Yahoo News Xbox series X stock - live: Where is Microsoft’s console available to buy today?
UPDATE: The Xbox series X is now sold out at eBuyer, but is still available at Asda and Smyths Toys via Xbox All Access. Read on for more information.
We’re almost half-way through January 2022 and the Xbox series X – launched over a year ago in November 2020 – is still difficult to buy in the UK whether you’re searching online or in-store. Supply problems and a worldwide semiconductor shortage sparked by the pandemic have caused the production of Microsoft’s games console to slow to a crawl.
But if you’re trying to track down an Xbox series X today, don’t fret, because the IndyBest team is here to help. December was a bumper month for restocks, with the likes of Smyths Toys, Very, Game, Argos, Asda and Amazon all restocking the Xbox in droves. Since then things have become quieter, but we’re expecting more Xbox stock to pop up soon.
That’s why we launched this liveblog to keep you up to date with the latest stock alerts as soon as they’re made public, and sometimes earlier than that. We’ll also bring you plenty of tips for making it to the checkout before everybody else. Stay with us for updates on Xbox series X availability as well as any other tips.
Read more:
Which UK retailers stock the Xbox series X?
Microsoft Store: Out of stock
Box: Out of stock
Amazon: Out of stock
Game: Out of stock
Smyths Toys: Xbox All Access available
Currys: Out of stock
John Lewis & Partners: Out of stock
Argos: Out of stock
Asda: Xbox All Access available
AO: Out of stock
Shopto: Out of stock
Very: Out of stock
BT: Out of stock
EE: Available for EE customers
Ebuyer: Out of stock
Simplygames: Out of stock
Key Points
Xbox series X bundle sells out at eBuyer
Where to buy the Xbox series X today
How to buy an Xbox series X online
What is Xbox All Access?
The Xbox series X headsets to look out for
11:45 , Alistair Charlton
The Xbox series X is often bundled with a gaming headset to bump up the price and stave off scalpers.
The console doesn’t come with its own headset, but it’s compatible with all existing headsets for the Xbox One. The Xbox wireless controller (£54.99, Currys.co.uk) also has a headphone jack, so you can plug in your regular headphones to have game audio play through them rather than your TV, which is ideal if you’re sharing a room with somebody you don’t want to disturb.
If you need to upgrade or you don’t have your own headset yet, Microsoft sells the wireless Xbox series X headset separately (£89.99, Game.co.uk). Lots of third-party manufacturers make Xbox compatible headsets too. We’ve rounded up the best gaming headsets you can buy today.
Immerse yourself in play with these top gaming headsets for Xbox, PS5, PC and more, available from Amazon, Argos and Currys
Immerse yourself in play with one of the best gaming headsets
Xbox series X bundle sells out at eBuyer
11:23 , Alistair Charlton
An hour or so after landing on eBuyer, the Xbox series X is once again out of stock. The retailer restocked this morning with a bundle including a Razer gaming headset, but the console quickly sold out.
We’re hoping for more restocks at other retailers soon, but there isn’t much information to go on for now.
When did Very last have Xbox series X stock?
11:10 , Alistair Charlton
The Xbox series X was last in stock at Very on 14 December, when it went on sale alongside the PlayStation 5. Customers could choose from one of a number of optional bundles, including three months of Game Pass and an additional controller. We’re hoping for some fresh Very stock soon, but there’s no word yet as to when the consoles might arrive.
Does AO have any Xbox series X stock?
10:42 , Alistair Charlton
The Xbox series X was last in stock at AO on 30 December as part of a bundle. The bundle included a charging dock, extra controller and wireless gaming headset. Bundles tend to stay in stock longer as they’re slightly more expensive and less appealing to scalpers, as the bundled accessories eat into their potential profit.
Can you buy an Xbox from Microsoft?
10:20 , Alistair Charlton
Yes, but guess what? It’s sold out. Because of course it is. The Xbox series X was last available on Microsoft’s UK online store on 21 December. As ever, the consoles are snapped up in minutes, so when they come back you’ll have to be quick.
