Navigating the expansive realm of Xbox accessories can be daunting whether you’re something of a collector or even just looking for a gift for a loved one. And it can get particularly overwhelming during the Black Friday sales frenzy as various brands compete for our attention. Amidst all of the options ranging from top-tier quality to mere imitations, we’re here to guide you toward the true gems that offer the best value for your hard-earned cash.
The gaming world is flooded with enticing gadgets adorned with shiny buttons and mesmerizing RGB lighting. It’s easy to get lost in the allure, but fear not. We’ve scoured what’s out there from Amazon to Currys to Argos, for the finest deals available. And, as we approach the excitement of Black Friday and Cyber Monday, count on us to navigate you through the madness.
Best early UK Black Friday Xbox deals under £100
When does Black Friday 2023 start?
The official Black Friday always falls the day after Thanksgiving, which this year is Friday, November 24, 2023. The deals will ramp up over the weekend and finish with Cyber Monday on November 27, 2023.
However, the concept of Black Friday sales seems to blur the lines of time each year. Retailers are progressively launching their deals earlier. In fact, the question “Did Black Friday ever end?” seems more relevant than ever.
While it’s tempting to believe that the best deals are exclusive to the official Black Friday weekend, it’s crucial to remain vigilant. Some retailers may inflate prices before the sales, or they may simply recycle the same deals for an extended period.
Rest assured, we are keeping a watchful eye on these practices and will only recommend exceptional prices on top-notch Xbox accessories. So, stay tuned for the best deals, whether they emerge before, during, or after the official Black Friday dates.
With prices constantly in flux, one retailer’s steal could be swiftly matched by another. We’re committed to pointing you to the ideal sources for your Xbox accessories and presenting alternatives when they make sense.
It’s also worth noting that while the UK market offers some exciting deals, they may not always rival the impressive discounts seen in the US. But you can still make the most of the available offers we do have here on British shores, and if you’ve still not made the plunge into the current generation of Xbox consoles, don’t forget to keep checking my rundown of the best Xbox deals available in the UK for Black Friday.
What makes an accessory compatible with Xbox?
A question that often pops up, particularly when we’re talking about Xbox controllers or looking for the best Xbox headsets, is what exactly makes an accessory compatible with Xbox — and conversely, what renders it incompatible?
Believe me, I’ve been there, snagging what seemed like an incredible deal, only to discover that the sweet Razer headset I had my eye on was tailored for Playstation, or that fancy controller with those elusive Hall Effect sticks seemed to sync up with every gadget under the sun except my beloved Xbox console (I’m giving you the side-eye, GameSir T4 Kaleid).
So, what’s the scoop? Well, it all boils down to the nitty-gritty of technical compatibility with Xbox, and it mainly hinges on its proprietary wireless signal. It’s also why you won’t stumble upon many third-party wireless controllers designed explicitly for Xbox. Outside of Razer and the PowerA MOGA XP-Ultra, you won’t find any. It’s important that you only purchase officially licensed accessories as from November onwards, unofficial accessories will not work.
Playstation consoles use Bluetooth as their standard wireless connectivity, which results in a broader spectrum of deals and accessory options. Xbox, on the other hand, dances to its own tune, employing a unique signal reminiscent of Wi-Fi. So, accessories designed exclusively for Xbox leverage this signal, while those advertised as “compatible with multiple devices” usually include a special adapter or dongle to bridge the compatibility gap with Xbox.
Xbox and Playstation play by different rules in the audio department, too. Playstation supports virtual surround sound in its accessories, while Xbox boasts its audio features like Windows Sonic, Dolby Atmos, and STS-X. These features rely on distinct software and hardware setups, making it challenging for brands to create universal compatibility and often leading them to craft separate editions for each console.
The key takeaway? Always double-check an accessory’s compatibility before hitting that purchase button. Don’t be lured by phrases like “Xbox layout” — they don’t always translate to actual Xbox compatibility. Better yet, keep a close eye on our deals page because we’ve got the lowdown on what’s a true blue (or should that be green?) Xbox match and what’s not. We’ve got your back when it comes to accessorizing your Xbox console.
