It's a Dumb Time to Buy an Xbox, Even With the Coming Price Hike
Despite upcoming price increases and Prime Day discounts, buying an Xbox Series X or S now is unwise because the consoles are in their sixth year, lack exclusives, and Microsoft faces internal turmoil.
Following Microsoft's announcement of a third price hike for the Xbox Series X and S, effective August 1, and the allure of Prime Day deals, some outlets have urged consumers to buy now. However, it's actually a poor time to purchase an Xbox. The Series S launched at $300 and the Series X at $500 in 2020. Current discounted prices of $350 and $573 respectively are higher than in previous years—the author personally acquired a Series X for under $400 and a Series S for $250 recently.
The consoles are now in their sixth year, when prices typically drop, not rise. Microsoft's massive investments in AI data centers are exacerbating a RAM and storage shortage that drives up hardware costs across tech. Meanwhile, Xbox is in disarray: layoffs, studio closures (Double Fine, Ninja Theory, Compulsion Games at risk), falling console profits, and executive changes in 2026.
Software-wise, Xbox lacks compelling exclusives. First-party titles like Avowed, Indiana Jones and the Great Circle, and Keeper are on Steam, and Microsoft is obligated to put Call of Duty on rival platforms. The company is pushing games to PlayStation and Switch and emphasizing cloud gaming. If everything is an Xbox and games are available everywhere, there's little reason to own the console.
Instead of rushing to buy an aging console at inflated prices, the smart move is to wait for the next generation—expected soon—and either buy a new model or a discounted current-gen unit. As general advice, encouraging people to buy now is misguided; only a tiny niche benefits.
