The latest console generation has suffered a slow start, with Xbox Series X and PlayStation 5 hard to find in late 2021, amid ongoing hardware shortages. You shouldn’t expect any major deals on Xbox Series X and PlayStation 5 consoles this Black Friday, especially with each in limited supply, beyond odd restocks throughout the weekend.
This stock-hunting charade is probably familiar to anyone who has purchased big-ticket electronics in the past two years. Console demand remains high, and with scarce availability expected into 2023, don’t expect that to change anytime soon. It makes Microsoft’s alternate Xbox Series S increasingly lucrative, granting full access to the new console generation, also just a fraction of the price.
While Xbox Series S consoles aren’t sat on shelves en masse, you’ll have a much easier time getting hands-on compared to Xbox Series X. We also don’t expect Xbox Series S to receive a Black Friday price cut, but this Xbox console bundle is the closest yet. The special edition package includes Fortnite and Rocket League DLC, providing a small saving ahead of the holidays.
The Xbox Series S Fortnite and Rocket League bundle has already sold out at some retailers, but you can now pick up the device at GameStop, available for $299.99.
The Xbox Series S shares a lot with Microsoft’s Xbox Series X, running all Xbox games, is compatible with the same accessories, and supports next-generation features. It shares a similar processor to Xbox Series X, with high-speed SSD storage for reduced load times and bandwidth for more complex video game worlds. It also plays Xbox Series X|S exclusives like Microsoft Flight Simulator, plus future Xbox releases that won’t support Xbox One consoles.
That $200 saving essentially boils down to scaled-back hardware, designed to target HD gaming rather than full-fledged 4K. Raw performance clocks in below Xbox Series X and PS5 with hardware that supports the same experiences, albeit at a lower resolution. The console also has a smaller 512GB SSD and ditches the optical disc drive, making this best for Xbox Game Pass and digital games.
The Xbox Series S might not suit those who demand bleeding-edge 4K visuals, but it’s ideal for those who want a future proof console for years to come with a lower entry cost. We recommend it to kids or casual gamers who want to play all the newest Xbox games on the latest Xbox consoles. Xbox Series X availability doesn’t look set to improve any time soon; the Xbox Series S might be your best bet this Black Friday.
We may earn a commission for purchases using our links. Learn more.
