Here’s how to figure out when to buy your Xbox Series X and get the best deal. To make an informed decision, you should consider the current market, upcoming sales, and potential future hardware releases from Xbox, especially with the original console being out since November 10, 2020. While the console has seen some price adjustments and new variants like the digital-only white Series X and a 2TB Galaxy Black Special Edition were released on October 15, 2024, it remains a powerful gaming machine, and understanding these factors will help you decide if now’s the right moment or if waiting a bit longer makes more sense.

When you’re thinking about jumping into the Xbox ecosystem, especially with a powerhouse like the Xbox Series X , you might be wondering if right now is the sweet spot. Let’s break down what’s happening with the console today.

Performance That Still Packs a Punch

Even though the Xbox Series X launched back in November 2020, it’s still an absolute beast when it comes to performance. We’re talking about true 4K gaming at up to 120 frames per second, with support for features like DirectX Raytracing for incredibly realistic lighting. Inside, it’s got a custom AMD Zen 2 CPU with eight cores and a custom RDNA 2 GPU that clocks in at 12 teraflops. This means games look stunning and run super smoothly. Plus, the custom 1TB NVMe SSD or 2TB in the special edition dramatically cuts down load times and enables features like Quick Resume, letting you jump between multiple games almost instantly. If you’ve got a great 4K HDR TV , this console will make your games shine.

The Game Pass Advantage: A Library at Your Fingertips

One of the biggest reasons to consider an Xbox Series X right now isn’t just the hardware. it’s the incredible value of Xbox Game Pass Ultimate. Think of it like a Netflix for games, but with day-one access to new releases from Xbox Game Studios, Bethesda, and more. For a monthly fee, you get hundreds of high-quality games on console, PC, and even through cloud streaming. This includes major titles like Starfield, the upcoming Fable, and Gears of War: E-Day. If you’re someone who likes to play a lot of different games without buying each one at full price, Game Pass offers astronomical value and makes the Xbox Series X a seriously compelling purchase.

Understanding Recent Price Adjustments and New Models

Here’s where things have gotten a bit interesting. When the Xbox Series X first came out, it was priced at $499. However, Microsoft increased the price in both the US and UK on May 1, 2025. In the US, the standard Series X is now officially $599.99, a $100 increase. The all-digital Xbox Series X released October 15, 2024 is priced at $549.99, and a new 2TB Galaxy Black Special Edition with a disc drive will set you back $729.99. Navigating the Gold Market: When to Buy XAUUSD for Smarter Trades

So, if you’re looking at the raw price, it’s actually more expensive now than at launch. This is pretty unusual for consoles as they age. This might be due to various factors like inflation or supply chain costs.

Waiting Game: When to Expect Deals

Even with recent price increases, deals do pop up. Knowing when to look can save you some money on your Xbox Series X console.

Major Sales Events: Black Friday and Holiday Season

Historically, the holiday shopping season, particularly Black Friday which falls on November 28th in 2025 and Cyber Monday December 1st, 2025, is often the best time to snag discounts on gaming hardware and accessories. While 2024 saw fewer console price cuts, 2023 had some impressive deals, with the Series X dropping as low as $350-$430 at some retailers, sometimes bundled with a game or Game Pass trial.

It’s expected that Black Friday 2025 might bring better deals, especially with Microsoft’s refreshed consoles and competition from other platforms. You might not see huge standalone price drops on the newest models like the digital-only white Series X, but bundles with games, extra Xbox controllers, or Game Pass subscriptions are very common. Keep an eye on major retailers like Amazon, Best Buy, Walmart, and the Microsoft Store around this time.

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Mid-Year Sales and Retailer-Specific Events

Don’t just wait for the end of the year! Other sales can pop up throughout the year:

• Amazon Prime Day: This summer event often brings good deals on electronics, including gaming gear. While the console itself might not see massive price drops, you could find discounts on games, accessories, or Game Pass subscriptions.
• Labor Day Sales: Just like Prime Day, Labor Day early September can be a good time for smaller discounts on games and accessories.
• Other Retailer Sales: Stores like Best Buy, Target, and GameStop often have their own sales throughout the year. Sometimes these are unannounced, so it pays to keep an eye on their gaming sections.
• Xbox Sales & Specials: Microsoft itself frequently offers digital game deals and sometimes console savings through the Microsoft Store. These can include discounts on games, DLC, and even refurbished consoles.

Bundles vs. Standalone Consoles

Often, the “deal” isn’t a direct price cut on the console itself, but rather a bundle that includes a popular game, an extra controller, or several months of Game Pass Ultimate for the standard price of the console. These bundles can offer significant savings on the overall value, especially if you were planning to buy those games or a Game Pass subscription anyway. For example, a bundle that saves you $30-60 is fairly common.

