With June finally here and E3 season in full swing, publishers will be announcing the next big games launching on Xbox Series X–but for most people, even getting your hands on the new Xbox console is a struggle. Though Xbox Series X restocks continue to happen somewhat regularly at major retailers, they’re sporadic and sell out ridiculously fast, and you never know exactly where it might pop up next. Though Xbox stock shortages will continue through this year, Microsoft’s new Console Purchase Pilot program is improving hopeful buyers’ chances of snagging an Xbox Series X. The program lets those in the Xbox Insiders program register to potentially reserve a console, and Microsoft is expanding Xbox Console Purchase Pilot stock on June 1 so a new wave of Xbox Insiders will be invited to buy an Xbox Series X.
Meanwhile, Target has reportedly changed its process for Xbox restocks, letting stores put the Xbox Series X and Series S up for sale as soon as local inventory is available, rather than waiting for specific drop dates. However, only online orders are allowed for the Xbox Series X|S (no in-store purchases), and you’ll have to pick up your console in-store.
While we don’t recommend paying over list price for the Xbox Series X, StockX always has inventory available if you’re willing to pay more. The Xbox Series X has been popping up regularly (and without notice) at stores like Antonline and even the Microsoft Store, so you’ll want to keep checking listings and restock Twitter accounts. For now, check out some of our best tips for securing an Xbox Series X below and check the listings we’ve rounded up here in case of availability.
How to buy an Xbox Series X: Our best tips
Securing the Xbox Series X|S isn’t impossible; it’s largely a matter of luck and being ready at the right time. However, here are some things to keep in mind if you’re looking to buy a new Xbox (plus, check out where to buy the official Xbox Wireless Headset that released March 16).
- Follow restock accounts on Twitter and turn on notifications: When it comes to buying an Xbox Series X, it’s helpful to follow Twitter accounts that tweet about restocks. You may want to turn on notifications for those accounts as well, though keep in mind some of them tweet about deals and other news as well. Wario64 is a great account to follow, as is Xbox Stock Alerts. Of course, we tweet about Xbox restocks on our GameSpot Deals account as well.
- Follow a Twitch bot tracking console restocks in real time: Twitch user killercam1020 has a 24/7 stream that uses a bot to track restocks for both the Xbox Series X|S and PS5 at major retailers. The constantly moving wall of text usually shows “Out of Stock” at all stores, but when the bot detects the Series X being in stock somewhere, you’ll be one of the first to know, if you’re monitoring the stream. You can also follow Cameron Ritz, who runs the stream, on Twitter for updates.
- Stay logged in at major retailers and ensure info is up to date: To help checkout go as smoothly as possible, it’s best to have up-to-date accounts at all major retailers, such as GameStop and Walmart. Double-check that your shipping and billing information is accurate as well–you don’t want to be updating these sections during a restock when the Series X could sell out any second.
- Be ready at exact restock times when announced beforehand: Generally, Xbox Series X restocks happen without much warning, but Walmart and GameStop in particular are known to announce restocks beforehand, though this could range from days prior to an hour before the restock. These pre-announced restocks can sell out particularly fast, but being ready at your computer with payment information on hand will give you the best chance at snagging an Xbox Series X.
- Keep an eye on smaller retailers: Stores like Amazon and Best Buy aren’t the only places to buy an Xbox Series X. You can also find next-gen consoles at stores like Newegg and Antonline. Stores that require certain membership can also be a good option, like the Exchange (military only) and Costco.
- Know whether you’re willing to buy a bundle: Some retailers only sell the Xbox Series X in expensive bundles–these include the console along with other items like a bonus controller, a Game Pass subscription, and games. You’re paying a premium here to get products you may or may not want, so you should consider if you’re willing to pay above MSRP just to own the Xbox Series X.
- Bookmark the product pages: It’s a good idea to know exactly where to buy the Xbox Series X at Amazon, Walmart, and other major retailers. Save the direct listings for these stores so you know exactly what page to refresh. We’ve rounded up those links further down in this article.
When will Xbox Series X|S stock stabilize?
Don’t expect the Xbox stock situation to improve much until this summer at the earliest, as Microsoft recently admitted Xbox Series X|S stock will be “constrained at least through June,” according to The New York Times. The company apparently sold every Xbox Series X|S unit it had last quarter, and it hasn’t shared any specific restock news for 2021.
However, the console shortages will likely continue for even longer than that, as the global chip shortage has reached a “crisis” point. There’s a widespread semiconductor shortage that’s affecting several different industries, including console production as well as cars and other tech. The shortage has been “steadily worsening since last year,” according to The Guardian, and shows no sign of improving right now.
Where to buy the Xbox Series X|S
In the meantime, you can check the Xbox Series X listings at major retailers as well as the latest restock news below. It could be a few weeks before you actually get the system once you order it, so keep that in mind when planning your downtime. As of now, you still can’t really find the console in retail stores without a pickup order. While you can more easily buy the Xbox Series X above MSRP in bundles or on reseller sites like StockX, we do recommend waiting to buy the new Xbox for its list price of $500.
Xbox Series X availability at GameStop
GameStop had the Xbox Series X in stock on May 26, but only if you purchased a pricey bundle.
Xbox Series X availability at Best Buy
Best Buy restocked the Xbox Series X and Series S online on April 26. Best Buy also had the Series S in stock on May 5, but it was only available for in-store pickup. Consoles tend to pop up without any warning at Best Buy, which will release stock every few minutes rather than all at once. Best Buy didn’t have any Xbox Series X or Series S units in stores in 2020, but the retailer has stated that stock will be on store shelves this year.
Xbox Series X availability at Walmart
Walmart last restocked the Xbox Series X on April 15 and the Series S on April 26. As usual, the Xbox Series X sold out almost immediately each time it was made available, though the Series S tends to stick around a bit longer.
Xbox Series X availability at Amazon
We don’t know when you’ll be able to buy an Xbox Series X from Amazon again. While we’ve seen it restock the PS5 a few times, Amazon has had very little Xbox Series X|S inventory since the consoles first launched on November 10, and there’s no word on a restock in the near future. Amazon’s listings even say, “We don’t know when or if this item will be back in stock.”
Xbox Series X availability at Target
The Xbox Series X was restocked at Target on March 18. Target reportedly informed employees that the Xbox Series X and S can now be sold as soon as inventory is available, rather than waiting for set drop dates, which means we may start to see Target restocks more often. Both Order Pickup and Drive Up will be available for online orders, but no in-store console purchases are allowed.
Xbox Series X|S accessories
The great thing about Xbox Series X accessories is that the vast majority of products that were compatible with Xbox One work with the Series X and S as well, including headsets and controllers.
New Xbox Wireless Controllers released alongside the Xbox Series X and Series S, and they’re available in Carbon Black, Robot White, and Shock Blue. They feature a more ergonomic design; textured grips on the bumpers, triggers, and back case; and an Elite controller-inspired hybrid D-pad for improved precision. The updated controllers also have a new integrated Share button for capturing and recording gameplay moments.
Xbox Series X|S games and Game Pass subscription
Microsoft is pushing its Xbox Game Pass subscription for next-gen, which grants access to a massive, rotating library of games for a monthly fee, including the ability to play first-party games like Halo Infinite on day one. New subscribers can sign up for their first month of Game Pass Ultimate for $1–do this before you take advantage of any Game Pass deals online. You’ll also get an extra month of Game Pass Ultimate for free if you turn on recurring billing (it has to be turned off before you redeem a code in order to get the prompt).
Check out our list of all the Xbox Series X launch games available at launch as well as new Xbox games coming soon. Plus, see the best Xbox Game Pass games available now.
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