Now’s Not the Best Moment to Invest in an Xbox Despite Upcoming Price Increase

Following Microsoft’s recent announcement about increasing the prices of the Xbox Series X and S for the third time this generation, a minor trend emerged in technology news outlets. Several articles started urging readers to purchase an Xbox console before the price hike kicks in on August 1. Coupling this deadline with the ongoing Prime Day discounts on Xbox consoles, the underlying message seemed clear: it’s the perfect time to acquire an Xbox, so why not act now?

However, I’d like to offer a counterpoint.

While timing purchases around known price increases can be a sound strategy, now is not an ideal time to buy an Xbox. Yes, even with deals that bring the Xbox Series S down to $350 and the Xbox Series X to $573—especially at these rates. When the Xbox Series S was launched in 2020, its price was $300, while the Series X debuted at $500. Personally, I managed to buy a Series X for under $400 and a Series S for $250 in the past few years. With these consoles now entering their sixth year, one would expect prices to decrease at this stage of the lifecycle, along with the introduction of new color options and bundles. The current discounted Xbox prices are quite high for hardware that’s already six years old.

It’s important to recognize that the current market is particularly erratic, driven by shortages in memory and storage that are causing hardware costs to rise across the board. Yet, Microsoft plays a significant role in this issue. They are intensifying the RAM shortage through major investments in AI data centers, while their claimed obliviousness to the growing prices of Xbox consoles is difficult to take seriously.

Beyond corporate missteps, it is simply a poor time to invest in the Xbox ecosystem. In fact, it might be the worst time ever. Microsoft is facing turmoil after years of layoffs and studio closures, declining profits in console sales, and changes in leadership within the Xbox division. Recent reports revealed that studios like Double Fine, Ninja Theory, and Compulsion Games may be facing imminent shutdowns, while new Xbox CEO Asha Sharma and the Chief Content Officer Matt Booty are preparing for further layoffs in July.

On the software front, Xbox lacks a solid lineup of exclusive games, as many first-party titles are also available on PC. Popular games like Avowed, Indiana Jones and the Great Circle, and Keeper can be found on Steam, and Microsoft is legally required to ensure its most significant franchises, including Call of Duty, are accessible on multiple platforms. Additionally, there is a push to release its games on PlayStation and Switch, regardless of how temporary that may be. One of Microsoft’s strong selling points has historically been that its games will work on future consoles and eventually find their way onto PC. Even if this message is not being emphasized currently, the company is a frontrunner in platform-agnostic cloud gaming. When every platform can access Xbox games, owning a console becomes less essential.

There is no compelling reason to rush into purchasing a six-year-old gaming console for over its original price merely because it’s set to become even pricier. If you haven’t felt the need for an Xbox so far, it’s likely that you still won’t. Although it may seem counter to my role as a tech commentary outlet, there is no tangible reward in possessing every modern piece of gaming hardware—any social media validation gained from it is fleeting and superficial. Meanwhile, the prices for Xbox consoles continue to rise. The wiser decision would be to wait for the next generation, which is reportedly on the horizon, and either pick that up or find a Series console that will eventually be marked down.

This isn’t to criticize the media that have published articles encouraging people to seize the Prime Day Xbox console deals. Honestly, there’s a niche audience for that advice, and it’s perfectly acceptable to guide them toward current best offers. However, as general guidance for most consumers, it falls short.

Besides, aren’t you saving up for a Steam Machine?