has not announced any price cuts. Console prices typically drop when a new generation launches or when a model is discontinued. The Series X and Series S are the current generation, so official prices are unlikely to fall unless Microsoft decides to clear inventory for a successor — which is not expected in the near term.

Is the Series S worth buying instead of the Series X to save $300?

Yes, if you play games that do not demand 4K resolution or if you primarily use Game Pass. The Series S plays the same games as the Series X, just at lower visual settings. For casual gaming, online multiplayer, or indie games, the difference is barely noticeable. For visually demanding single-player games, the Series X's extra power becomes more apparent.

Why did PlayStation 5 not raise its price like Xbox did?

Sony raised PlayStation 5 prices in some regions in 2022, the same year Microsoft raised Xbox prices. In the US, the standard PlayStation 5 stayed at $499, but the disc-drive model costs $499 while the all-digital model costs $399. Regional pricing outside the US did increase. Both companies faced the same cost pressures.

Can I buy an Xbox Series X at the old $499 price anywhere?

Not from official retailers or authorized sellers. The $599 price is the current official price worldwide. Refurbished units cost less, and used consoles from private sellers may be cheaper, but you will not find a new Series X at $499 from Microsoft, Best Buy, Amazon, or other major retailers.

Should I wait to buy an Xbox until the price drops?

That depends on how long you are willing to wait and what you want to play. If you want to play games now, waiting costs you months or years of gaming time. If you have a limited budget and cannot afford $599, the Series S at $299 or a refurbished Series X at $499 are better options than waiting indefinitely for a price cut that may not come.