Is the Xbox series X available at Amazon?
10:00 , Alistair Charlton
The retailer last restocked the Xbox series X on 4 January, though supply was so limited the console was only on sale for around two minutes. Whereas Amazon restricts sales of Sony’s next-generation console to Prime customers, the Xbox gets no such protection. As such it’s exposed to automated bots and unscrupulous resellers and sells out in the blink of an eye.
Make sure you’re signed in to your Amazon account, and ensure your payment and delivery information is up to date. If you haven’t already, register for a 3-day trial of Amazon Prime in case the Xbox series X is exclusively available to members.
You can play Xbox games on your laptop
09:40 , Alistair Charlton
You don’t actually need an Xbox series X to play Xbox series X games, just a fast enough internet connection and a compatible streaming device.
Xbox Cloud Gaming streams games from Microsoft’s servers to your console, laptop or phone, via your internet browser or the Xbox app. How does cloud gaming work? Well it’s basically like being on a Zoom call with a game that you’re controlling, meaning you can jump into new games at the push of a button rather than waiting around for an installation.
Cloud gaming requires a membership to Xbox Game Pass Ultimate (£32.99, Argos.co.uk), which unlocks on-demand access to more than 100 games. Thankfully, decent laptops are much easier to find than the Xbox series X. If you’re thinking of upgrading, check out our list of the best laptops in 2021.
Xbox series X now available at eBuyer
09:39 , Alistair Charlton
Xbox series X stock has just landed at eBuyer! The console is available as a bundle with the Razer kraken X gaming headset and is priced at £506.99. It’s available to buy right now and you can opt for next-day delivery – meaning a shiny new Xbox landing on your doorstep this very weekend.
Can you buy an Xbox on the high street?
09:20 , Alistair Charlton
Not easily, no. The Xbox series X is currently as difficult to find in-store as it is online. Unlike just before Christmas, when a lot of branches of Game and Smyths Toys had consoles ready for walk-in customers, the shelves are now empty.
That said, those two stores are your best bet for buying a console in person. The Twitter accounts of Game stores are often used to tweet about Xbox series X (and PS5) stock, and this Twitter list makes for an easy way to see all tweets from every Game store.
Meanwhile, Smyths Toys has a tool on its website for checking stock at every branch. There’s currently no stock, but we suggest you check regularly as consoles are added as they become available.
How to buy an Xbox series X online
09:00 , Alistair Charlton
While there are no restocks to report on, let’s go over some of basic tips when it comes to securing a console. Preparation is key to success, and there are a bunch of things you can do right now to ensure you’re ready when the next restock happens.
Register an account and save your payment details at each of the retailers that stock the Xbox series X. They’re listed in the main article above
Are you a BT customer, or know somebody who is? Register your interest on the BT site to get exclusive access to BT’s next drop
Download each retailer’s app (if they have one) and add the Xbox series X to your wish list or “save for later” list
When the console drops, use the link in your wish list to add the Xbox to your trolley – this usually has a higher success rate than navigating through the website
Keep note of the prices of bundles to ensure you’re getting a good deal. Rounding up, the console itself is £450, controllers are £50, the official headset is £90, and Xbox Game Pass Ultimate costs £11 per month. Newly released game are £60, but retailers usually bundle older games with the console
The pay-as-you-go Xbox All Access programme is good value for money, so long as you don’t already have a Game Pass subscription
What is Xbox All Access?
08:39 , Alistair Charlton
With all this talk of buying an Xbox series X by paying monthly, you’ll no doubt be wondering – what is this Xbox All Access thing, anyway? Well, gather round and let us explain.
An alternative to paying full price for the console, Xbox All Access lets you spread the cost of the console over two years. It costs £28.99 per month and includes 24 months of Game Pass Ultimate, the Netflix-style games on demand service that usually costs £10.99 when purchased separately.
That’s £713 worth of stuff for £696, so represents good value for anyone hunting for an Xbox series X.