Refurbished Options: A Consistent Way to Save

If you’re looking to save money and don’t mind a console that isn’t brand new, refurbished Xbox Series X consoles can be an excellent option. Retailers like Microsoft, Best Buy Geek Squad Certified Refurbished, and Back Market often sell expertly refurbished consoles at a lower price. These typically come with a warranty, giving you peace of mind. You could potentially save $90 or more compared to a new console, with prices sometimes seen around $350-$400, though this fluctuates. When to Buy Wide Shoes: Your Ultimate Guide to Happy Feet!

The Next Generation: Xbox Series X Pro & Beyond

This is a big one for many gamers: should you wait for a new, more powerful Xbox? Let’s clear up the confusion.

No “Series X Pro” Plans For Now

If you’ve heard rumors about an “Xbox Series X Pro” model, similar to what Sony might do with the PlayStation 5 Pro, Microsoft has officially stated that they have no plans for a mid-generation refresh. Xbox President Sarah Bond confirmed this, emphasizing that Microsoft sees the Xbox Series X as powerful enough and is instead focusing on the next full-fledged generation of Xbox hardware. So, you don’t need to hold your breath for a “Pro” version of the current Series X.

Next-Gen Console Rumors: “Xbox Prime” and Beyond

Instead of a “Pro” version, rumors point to a brand-new, next-generation Xbox console, possibly codenamed “Xbox Prime” though that name is speculative and has been debunked by some insiders. Initial leaked documents suggested a 2028 launch, but newer reports from early 2025 hint that Microsoft might release this next-gen console as early as 2026 or 2027.

This next console is expected to deliver a “larger technical leap” in gaming hardware and might be more like a PC than previous Xboxes, potentially supporting third-party storefronts like Steam and Epic Games Store. There are also strong rumors about an Xbox-branded gaming handheld coming out in late 2025, which could shake things up significantly.

Should You Wait for the Next Generation?

This is the million-dollar question, and it really depends on your patience and priorities: When to Buy Wedding Rings: Your Ultimate Guide to Perfect Timing

• If you want the absolute latest: Waiting until late 2026 or 2027 for the next-gen Xbox might be your best bet, especially if you’re keen on the “largest technical leap” Microsoft promises. However, early console launches can sometimes have limited game libraries and higher prices.
• If you want to play now: The Xbox Series X is already fantastic. It runs all current and upcoming Xbox games beautifully, many in native 4K, and has a massive library through Game Pass. Games like Fable and Gears of War: E-Day are slated for 2026, and they’ll run great on the current Series X.
• Consider the transition: Even when a new console launches, there’s usually a cross-generation period where new games are still released on the older hardware. So, buying a Series X now means you won’t be left behind immediately.

Given that 2026 is Xbox’s 25th anniversary, it’s expected to be a big year for game releases for the current Series X|S generation, which could make it a great time to enjoy the console before the next-gen fully rolls out.

Factors to Consider Before You Buy

Before you hit that “add to cart” button, let’s think about a few personal factors.

Your Current Setup: TV, Monitor, and Gaming PC

Do you have a 4K TV with HDR and HDMI 2.1? If so, the Xbox Series X can truly leverage its capabilities, delivering stunning visuals and smooth 120FPS gaming. If you’re still on an older 1080p TV, you’ll still get a great experience, but you might not fully appreciate the Series X’s graphical prowess.

If you already own a powerful gaming PC, an Xbox Series X might be less of a “must-have” since many Xbox games are also available on PC, often through Game Pass. However, if you prefer the convenience of console gaming in your living room or don’t want to deal with PC tweaking, the Series X is a solid choice. When to Buy World Cup Tickets: Your Ultimate Guide to Scoring Seats for the Biggest Show on Earth

Your Gaming Habits: Game Pass Subscriber or Disc Collector?

Your preferred way to play games should heavily influence your decision.

• Game Pass Enthusiast: If you’re all about subscribing to Game Pass, then the Xbox Series X is an undeniable value. You get access to a massive, constantly updated library of games, including first-party titles on day one. The convenience and cost-effectiveness for a broad range of games are hard to beat. If you prefer digital, the newer digital-only Xbox Series X might appeal to you, saving you $50 compared to the disc version.
• Physical Disc Collector: For those who love collecting physical games, buying used titles, or have a vast library of Xbox One, Xbox 360, and even original Xbox discs, the standard Xbox Series X with its 4K UHD Blu-ray drive is essential. The console boasts excellent backward compatibility, allowing you to play thousands of older games, often with improved performance.
• Casual Gamer: If you’re a casual gamer who only plays a few titles here and there, the Xbox Series X might be overkill. You might consider the more affordable Xbox Series S , which is designed for disc-free gaming at 1440p upscaled to 4K and also supports Game Pass.

