Looking for the latest Xbox Series S price updates? Microsoft’s sleek digital-only console continues to offer gamers an affordable entry into next-generation gaming. With recent pricing shifts and new models being introduced, it’s a good time to check what’s happening with this compact powerhouse.
The Xbox Series S is currently priced at $299.99 for the standard 512GB model, while the newer 1TB versions (available in both white and black) cost $349.99. These expanded storage options give players more space for their digital game collections without requiring external drives. Best Buy also offers financing options, with payments starting at $38 monthly with their credit card over 24 months for select bundles.
The Series S remains the budget-friendly alternative to the more powerful Xbox Series X, while still delivering impressive features like faster loading times, Quick Resume functionality, and frame rates up to 120 FPS. For gamers who primarily download their games and don’t need a disc drive, the Series S represents an excellent value proposition in today’s console market.
Latest About Xbox Series S – Comprehensive Guide
Overview
The Xbox Series S remains a compact, cost-effective next-gen gaming console in 2026. It is designed as an accessible entry point into the Xbox ecosystem, ideal for casual gamers, families, and those who prioritize value and space-saving design over raw power.
Key Features
- Resolution & Performance: Primarily targets 1440p gaming with smooth performance, often hitting 60 fps in many titles. While it doesn’t natively support 4K gameplay like the Series X, it can upscale games to 4K on compatible displays.
- Compact Design: One of the smallest Xbox consoles ever made, making it perfect for setups with limited space.
- Game Pass Integration: Deep integration with Xbox Game Pass, offering access to a vast library of games, including new releases on launch day.
- Low Noise and Heat: Runs quietly and efficiently due to its smaller size and less powerful hardware.
Storage
- The Xbox Series S comes with a 512GB SSD, which can fill up quickly given modern game sizes.
- SSD expansion is supported via proprietary expansion cards, and external drives can be used for backward-compatible games or streaming.
Price & Value
- The price has risen somewhat compared to launch, making its value proposition less clear-cut.
- Despite this, it remains one of the most affordable ways to experience next-gen gaming on Xbox.
- It’s especially recommended for gamers who don’t need 4K resolution or the highest graphical settings.
Pros
- Affordable next-gen console option
- Compact and stylish design
- Fast loading times thanks to SSD
- Great for 1440p gaming and casual use
- Excellent Game Pass support
Cons
- Limited internal storage
- No native 4K gaming support
- Less powerful GPU compared to Series X and PS5
- Rising price reduces some cost advantage
Comparison to Other Consoles
- Compared to Xbox Series X, the Series S is less powerful but much cheaper and smaller.
- Compared to PS5 Digital Edition, it offers similar next-gen features but with a focus on 1440p rather than 4K.
- Still holds up well in 2026 for many games, with fast load times and stable frame rates.
For more detailed reviews and comparisons, you can check out sources like Windows Central’s Xbox Series S review (2025) and Citipen’s 2025 guide.
Key Takeaways
- Xbox Series S is available in different storage options with the standard 512GB model at $299.99 and the 1TB versions at $349.99.
- The digital-only console offers next-gen features like Quick Resume, faster loading times, and frame rates up to 120 FPS at a lower price point.
- Financing options exist through retailers like Best Buy, making the Xbox Series S even more accessible to budget-conscious gamers.
Current Pricing Trends for Xbox Series S
The Xbox Series S continues to be a popular console choice in 2026, with pricing that has evolved since its initial release. Recent data shows the Series S outselling the Series X by a significant margin, likely due to its more accessible price point.
Retail Price Analysis
The standard retail price for the Xbox Series S 512GB model remains at $299.99. This price point has been stable for some time, making it one of the most affordable current-generation gaming consoles. Microsoft has also introduced a 1TB version of the Xbox Series S, which retails for approximately $347.00 at major retailers like Walmart.
Many retailers offer special financing options to make these consoles more accessible. Xbox All Access continues to be available at select retailers, allowing consumers to purchase the console with monthly payments that include Game Pass Ultimate.
The pricing strategy has proven effective for Microsoft, with reports indicating the Series S accounts for roughly 75% of Xbox current-generation console sales.
Comparative Market Prices
In the secondary market, the Xbox Series S (2020 model) starts at around $226, with an average price of $252. This represents a significant discount compared to retail prices for new units. Price trends suggest these costs will continue to decrease over time.
When compared to competing consoles like the PlayStation 5, the Xbox Series S remains positioned as the budget-friendly next-gen option. The PS5 typically costs $100-200 more depending on the model.
The price difference between new and used models makes the Series S an attractive option for budget-conscious gamers. The $299.99 retail price for a new 512GB model versus $252 average for used units presents buyers with meaningful choices based on their preferences.