Where to buy the Xbox series X today
08:32 , Alistair Charlton
Just like yesterday, the Xbox series X is available to buy right now from Smyths Toys, Asda and EE. But instead of being able to buy the gaming console outright, the first two retailers are offering it through Xbox All Access for £28.99 a month.
Meanwhile, EE customers can currently add the series X, along with Game Pass Ultimate which gives access to over 100 games online, to their monthly bill for £31 a month, plus £10 upfront.
Good morning Xbox hunters
08:15 , Alistair Charlton
Good morning and happy Friday! Welcome to another day of Xbox series X hunting, where the IndyBest team will use this liveblog to bring you all of the latest UK restocking news as soon as it breaks.
As things stand, the Xbox series X is still available via Xbox All Access from Smyths Toys and Asda. Stay tuned.
The best Xbox series X games to play right now
09:18 , Alistair Charlton
Did you manage to grab an Xbox last week? Well have a gander at our round-up of the best Xbox series X games to decide what to play first.
Both the Xbox series X and the PlayStation 5 have endured a slow launch, with the global pandemic putting the brakes on development of many new titles. You’ll notice that many of the best Xbox series X games are upgraded and remastered versions of Xbox One games, but there are some genuine next-gen experiences to be enjoyed already.
Wondering what to play next? Here’s our list of the best Xbox series X games of 2021, from Forza Horizon 4 to Halo: The Master Chief Collection.
Managed to find the Xbox series X in stock? Here are the games you need to play
Xbox stock trackers, signing off
Thursday 13 January 2022 17:01 , Steve Hogarty
Well that’s all from us for another Thursday. Thank you for following the Xbox stock tracking liveblog, from the bottom of our stock tracking hearts.
Asda and Smyths Toys are selling Xbox All Access for £28.99 per month. But if you want to buy the Xbox series X for £449, no strings attached, then you’re going to want to join us again tomorrow when we’ll be resuming the hunt.
Until then!
The best TVs for gaming on Xbox series X
Thursday 13 January 2022 16:25 , Steve Hogarty
With all this focus on where to buy an Xbox series X, let’s not overlook the thing you’re plugging it into. Is your TV ready for Microsoft’s next-generation console?
The Xbox series X can technically output at 8K resolution, though most games will only ever be running at a maximum of 4K. That’s the highest resolution most reasonably priced TVs can reach today.
If your TV only goes up to 1080p, games will still look great but you won’t be getting the most out of your new Xbox series X. To help you upgrade your set without breaking the bank, we’ve pulled together a list of the best 4K TVs for entertainment, movies and gaming.
9 best 4K TVs for needle-sharp viewing
The best gaming chairs in 2022
Thursday 13 January 2022 15:29 , Steve Hogarty
A comfortable gaming chair not only helps you play for longer but promotes good posture and makes you feel like Max Verstappen, if Max Verstappen sat around playing Monster Hunter in his underwear (which he might be doing, we can’t rule it out).
There are thousands of gaming chairs to choose from, and most of them aren’t worth your time. To help you park yourself in the best possible place, we’ve rigorously tested and ranked the best gaming chairs in 2022 to suit every budget and build. Stop standing around and check it out.
Are you sitting comfortably? You will be in one of these gaming chairs
The Xbox series X headsets to look out for
Thursday 13 January 2022 14:40 , Steve Hogarty
The Xbox series X doesn’t come with its own headset, but it’s compatible with all existing headsets for the Xbox One. You’ll often see many retailers bundling third-party headsets with the console too. So which one is the best?
If you don’t need to chat to other players, the Xbox wireless controller (£54.99, Argos.co.uk) has a 3.5mm headphone jack, so you can plug in your regular headphones to have game audio play through them rather than your TV.
If you want to hurl compliments at your opponents during multiplayer games, Microsoft sells the wireless Xbox series X headset separately (£89.99, Argos.co.uk). Lots of third-party manufacturers make Xbox compatible headsets too. We’ve rounded up the best gaming headsets you can buy today.
