Current Xbox prices depend on which model you want

Microsoft sells three Xbox models right now, and the price you pay depends on which one fits your setup and budget. The Xbox Series S is the least expensive at around $300. The Xbox Series X costs around $500 and is the most powerful. Microsoft also sells the Xbox One S at a lower price point, though it is an older model. Prices can shift slightly between retailers, and sales happen regularly, so checking a few stores before you buy usually saves money.

Beyond the console itself, you will need to budget for a controller (included with the console), games, and possibly an online subscription. Game Pass, which lets you play hundreds of games for a monthly fee, costs extra but is popular with new Xbox owners.

Key Takeaways

  • The Xbox Series S costs around $300 and plays modern games at 1440p resolution, making it the budget option.
  • The Xbox Series X costs around $500 and plays games at 4K resolution with faster load times, making it the premium choice.
  • The older Xbox One S is sometimes discounted below $200 but cannot play the newest games as well as the Series models.
  • Game Pass subscriptions, controllers, and games are separate costs that add to the initial console price.
  • Prices vary by retailer and sales happen regularly, so comparing stores before purchase can lower your total cost.

Xbox Series S — the budget model

The Series S is Microsoft's entry-level console and typically costs around $300. It plays all current Xbox games and works with Game Pass. The trade-off is that it outputs games at 1440p resolution instead of 4K, and it has less storage space than the Series X — 512 GB instead of 1 TB. For someone buying their first Xbox or playing on a smaller TV, the Series S does the job without the higher price tag.

Storage fills up quickly with modern games, which can be 100 GB or larger. The Series S comes with 512 GB of usable space, but you can expand it with an external drive or buy the official expansion card, which costs extra. If you plan to download many games, factor in that additional cost.

Xbox Series X — the high-performance model

The Series X is the flagship Xbox and costs around $500. It is significantly more powerful than the Series S and plays games at 4K resolution with faster frame rates and shorter load times. If you have a 4K TV or monitor, the Series X makes better use of it. It also has 1 TB of storage, double the Series S, though you still may want to expand it over time.

The Series X is the better choice if you want the best performance and plan to keep the console for many years. The price difference between the two models is $200, which is substantial, so decide based on your TV setup and how many games you plan to own at once.

Xbox One S — the older, discounted option

The Xbox One S is an older model that Microsoft released in 2016. It is sometimes available at a discount, sometimes below $200, but it cannot run the newest Xbox games as smoothly as the Series models. Some new games may not run on it at all. If you only want to play older titles or are extremely budget-conscious, it might seem appealing, but the Series S is usually the better long-term choice because it supports current and future games.

Retailers do not always stock the Xbox One S anymore, so availability varies. If you find one, check whether the games you want to play are compatible before buying.

What you need to spend beyond the console

The console price is only the start. A second controller costs around $60 to $70 if you want to play with someone else. Games themselves range from $20 for older titles to $70 for brand-new releases. Some games are included free with Game Pass, which costs $11 to $17 per month depending on which tier you choose.

Xbox Game Pass is worth considering because it gives you access to hundreds of games for one monthly fee instead of buying each one separately. Many new Xbox owners find it saves money in the first year. You also need an Xbox Game Pass Core subscription (around $60 per year) to play online multiplayer games, separate from Game Pass itself.

Where prices vary and how to find the best deal

Major retailers like Best Buy, Walmart, Amazon, and Target all sell Xbox consoles, and prices are usually the same across them. However, sales and bundle deals happen regularly — sometimes a retailer will include Game Pass time or a second controller with the console purchase. Checking multiple stores before you buy takes 10 minutes and often reveals a better offer.

Refurbished or open-box consoles sometimes cost less than new ones, but they come with less warranty protection. If you go that route, make sure the seller offers at least a 30-day return window in case something is wrong with it. New consoles from major retailers come with a one-year manufacturer warranty.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I get an Xbox cheaper if I buy it used?

Yes, used Xbox consoles cost less than new ones, sometimes $100 or more off. Check the condition carefully and ask the seller how long they have owned it and whether it works properly. Buying from a person means no warranty, so you are taking on more risk. Marketplace sites and local classifieds are common places to find used consoles.

Is Game Pass worth the monthly cost?

Game Pass includes hundreds of games, so if you play a variety of titles, it usually costs less than buying games individually. A single new game costs $60 to $70, so Game Pass pays for itself after one or two purchases. If you only play one or two games repeatedly, a subscription may not be worth it.

Do I need to buy a Game Pass subscription right away?

No. You can buy an Xbox and play games you own without any subscription. However, you do need Xbox Game Pass Core (around $60 per year) to play online multiplayer. Single-player games work without it. Many people start with the console and add Game Pass later if they want it.

Will the Xbox Series S or X price drop soon?

Console prices rarely drop permanently — they stay around the same level for years. Sales and discounts happen regularly at retailers, but the official price stays the same. If you are waiting for a price cut, you may wait a long time. Watching for sales at major retailers is a better strategy than waiting for an official price reduction.

What is the difference between Xbox Game Pass and Xbox Game Pass Core?

Xbox Game Pass Core is the online multiplayer subscription that lets you play online with others — it costs around $60 per year. Xbox Game Pass (sometimes called Game Pass Ultimate) includes hundreds of games plus online play and costs $17 per month. Game Pass Ultimate is more expensive but includes the games library. You need one or the other to play online, but not both.