Current Xbox prices at retail

A new Xbox Series X costs around $500, and a new Xbox Series S costs around $300. These are the two current models Microsoft sells. The Series X is the more powerful machine with faster processing and better graphics; the Series S is smaller and less powerful but plays the same games. Both prices are what you pay at major retailers like Best Buy, Walmart, or Amazon, though occasional sales drop the price by $50 to $100 for short periods.

These prices have stayed roughly the same since each console launched — the Series X in November 2020 and the Series S in the same month. Microsoft has not raised the official price, though some retailers mark them up slightly during shortages. If you see a new Xbox listed for significantly more than these amounts, you are likely looking at a bundle that includes games or a service subscription, or a seller charging above retail.

Key Takeaways

  • An Xbox Series X costs around $500 and an Xbox Series S costs around $300 at standard retailers.
  • The Series X is more powerful and has more storage; the Series S plays the same games but with lower resolution and smaller install sizes.
  • The price you see at Best Buy or Walmart is the official retail price — prices above that usually mean a bundle or markup.
  • Game Pass, Microsoft's subscription service, costs extra and is not included in the console price, though some bundles package them together.

What you actually get for that price

The console itself — the box that connects to your TV — is what costs $500 or $300. That includes the processor, graphics chip, storage drive, and the power supply. You also get one wireless controller in the box. You do not get games, a TV cable, or a subscription to play online.

The Series X comes with 1 terabyte of storage space built in. The Series S comes with 512 gigabytes. Both are enough to hold multiple games at once, though large games like Call of Duty or Fortnite take up 100 to 150 gigabytes each, so you may need to delete older games to make room for new ones. You can buy an external storage drive to expand this, which costs $150 to $200 extra.

What costs extra beyond the console

Games are sold separately. New games typically cost $60 to $70 each. You can also rent games through Game Pass, Microsoft's subscription service, which costs $11 to $17 per month depending on which tier you choose. Game Pass includes hundreds of games you can read and play, but the subscription is not included with the console.

Playing online multiplayer games requires an Xbox Game Pass for Console subscription (the $11 tier) or Xbox Live Gold, which is a separate $10 per month service. Some games are free-to-play and do not require a subscription to play online, but most paid games do. If you want to play online, budget for one of these subscriptions on top of the console price.

You will also need an HDMI cable to connect the Xbox to your TV, a power outlet, and internet access. The HDMI cable is not included, though most people have one already. If you need a new one, they cost $5 to $15.

Why the price is what it is

The $500 and $300 prices reflect what the hardware costs Microsoft to manufacture, plus their profit margin. The Series X has more expensive components — a faster processor, more memory, a larger storage drive — which is why it costs more than the Series S. Both prices are set to compete with PlayStation 5, which costs $500 for the standard model and $400 for the Digital Edition (which has no disc drive).

These prices have held steady for years because the market for consoles is stable. Microsoft does not need to cut prices to sell them, and raising prices would make them less attractive compared to PlayStation. Occasionally retailers run sales during holidays or when new models are about to launch, but the official retail price from Microsoft stays the same.

Where to buy and what to watch for

You can buy a new Xbox at Best Buy, Walmart, Amazon, Target, GameStop, or directly from Microsoft's website. Prices are the same across these retailers — around $500 for the Series X and $300 for the Series S. Some retailers occasionally bundle the console with Game Pass or games, which raises the total price but gives you more content upfront.

Be cautious of listings that claim to be new but are priced significantly higher than $500 or $300. These are usually from third-party sellers on Amazon or eBay who are marking up the price. The official retailers rarely run out of stock anymore, so there is no reason to pay a markup. If you see a deal that seems too good to be true — a new Series X for $250, for example — it is likely used, refurbished, or a scam.

Refurbished and used options cost less

If you want to spend less, you can buy a refurbished Xbox directly from Microsoft for around $350 (Series X) or $250 (Series S). Refurbished means the console was returned, inspected, cleaned, and repackaged by Microsoft. It comes with a warranty and works the same as a new one. The main difference is the packaging and the fact that someone else opened it first.

Used consoles from GameStop, Facebook Marketplace, or local sellers cost $250 to $400 depending on condition and age. Used consoles do not come with a manufacturer warranty, so you have less protection if something breaks. Make sure you can test it before you buy, and ask the seller how long they have owned it and whether it has any problems.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is the Xbox Series S worth buying instead of the Series X?

The Series S is worth it if you play games on a 1080p or 1440p TV rather than 4K, or if you mostly play smaller games and free-to-play titles. It plays the same games as the Series X but at lower resolution and frame rates. The $200 price difference is significant, but you lose some performance and storage space.

Do I need to buy Game Pass to use the Xbox?

No. You can buy games individually and play them without Game Pass. Game Pass is optional and costs extra. However, if you play online multiplayer, you need either Game Pass for Console or Xbox Live Gold, which are separate subscriptions from the console price.

Can I play games from the old Xbox One on a Series X or Series S?

Most Xbox One games work on the new consoles, and some run faster or look better. Not all games are compatible — check the game's page on Xbox.com to confirm. Games you own digitally transfer to the new console automatically if you sign in with the same account.

What is the difference between the disc and digital versions?

The Xbox Series X comes with a disc drive and costs $500. There is no separate digital-only Series X. The Series S has no disc drive and is digital-only. If you want to play physical game discs, you must buy the Series X.

Will the Xbox price drop soon?

Microsoft has not announced a price cut. Prices occasionally drop $50 to $100 during holiday sales, but the official retail price has remained $500 and $300 since launch. If a price cut happens, it would likely be announced by Microsoft or major retailers in advance.