Hoping to buy a new Xbox Series X? Get in line (metaphorically speaking, because lines are terrible for social distancing). Microsoft launched the Series X, along with its sibling the Xbox Series S, back on Nov. 10, and it sold out faster than the time it took to write this article. We’ve been waiting for more of the next-gen consoles to show up ever since, but the anemic dribbles of inventory have barely been enough to notice. And don’t expect that to change anytime soon: Microsoft confirmed back in November that Xbox inventory could be tight through April 2021.
The next-gen console has sold out more or less instantly every time there has been any sort of inventory drop at major retailers. In part, that’s obviously due to insatiable consumer demand. But there’s little doubt that it also has a lot to do with resellers and bots routinely beating average consumers to the punch.
Twitter remains a resource for many gamers to check on restock news, but even when the leads are credible, gamers rarely get more than a few minutes’ warning and inventory sells out within minutes, like the unexpected bounty of Xbox Series X consoles that appeared at Amazon Warehouse just today.
Currently, there’s no inventory to be had anywhere. But we’re keeping an eye on Twitter and other sources of news, and we will keep you up to date on what retailers like Best Buy, Walmart, Amazon, GameStop and Target are planning. What follows is a list of the major retailers selling the Xbox Series X.
Our advice is to seek out the $500 retail price and avoid those pricey retailer bundles (which include extraneous controllers, accessories and games). Even better: If you don’t have a 4K TV and don’t expect to get one anytime soon, try the Xbox Series S instead to save $100.
- Xbox Series X review: Game Pass is the secret weapon
- Xbox Series X vs. Xbox Series S: It’s all about 4K vs. 1440
- The best Xbox Series X games you’ll need to play
- PS5 vs. Xbox Series X: The next-gen consoles we’re buying and why
Xbox Series X: Check inventory restock
Best Buy
Best Buy was the last retailer standing back in the preorder days, but now stands ready for your Xbox Series X purchase as inventory allows.
Amazon
Amazon is selling the Xbox Series X and the less expensive Series S from this same product page.
GameStop
GameStop had touted “very limited number of Xbox Series X and S console bundles for purchase” but those are currently sold out.
Walmart
Walmart does a solid job of noting availability windows for PS5 and Xbox on its Twitter feed. You might also want to visit the retailer’s Xbox landing page for both new consoles.
Microsoft
If you want to get the latest on the Xbox Series X, there’s probably nowhere better than Microsoft’s own Xbox Series X home page. Here you’ll find the latest specs, announced game titles, details on the new controller and more.
StockX
Are you already getting desperate? Are you willing to pay a premium of hundreds of dollars over the list price? Listen, we wouldn’t do this and we don’t recommend you do it, either. But if you want to take that path, StockX is a reputable eBay-style site that will let you buy and sell new Xbox and PS5 models — as long as you’re willing to pay upwards of $650.
CNET’s Cheapskate scours the web for great deals on tech products and much more. For the latest deals and updates, follow the Cheapskate on Facebook and Twitter. Find more great buys on the CNET Deals page and check out our CNET Coupons page for the latest promo codes from Best Buy, Walmart, Amazon and more. Questions about the Cheapskate blog? Find the answers on our FAQ page.