Xbox Series X Prices Drop Due to Market Competition: Walmart, Target, and Amazon Lead with a $150 Price Cut, While Microsoft’s $399.99 Offer Breaks Black Friday Records
Walmart, Target, and Amazon have lately started experimenting with an Xbox Series X discount priced at $349, which represents a $150 savings off the MSRP and outperforms Black Friday deals.
While some of them have sold out quickly (depending on area), Microsoft has recently announced its own console discount, but it isn’t as large.
Microsoft’s current Xbox Series X offer, priced at $399.99, represents a $100 savings on the console, coinciding closely with the greatest Black Friday prices recorded by shops such as Amazon a few weeks ago.
Xbox announced the new promotion on its official Twitter/X page, only weeks after instituting a $50 discount during Black Friday sales. This new offer outperforms the previous one, which ranged between $100 and $150 depending on the merchant.
Other significant Xbox bargains now available include Xbox Wireless Controllers for $45 at Walmart (containing special edition gamepads and a $19 savings off MSRP). Target is also selling an Xbox Elite Series 2 Core Controller for $106.99 right now.
The duration of the $399.99 Xbox Series X deal has not yet been confirmed by Microsoft; however, considering its classification as a “holiday” promotion, it is safe to presume that it will be available for a limited period throughout the remainder of 2023. It is likewise a limited-time promotion available only in the United States.
The business has also lately ceased revealing Xbox system sales, which some feel is due in part to how badly they compare against PlayStation console and Nintendo Switch sales. However, one Xbox official claims that this has nothing to do with it.
Xbox Mid-Generation Update: Leaked FTC vs. Microsoft Docs
Microsoft has already stated that it has “lost the console war,” but the severity of Xbox’s demise in Europe is startling. According to new data from GI.biz, Sony’s PlayStation 5 is “comfortably” number one in Europe, with sales up 143% over the same month last year.
Despite a 20% dip in sales year on year, the almost seven-year-old Nintendo Switch is second. However, sales of the Xbox Series X and S have dropped by 52%.
However, it appears that Microsoft remains committed to the Xbox console industry, with plans to release additional exclusives from its vast first-party studio network, as well as mid-gen updates of both the Xbox Series X and S sometime in 2024.
Can Microsoft Discount Its Way Back Into the Xbox Holiday Showdown?
A New Challenger is on the Way… at Lower Prices?
The struggle for console supremacy is heating up this Christmas season, with Microsoft throwing its hat into the ring with a new Xbox Series X deal. While it may not be the knockout punch that Sony and Nintendo supporters had hoped for, it is a strong indication that the Redmond behemoth isn’t going down without a fight.
Ish (The Price Is Right)
While merchants such as Walmart and Amazon have been enticing gamers with larger discounts of up to $150, Microsoft’s official offer of $100 off lowers the Series X down to a much more affordable $399.99. That’s the same price that big stores provided on Black Friday, so it’s a good value for anyone who missed out on the Christmas shopping rush.
Beyond the Controller: Controller Obsession
Beyond the console, Xbox Wireless Controllers are now $45 at Walmart (including special editions!) and the Xbox Elite Series 2 Core Controller is $106.99 at Target. These sales are a terrific option to get some extra hardware for your new console or to update your current setup.
Is it, however, sufficient?
The major issue is whether this will be enough to tip the scales in Microsoft’s favor. While the deal is tempting, it’s worth remembering that Sony’s PlayStation 5 continues to be the dominant force in Europe, with sales increasing 143% year on year. Despite a 20% drop in sales, the elderly Nintendo Switch outsold the Xbox Series X and S by a substantial margin.
Xbox’s Future: Refreshed and Refocused
Regardless of current sales levels, Microsoft appears to be devoted to the Xbox brand. They’ve promised a bevy of first-party exclusives and are even considering mid-generation updates for both the Series X and S in 2024. These efforts indicate a renewed emphasis on the console business, and who knows, maybe the next cycle of hardware and software may be the game changer Microsoft requires.
Your Questions About Xbox Holiday Showdown Have Been Answered!
Q: Is it worthwhile to buy the Xbox Series X now, considering the discount?
A: It all depends! If you’ve been debating whether or not to get an Xbox Series X, this deal is well worth considering. It reduces the price down to a more competitive level while still allowing you to experience all of the latest games and features. If you’re not in a hurry, it’s also worth looking for deeper deals from merchants like Walmart and Amazon. In recent weeks, they’ve started selling the console for as little as $349.
Q: How does the Xbox Series X discount stack up against the PlayStation 5 discount?
A: While Sony hasn’t officially announced any holiday discounts for the PlayStation 5, it’s presently available for roughly $449 at most shops. That means the Xbox Series X is currently a little cheaper thanks to Microsoft’s official offer. However, keep in mind that the PlayStation 5 has outsold the Xbox Series X by a large margin, so Sony may give some further discounts closer to Christmas.
Q: How does the Xbox Series X discount stack up against the PlayStation 5 discount?
A: While Sony hasn’t officially announced any holiday discounts for the PlayStation 5, it’s presently available for roughly $449 at most shops. That means the Xbox Series X is currently a little cheaper thanks to Microsoft’s official offer. However, keep in mind that the PlayStation 5 has outsold the Xbox Series X by a large margin, so Sony may give some further discounts closer to Christmas.
Q: Are there any more Xbox game or accessory deals?
A: Yes! This Christmas season, Microsoft is providing a slew of extra discounts on Xbox games and accessories. Here are a few examples:
- Xbox Wireless Controllers for $45 (including special editions!) at Walmart
- Target sells the Xbox Elite Series 2 Core Controller for $106.99.
- Select Xbox titles are up to 50% off.
Q: Is Microsoft abandoning the Xbox business?
A: Despite recent sales data, Microsoft has assured supporters that the Xbox brand is still important to them. They’ve promised a bevy of first-party exclusives and are even considering mid-generation updates for both the Series X and S in 2024. These initiatives indicate a renewed interest on the console business, so don’t write off Microsoft just yet!
Q: Who will emerge victorious in the console wars?
A: That is a difficult question to answer! It all depends on what players want and how Microsoft and Sony react to competition. The holiday season will be a significant battleground, so keep an eye on what happens!