Some people might still line up in front of stores for the day of a new console's release, but online shopping has definitely become the preferred method for making big gaming purchases. Online retailers generally have more inventory, and you don't have to leave the comfort of your home. Some stores even offer the option to secure your purchase and then pick it up when you're ready.
If you're looking for the best places to buy a new Xbox online, we've got you covered. Read on for a full breakdown of pricing on current Xbox consoles, the best time to buy an Xbox Series X or Series S, information on Xbox Game Pass, as well as where to trade in your existing Xbox consoles and games.
Where to Buy Xbox Consoles Online
If you're looking to buy a new Xbox Series X, Xbox Series S, or Xbox One, here's where you can purchase Xbox consoles online in 2024. If you're looking for savings, it might be worth waiting for Black Friday Xbox sales, but you can also check out the latest Xbox deals for discounts sooner rather than later.
Xbox Series X
Microsoft's flagship console, the Xbox Series X, retails for an MSRP of $499.99 and features 1TB of storage and true 4K gaming.
Xbox Series S
The Xbox Series S is the less-powerful, all-digital variant of Microsoft's current console lineup that starts at an MSRP of $299.99. The base model features 512GB of storage and 1440p resolution gaming in a 60% smaller package. You can also get the Carbon Black Series S console, which starts at an MSRP of $349.99 and comes with 1TB of storage space.
Xbox One
The Xbox One is Microsoft's previous generation console that released in 2013. While it's not currently being manufactured, you can still find refurbished models online at some retailers. There are three standard models available: the original Xbox One, a slimmer redesign called Xbox One S, and the more powerful Xbox One X. It's worth noting that Xbox Series X|S are backwards compatible with Xbox One games, so your money may be better spent on the current generation consoles.
How Much Does a New Xbox Cost?
Xbox has a variety of different consoles at different price points to satisfy the needs of any gamer. The flagship console, Xbox Series X, retails for $499.99 but can also be financed via Xbox All Access at select retailers for $36.99/mo for 24 months which also includes 2 years of Xbox Game Pass Ultimate. It's worth noting that you'll need to qualify for a line of credit with Citizen's Pay Line if you opt for Xbox All Access.
Xbox Series S, the smaller, all-digital console, retails for $299.99 for the 512GB model or $349.99 for the 1TB model. Additionally, both can be financed via Xbox All Access starting at $26.99/mo for 24 months.
While Xbox One consoles aren't currently in production any longer after being quietly discontinued in 2020 to focus on production of Xbox Series X|S, you can find them pre-owned or refurbished at resellers such as GameStop and Amazon, as well as through third-party marketplaces such as eBay, Craigslist, and more.
Additionally, you can often find bundles throughout the year that include either an Xbox Series X or Xbox Series S, sometimes with a unique color or design, as well as an included game, trial of Xbox Game Pass, or in-game content.
Xbox Game Pass Plans and Pricing
Xbox Game Pass Ultimate Gift Card
Xbox Game Pass pricing was updated with the discontinuation of Xbox Live Gold to feature a streamlined tier list depending on whether you play exclusively on Xbox consoles, PC, or both. As with most subscription services, Game Pass also had a couple of price hikes in 2024, specifically for Game Pass Ultimate. Current pricing plans range from $9.99 for essentialy Xbox Live to $19.99 for the full Xbox Game Pass Ultimate experience. On the plus side, Black Ops 6 did end up being available through Game Pass on Day One.
Xbox Game Pass Core
Xbox Game Pass Core is $9.99/month and includes online multiplayer for Xbox consoles, a catalog of 25 games to play, and exclusive member discounts and deals. This plan effectively replaced what was previously known as Xbox Live Gold. To see what games are available through this plan, make sure to check out our IGN Playlist of Xbox Game Pass Core games.
Xbox Game Pass Standard
The Standard tier of Xbox Game Pass is $16.99/month and includes online multiplayer as well as access to the entire Xbox Game Pass catalog for Xbox Consoles (except day one Xbox first-party titles). It also includes exclusive member discounts and deals.
PC Game Pass PC
The PC equivalent of Xbox Game Pass is $11.99/month and includes access to hundred of games to play on PC including day one Xbox first-party titles, an EA Play membership, and exclusive member discounts and deals. This is a great option if you only play on PC and want access to the Xbox Game Pass catalog of supported games. To see what games are available through this plan at the moment, check out our IGN Playlist of Xbox Game Pass PC games.
Xbox Game Pass Ultimate
Xbox Game Pass Ultimate is $19.99/month and combines both Xbox Game Pass Console and Xbox Game Pass PC to provide access to the entire Xbox Game Pass catalog of games on whichever platform you choose, as well as online gaming for Xbox. You'll be able to play Xbox first-party titles day one, as well as stream hundreds of games over the cloud to compatible devices. Additionally, you'll be able to play EA titles with an included EA Play membership, and access member-exclusive deals, discounts, and perks. To see the games available to you on this membership, check out our IGN Playlist of Xbox Game Pass Ultimate games.
Best Time to Buy an Xbox
Generally, the best time to buy an Xbox console is during major yearly shopping events such as Black Friday, Cyber Monday, and the various Amazon Prime Day sales. Often times, you can scoop up the console at a discount, or purchase limited-time bundles that include additional games, Xbox Game Pass trials, accessories, or in-game content.
How to Trade in Your Old Xbox
If you're looking to trade in your old Xbox consoles, you can do so at select retailers in-store and online. Often, the most widely available retailers are GameStop and Best Buy. However, you can also trade your used devices online at retailers such as Amazon and Microsoft.
Some retailers will offer you cash for your used goods, while others may provide you with a gift card that can be used in-store and online. This is a great way to offload your old gaming gear and get some money that you can put towards a newer console and games.
While trading devices in at retailers will often net you the lowest amount for your used consoles, there are also online marketplaces such as eBay, Craigslist, and OfferUp that may fetch higher prices, but you'll often be responsible for packing and shipping costs, or be required to meet someone in person for the transaction, the latter of which poses its own risks.
Where to Trade in Xbox Games
Similar to Xbox console trade ins, you can also trade your existing games in at specific retailers. The most widely available retailer accepting used video games is GameStop, but they are notorious for giving you pennies on the dollar for your pre-owned titles. However, if you're looking for an easy way to offload some of your library for cash or in-store credit, this is a convenient option. You can always look up the expected trade-in value on GameStop's website before heading into a store, so you know exactly how much you'll receive. Additionally, you can trade in your used games online through Amazon in exchange for an Amazon gift card.
Matthew Adler is a Commerce, Features, Guides, News, Previews, and Reviews writer for IGN. You can follow him on the site formerly known as Twitter @MatthewAdler and watch him stream on Twitch.
Originally posted:
Nov 6, 2024 9:32 pm