Technical Specifications and Features
The Xbox Series S delivers impressive technical capabilities in a compact, budget-friendly package. Microsoft’s smaller next-gen console balances performance with value while still offering many advanced features found in higher-priced gaming systems.
Performance Capabilities
The Xbox Series S is powered by a custom AMD Zen 2 processor featuring 8 cores running at 3.8 GHz (3.6 GHz with SMT). Its GPU is a custom RDNA 2 design with 4 TFLOPS of processing power and 20 compute units clocked at 1.565 GHz.
For storage, the console includes a custom NVME SSD with 512 GB capacity, though a newer 1TB model was released in September 2023 for $350. The Xbox Velocity Architecture enables faster load times compared to previous generations.
The system targets 1440p resolution for gaming rather than native 4K, though it can upscale content to 4K for media playback. It supports frame rates up to 120 FPS on compatible games and displays. Variable refresh rate technology helps reduce screen tearing during gameplay.
Gaming Experience Enhancements
Quick Resume stands out as a key feature, allowing players to switch between multiple games and continue exactly where they left off without long loading screens. This functionality takes advantage of the console’s custom SSD.
The Series S offers backward compatibility with thousands of Xbox One, Xbox 360, and original Xbox games. Many older titles receive automatic enhancements including higher and more stable frame rates, often reaching 60 FPS.
Ray tracing support brings more realistic lighting, reflections, and shadows to supported games. For audio, the console includes Dolby Atmos capabilities for immersive 3D sound when used with compatible headphones or speaker systems.
Dolby Vision is also supported, enhancing compatible games and media with improved color accuracy, contrast, and brightness.
Content and Service Integration
Xbox Game Pass integration forms a cornerstone of the Series S experience. This subscription service provides access to hundreds of games that can be downloaded and played without additional purchase.
The Ultimate tier adds cloud gaming functionality, allowing subscribers to stream games to mobile devices or computers. EA Play is also bundled with Game Pass Ultimate, adding numerous Electronic Arts titles to the available library.
The compact size of the Series S makes it ideal for smaller entertainment centers or for gamers who frequently transport their console to different locations. Despite its small footprint, it delivers a next-gen gaming experience.
Digital game delivery is emphasized, as the Series S lacks a disc drive. This design choice contributes to its smaller size and lower price point, but means all games must be purchased and downloaded digitally.
Frequently Asked Questions
The Xbox Series S continues to be a popular gaming console option for budget-conscious gamers. Many customers have specific questions about its pricing and how it compares to other options in the market.
How has the price of the Xbox Series S changed since its release?
The Xbox Series S launched in November 2020 with a retail price of $299. This price point positioned it as the more affordable next-generation Xbox console.
Since its initial release, the standard retail price has remained relatively stable at $299. However, during special sales events like Black Friday, prices have occasionally dropped to the low $200s, making it an even more attractive option.
What is the current retail price of the Xbox Series S in the United States?
The standard retail price for the Xbox Series S remains $299 in the United States. This price point continues to make it one of the most affordable current-generation gaming consoles on the market.
Many retailers maintain this consistent pricing, though bundle deals may affect the effective price depending on included games or accessories.
Are there any recently announced price changes for the Xbox Series S?
Microsoft has not announced any official price changes for the Xbox Series S. The console continues to be positioned as the budget-friendly alternative to the more powerful Xbox Series X.
Industry analysts do not currently predict any imminent price drops, though seasonal sales and promotions may temporarily lower the price at various retailers.
Which retailers currently offer the best deal on an Xbox Series S console?
Major retailers like Best Buy, Walmart, Amazon, and Target frequently offer competitive pricing on the Xbox Series S. The best deals are often found during major shopping events like Black Friday, Cyber Monday, and Prime Day.
Some retailers offer bundle packages that include games, additional controllers, or Game Pass subscriptions. These bundles can provide better overall value even if the base console price remains at $299.
How does the price of the Xbox Series S compare to the previous generation Xbox One?
The Xbox Series S’s $299 price point is comparable to what the Xbox One S was selling for toward the end of its lifecycle. This pricing strategy allowed Microsoft to offer next-generation gaming capabilities without a significant price increase.
The Xbox Series S delivers substantially better performance, faster loading times, and access to next-generation games compared to the Xbox One, making it a good value proposition despite a similar price point.
Is there a difference in pricing between different storage capacities of the Xbox Series S, such as a 1TB version?
The standard Xbox Series S comes with a 512GB SSD. Unlike the Xbox Series X, Microsoft has not released official larger storage capacity variants of the Series S.
To expand storage, players must purchase separate storage expansion cards or external drives. The Seagate Storage Expansion Card, which offers additional storage that maintains next-gen performance, costs approximately $139-$219 depending on capacity.
