The battle has been ongoing since November for those trying to purchase a Xbox Series X/S console. Shortages and a lack of restocks have left a good number of gamers unable to try Microsoft's new system, and some are beginning to grow weary of waiting for news of a retailer restocks. However, things aren't looking great for those hoping to get a console before the holidays are over, and only gamers who are carefully following retailer information may have a chance at snagging one.
When it comes to locating information about potential restocks, much like the shortage of PlayStation 5 consoles, details have been scarce and the validity of sources can be hard to ensure. Purchasing has only been made more difficult by the fact that most major retail stores are only allowing purchases to be made online, leaving honest consumers at the mercy of scalpers using bots to snag as many consoles as possible.
Right now, there are no Xbox Series X/S consoles to be had at any major retail stores. With the systems completely out of stock, the only way to get correct information about when they might become available is to follow retail websites and twitter accounts, so that gamers are getting first-hand information for the retailers themselves. While the PS5 systems have outsold Xbox Series X/S consoles by a large margin, the demand for both consoles has stayed steady. However, it is looking increasingly likely that most gamers still waiting for a chance at either console may be waiting until after December to get one, and maybe even longer than that.
To help those still trying to find information about restocks for the Xbox Series X/S, the sites to major retailers and their current available stock status are below. Keeping an eye on sites like Walmart and BestBuy may be especially helpful, as they appear to get random restocks or returns more often than other stores.
- Walmart - Out of stock but worth checking regularly.
- Amazon - Out of stock. (Occasionally has marked up resales)
- Target - Out of stock.
- Microsoft - Out of stock.
- BestBuy - Currently out of stock, but occasionally gets Open Box consoles.
- GameStop - Out of Stock. (May restock for instore purchases in the future.)
- Newegg - Out of stock, but may potentially get a restock the third week of December. (Dates are currently unconfirmed.)
Waiting can feel can feel impossible with so many hoping for an Xbox Series X/S console for a holiday gift. However, it is important that gamers not give into the temptation of purchasing a marked up Xbox or PS5 resale from scalpers online. To keep scalpers from continuing to grow, it is imperative that gamers only buy consoles for retail price from creditable locations. This also protects them from scams and damaged products. While the shortage of Xbox Series X/S systems may be frustrating, fans will be better off waiting for restocks, instead of jumping the line and getting a damaged console as a result.