Your Budget

The Xbox Series X is a significant investment, especially with the recent price increases. Be realistic about what you can afford.

• The current MSRP for the standard Series X is $599.99.
• The digital-only white Series X is $549.99.
• The 2TB Galaxy Black Special Edition is $729.99.

If your budget is tighter, consider:

• Waiting for sales: As discussed, Black Friday and other holiday sales are your best bet for bundles or rare price cuts.
• Refurbished consoles: These can offer substantial savings while still providing a quality, warrantied product.
• Xbox Series S: This all-digital console starts at a much lower price point $299 at launch, now around $380 for 512GB or $429 for 1TB and provides access to the same next-gen games and Game Pass library.

Where Your Friends Play

Gaming with friends is a big part of the fun. If most of your friends are on Xbox, then getting a Series X makes sense for shared experiences and online multiplayer. If they’re all on PlayStation or PC, you might want to factor that into your decision, though many major games offer cross-play now. When to Buy Vangelico Stock in GTA 5 for Massive Profits

Final Recommendations

So, when is the best time to buy an Xbox Series X?

1. If you want to play now and value physical games or maximum power: Go for the standard Xbox Series X with a disc drive. It’s available now, still incredibly powerful, and with Game Pass, you’ll have a never-ending library of games. Look for bundles that include a game or Game Pass subscription to get extra value, as outright price cuts are less common lately.
2. If you’re an all-digital gamer and want a slightly cheaper option: The new digital-only white Xbox Series X released on October 15, 2024, is a solid choice. It’s $50 less than the disc version and offers the same performance, just without the disc drive.
3. If you’re on a budget or can wait for the best deals: Hold out for Black Friday and the holiday sales season late November/early December 2025. This is when retailers are most likely to offer bundled deals or deeper discounts, particularly on the standard Series X. Also, seriously consider refurbished options from reputable sellers, as they offer consistent savings year-round.
4. If you’re truly dedicated to getting the absolute newest hardware: While Microsoft isn’t doing a “Series X Pro,” a full next-gen Xbox is rumored for 2026 or 2027. This means a potentially significant wait. But if you’re comfortable playing on your current console or waiting it out, that next-gen leap could be substantial. Don’t forget about the rumored Xbox handheld device arriving in late 2025.

Ultimately, the Xbox Series X is a fantastic console that provides an excellent gaming experience today, especially when paired with Xbox Game Pass. Whether you buy now or wait a bit depends on your personal circumstances, but hopefully, this breakdown helps you make the right call!

Frequently Asked Questions

Is there an Xbox Series X Pro coming out?

No, Microsoft has officially stated they have no plans for an “Xbox Series X Pro” mid-generation refresh. Instead, they are focusing their efforts on the next full generation of Xbox hardware.

When did the Xbox Series X originally release?

The Xbox Series X launched worldwide on November 10, 2020. When to Buy Tires: Your Ultimate Guide to Smarter Wheel Decisions

What is the difference between the Xbox Series X and Series S?

The Xbox Series X is the more powerful console, designed for native 4K gaming, typically comes with a 1TB SSD or 2TB Special Edition, and includes a 4K UHD Blu-ray disc drive. The Xbox Series S is an all-digital, disc-free console designed for 1440p gaming upscaled to 4K, and typically comes with a smaller 512GB or 1TB SSD. The Series X offers higher performance and resolution.

How much does an Xbox Series X cost now?

As of May 2025, the standard Xbox Series X with a disc drive is priced at $599.99 in the US. The all-digital white Xbox Series X, released in October 2024, costs $549.99, and the 2TB Galaxy Black Special Edition is $729.99.

Will there be a new Xbox console in 2025 or 2026?

Microsoft released new versions of the Xbox Series X and S a digital-only white Series X and a 2TB Galaxy Black Special Edition Series X on October 15, 2024. Beyond that, rumors suggest a full next-generation Xbox console could launch as early as 2026 or 2027, and an Xbox-branded gaming handheld is rumored for late 2025.

Is Xbox Game Pass included with the Xbox Series X?

No, Xbox Game Pass is a separate subscription service. However, buying a new Xbox Series X often comes with a trial period for Game Pass, and some bundles might include several months of the service. You can also purchase Game Pass subscriptions separately.

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Is the Xbox Series X worth buying in 2025?

Yes, the Xbox Series X is absolutely worth buying in 2025. It remains an incredibly powerful console, offering true 4K gaming, fast load times, and access to an expansive game library through Xbox Game Pass. With no “Pro” model on the horizon and the next-gen console still a few years away, you’ll get years of top-tier gaming out of it.