TECHNOLOGY

Xbox Series X and S: The Price Drop Opportunity

USASat May 03 2025
Gamers have a small window to grab a deal on Xbox Series consoles. Microsoft recently bumped up the prices, but not all stores have followed suit. Dell is still selling the digital Xbox Series X with 1TB storage for $449. 99. That is a $100 saving compared to the new price tag. Meanwhile, Walmart has the 512GB Xbox Series S for $273. 99, marking a $106 discount. The 1TB Series S is also on sale there for $347, which is $83 off the new price. So, what is the difference between the Xbox Series X and the Series S? The Series X packs more power. It supports native 4K gaming, while the Series S is mainly for 1440p. The Series X also comes with double the storage of the base Series S, at 1TB. Plus, it has faster performance thanks to an expanded 12 teraflops of GPU power. Both the disc-less Xbox Series X and Series S focus on digital titles. They can play the same games, including those on Xbox Game Pass. This includes newer RPGs like Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 and The Elder Scrolls IV: Oblivion Remastered. Even former exclusives like Indiana Jones and the Great Circle are available. The Xbox Series S is smaller and less powerful than the Series X. It tops out at 2560 x 1440 QHD resolution. But it can still play the same digital games as the Series X. The Series X, on the other hand, is Microsoft’s top-tier console. It is all about fast, 4K gameplay. But remember, the digital model lacks a disc drive, so you are limited to digital games. It is important to note that these deals will not last forever. Retailers will eventually catch up to Microsoft’s price increase. So, if you are in the market for a new console, now might be the time to act. But think carefully about what you need. The Series S is more affordable and portable, but the Series X offers better performance and more storage.

questions

    Will the Xbox Series X ever get so powerful that it starts playing games by itself?
    How do the storage and performance differences between the Series X and Series S affect the value proposition for gamers?
    Could Microsoft be intentionally keeping prices low at certain retailers to gather data on consumer behavior before the full price hike?

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