Immerse yourself in play with one of the best gaming headsets
There are two ‘Halo Infinite’ Xbox controllers
Thursday 13 January 2022 13:29 , Steve Hogarty
Microsoft can’t get enough of designing limited edition Xbox controllers.
Halo Infinite (£46.99, Currys.co.uk) is the biggest Xbox series X game yet, so naturally it gets two whole limited edition controllers. There’s a standard, black Halo Infinite themed controller, which comes bundled with the new Halo Infinite themed Xbox series X (£479.99, Microsoft.com).
But there’s also a new elite controller (pictured above) themed around Master Chief’s iconic green armour. The elite controller launched 15 November – Halo Infinite’s intended release date before it slipped to 8 December – and can be found at Game when stock is available.
(Can you guess if stock is available? That’s right, it’s also sold out.)
Here are your basic Xbox series X controller options, setting aside the tidal wave of other limited edition pads sloshing around out there.
Xbox wireless controller: £54.99, Argos.co.uk
Xbox elite wireless controller series 2: £149.99, Currys.co.uk
Xbox elite wireless controller series 2 - Halo Infinite limited edition: £179.99, Xbox.com
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Thursday 13 January 2022 12:29 , Steve Hogarty
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What are the chances of a Very restock today?
Thursday 13 January 2022 11:46 , Steve Hogarty
Pretty low. But don’t feel dismayed: if the retailer sticks to its usual schedule, Very should restock the Xbox series X next Tuesday between 9am and 12pm.
Very operates a waiting room system during stock drops. It can take hours to reach the front of the queue when demand is high, so when Tuesday rolls around and we’re dodging Xboxes left, right and centre, we recommend you don’t refresh your browser window once you’re in the waiting room.
Why is Amazon sold out of the Xbox?
Thursday 13 January 2022 11:11 , Steve Hogarty
Amazon is currently sold out of the Xbox series X in the UK, but in recent weeks the retail giant has restocked Microsoft’s new console in Germany, France and Spain.
You might want to consider some of the hidden costs of important the console from the continent. Since the whole Brexit thing, importing electronics above a certain value from the EU incurs a set of taxes, delivery charges and fees. Because of the additional paperwork required, many courier services have hiked up their prices too.
You can expect to pay at least £100 extra to buy an Xbox this way.
If you’ve given up on waiting, Amazon has the less powerful Xbox series S in stock as part of a bundle with Fortnite and Rocket League (£248.99, Amazon.co.uk).
Looking for discounts on tech? Grab these voucher codes first
Thursday 13 January 2022 10:39 , Steve Hogarty
As well as tracking the elusive Xbox series X, here at IndyBest we also report on deals and discounts at the UK’s biggest tech and electronics retailers, many of which have secret voucher codes that unlock cheaper prices and other bonuses.
You know how this works. You see the little discount box at checkout, you wonder if you’re missing out on a good deal, that creeping doubt follows you around for weeks until you finally break down in front of your partner, sobbing “I swear I could have got £25 off that fridge freezer, if only I’d taken the time to search for a working voucher code.”
We’re in the business of collating these discount codes to help shoppers get the best prices. So if you’re shopping at AO, for example, don’t go in there without first checking out our AO voucher codes.
When did Argos last restock the Xbox series X?
Thursday 13 January 2022 10:23 , Steve Hogarty
Argos can sometimes trip up first-time Xbox series X hunters.
The retailer’s site allows you to add a console to your basket, before suckerpunching you with the awful truth: there are no collection or delivery options available, because it’s ruddy well sold out and always had been.
We’ve heard rumours of some in-store restocks happening at stores around the country, but Argos hasn’t had the Xbox on sale since just before Christmas.
When it appears back in stock. The best way to buy an Xbox series X from Argos is through the app. Add the console to your wish list, which lets you slip the Xbox into your basket in advance for a speedy checkout when the time comes.
