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Xbox Series X: All You Need to Know About Its Price and Value
Xbox Series X: All You Need to Know About Its Price and Value
When Microsoft unveiled the Xbox Series X in June 2020, it marked a significant leap forward in next-gen gaming. As the flagship console of its eighth-generation Xbox ecosystem, the Series X promised raw power, lightning-fast load times, and enhanced backward compatibility. But one key question keeps emerging: How much does the Xbox Series X cost, and is it a worthwhile investment?
Current Price of the Xbox Series X (2024)
Understanding the Context
As of early 2024, the official retail price of the Xbox Series X is $499 USD in most major markets, including North America and Europe. However, prices can vary slightly depending on region, retailer, and whether the console is purchased with the Game Pass Ultimate subscription or a special bundle.
Microsoft frequently adjusts pricing and offers promotions, especially during major events like Microsoft Actor Day or holiday sales. During such periods, you might find the Series X listed for $399 (a $100 discount) bundled with a major game, including Starfield, Halo Infinite, or exclusive DLC.
Occasionally, older models—like the Series X S (a smaller, more affordable version)—are priced lower, often around $299–$349, making entry into the console generation more accessible.
Key Insights
Why Many Still Consider It Expensive
At launch, the Series X began at $499, a figure that triggered mixed reactions. While powerful, this price tag placed it firmly in the premium segment alongside the PlayStation 5’s launch price, setting high expectations for performance and features.
Key factors influencing its premium positioning include:
- 825 GB SSD storage (much larger than Xbox One), enabling near-instant loading.
- 8K upscaling and ray tracing support, delivering cinematic-quality visuals.
- 8 Cores at 3.8 GHz, delivering frame rates often exceeding 60 FPS at high settings across modern AAA titles.
- Backward compatibility with nearly all Xbox One games, including most Xbox Series X/S exclusives.
- Access to Game Pass Ultra, granting 100+ daily titles and cloud/Xbox Game Pass on mobile.
Though powerful, competitors like the PS5 Pro emphasize backward compatibility and price pragmatism, making the Series X feel steeply priced for some users.
Final Thoughts
Value Beyond Raw Power
For serious gamers and console enthusiasts, the Series X’s value lies beyond performance. With Game Pass Ultimate included in most setups, players unlock hundreds of titles—many exclusive to Xbox—for a yearly cost far less than owning each game individually. This subscription drastically improves the long-term ROI, especially as Microsoft continues to expand Game Pass’s library.
Additional advantages include:
- Smart Delivery — Instant loading between games without secondary storage.
- Ultra HD Blu-ray compatibility (with a compatible media player).
- Timely launch of 120FPS-capable games (e.g., Forza Horizon 5, Marvel’s Spider-Man: Miles Morales).
- Ecosystem integration with Xbox Cloud Gaming, allowing cross-device play.
For gamers prioritizing exclusives, rapid load times, and forward-compatible software, these benefits justify the premium.
Affordable Alternatives: Series X S and Refurbished
Ready to save? The Xbox Series X S offers a compelling midpoint:
- Lower price ($299–$349)
- Compact 500 GB SSD (expandable via microSD)
- Supports Game Pass Ultimate and forward-ready for 4K conversion
- Powerful yet slightly less aggressive fan design reduces heat-related power consumption
Additionally, buying refurbished or open-box units from authorized retailers can cut costs by $100–$150, offering polished hardware at discounted prices—ideal for budget-conscious buyers or those prioritizing value over brand-new aesthetics.
