Xbox series X stock: Latest restock news from Currys, Argos, Game, Smyths and more

Did you manage to grab an Xbox recently? Well have a gander at our round-up of the best Xbox series X games to decide what to play first.

Both the Xbox series X and the PlayStation 5 have endured a slow launch, with the global pandemic putting the brakes on development of many new titles. You’ll notice that many of the best Xbox series X games are upgraded and remastered versions of Xbox One games, but there are some genuine next-gen experiences to be enjoyed already.

Wondering what to play next? Here’s our list of the best Xbox series X games of 2021

Have we helped you get an Xbox? Want more shopping insights? Why not sign up to the free IndyBest newsletter, where you can access the best deals and round-ups of the week’s must-have products chosen by IndyBest experts.

Dropping into your inbox every Friday morning, the handy digest features items from our tried and tested reviews by pros in the field – helping you make the most informed choice with your hard-earned cash.

You don’t actually need an Xbox series X to play Xbox series X games, just a fast enough internet connection and a compatible streaming device.

Xbox Cloud Gaming streams games from Microsoft’s servers to your console, laptop or phone, via your internet browser or the Xbox app. How does cloud gaming work? Well it’s basically like being on a Zoom call with a game that you’re controlling, meaning you can jump into new games at the push of a button rather than waiting around for an installation.

Cloud gaming requires a membership to Xbox Game Pass Ultimate (£32.99, Argos.co.uk), which unlocks on-demand access to more than 100 games. Thankfully, decent laptops are much easier to find than the Xbox series X. If you’re thinking of upgrading, check out our list of the best laptops in 2021.

‘Tis the season for sales. While Black Friday may be over, the Boxing Day sales are well underway and as we enter 2022, they’ll soon intermingle with the January sales.

To get the most out of the Xbox series X, you’ll need a 4K television.

Many next-generation games allow you to choose between a performance mode and a graphics mode. The former downgrades the visuals slightly for smoother framerates, while the latter mode enables higher resolutions and more fancy effects at the expense of framerate.

If your TV only goes up to 1080p, you won’t be getting the most out of your new Xbox series X. To help you upgrade your set without breaking the bank, we’ve pulled together a list of the best 4K TVs for entertainment, movies and gaming.

While there are no more restocks to report on, let’s go over some of basic tips when it comes to securing a console. Preparation is key to success, and there are a bunch of things you can do right now to ensure you’re ready when the next restock happens.

• Register an account and save your payment details at each of the retailers that stock the Xbox series X. They’re listed in the main article above
• Are you a BT customer, or know somebody who is? Register your interest on the BT site to get exclusive access to BT’s next drop
• Download each retailer’s app (if they have one) and add the Xbox series X to your wish list or “save for later” list
• When the console drops, use the link in your wish list to add the Xbox to your trolley – this usually has a higher success rate than navigating through the website
• Keep note of the prices of bundles to ensure you’re getting a good deal. Rounding up, the console itself is £450, controllers are £50, the official headset is £90, and Xbox Game Pass Ultimate costs £11 per month. Newly released game are £60, but retailers usually bundle older games with the console
• The pay-as-you-go Xbox All Access programme is good value for money, so long as you don’t already have a Game Pass subscription

Currys has restocked the Xbox series X as part of two bundles. The cheaper bundle ( £589, Currys.co.uk) includes the series X console and elite series 2 wireless controller. The high-end controller costs a whopping £150 alone.

You can also purchase the Xbox series X as part of a bundle containing the Seagate 1TB expansion hard drive (£659, Currys.co.uk). We’ve seen the expansion drive sell for around £190 in the past, so this is close to what you’d pay if you were to buy both products separately.

If you can afford it, we’d suggest the bundle with the extra hard drive is the best value option here. Expanding the Xbox’s capacity gives you more room for downloads, and modern games are taking up more and more space.

The best way to buy an Xbox series X from Currys is through the app. Add the console to your wish list, which lets you slip the Xbox into your basket in advance for a speedy checkout.

Welcome to Wednesday’s Xbox stock tracking liveblog.

Today we’re tracking every UK retailer at once for any sign of Microsoft’s elusive black cuboid, to bring you live Xbox restock updates as they happen.

If you’re on the hunt for an Xbox on this Twixmas morning, stick with us to be the first to know when the console drops. Ready? Let’s go.

Well that’s all from us. Thank you for following the Xbox stock tracking liveblog today.

Currys has a seemingly endless supply of the console, with both of its bundles still in stock as we close out the liveblog. Asda is also selling Xbox All Access, the pay monthly alternative to paying £449 for the console up front.

Still trying to find an Xbox series X without the add-ons? Then join us again tomorrow when we’ll be resuming the search.