Currys could restock today
Thursday 13 January 2022 10:01 , Steve Hogarty
Paying £28.99 per month for Xbox All Access isn’t for everyone. We get it, that’s why we’re always scoping out more typical Xbox series X deals too.
If you’re waiting to buy a standalone console for £449, keep one eye locked on Currys this morning.
By our professional estimates, the electronics retailer should restock the Xbox series X later this week. It’s been three weeks since Currys last had the Xbox in stock. The retailer rarely goes more than four without dropping consoles, though it usually bundles them with the Seagate 1TB expansion card (£198.63, Amazon.co.uk) or elite wireless controller (£149.99, Currys.co.uk).
We’ll alert you if Currys so much as blinks today.
Where is the Xbox series S in stock?
Thursday 13 January 2022 09:40 , Steve Hogarty
Demand for the less powerful and more petite Xbox series S is much smaller and so the console is easy to find in stock pretty much everywhere.
Thing is, the Xbox series S is still a next-generation console, a brilliant games machine capable of playing all the same games as the Xbox series X. The console is backwards compatible with older Xbox games and has slightly lower grade components, meaning some of the fancier graphics options dialled down. It doesn’t have a disc drive either, so you can only play downloaded games. The hard drive is also half as big, so you need to redownload games more often.
There’s now an official Xbox series S + Fortnite + Rocket League bundle on the shelves too, costing £249.99. You can find it at Very, Game, Amazon and more.
Hunting for a PS5 in the January sales?
Thursday 13 January 2022 09:25 , Steve Hogarty
You won’t find any discounts on the PlayStation 5 this month, we can promise you that. But if you’re searching for Sony’s newest console, you might want to pop over to our PS5 stock tracking liveblog for a quick nose around.
We’re tracking an incoming wavs of consoles from Very and Smyths looming on the retail horizon, and reporting on an ongoing restock at BT. It’s all go over there,
PS5 UK stock - live: Today’s restock news from Game, BT, AO and more
Can you buy an Xbox on the high street?
Thursday 13 January 2022 09:05 , Steve Hogarty
It’s technically possible to walk into a shop and pick up an Xbox series X, though it’s rare to find one out in the wild. There’s a drip feed of consoles that get sold online, and when they’re somewhere physical they’re usually pre-ordered only for click and collect.
If you’d like a nice big walk anyway, your best bet is to try your local branches of Game and Smyths Toys, as these retailers sometimes have consoles on their shelves. But these in-store restocks are often very small and sell out quickly, usually within hours.
Game stores each have a Twitter account, which they use to promote the arrival of Xbox stock. This Twitter list is a great way to keep an eye on all Game store Twitter accounts. Meanwhile, the Smyths website has a tool for checking on console stock levels at all of its UK stores.
Smyths Toys has Xbox All Access too
Thursday 13 January 2022 08:50 , Steve Hogarty
Want to spread the cost of your Xbox over two years? Well here’s some good news.
Smyths Toys still has availability of Xbox All Access, the pay as you go alternative to shelling out full price for the Xbox series X. You pay £28.99 per month and get Game Pass Ultimate thrown in, which usually costs £10.99.
This is precisely the same deal being offered by Asda below. So take your pick.
Where is the Xbox series X in stock?
Thursday 13 January 2022 08:38 , Steve Hogarty
Straight to the point. Love that.
The Xbox series X is available at Asda through the Xbox All Access programme this morning.
The pay monthly scheme lets you spread the cost of the console over two years. There’s no up front payment, instead you pay £28.99 per month and you get two years of Game Pass Ultimate (worth £10.99 per month) included. Game Pass is a Netflix-style games-on-demand service giving you access to a library of over 100 games.
It’s good value, especially considering how expensive new games are, so we can heartily recommend grabbing a console this way.
Xbox stock trackers, activate
Thursday 13 January 2022 08:31 , Steve Hogarty
Good morning, Xbox hunters!
Welcome to Thursday’s Xbox series X stock tracking liveblog, where we’ll be tracking the availability of Microsoft’s newest console to bring you live alerts as soon as the Xbox is back in stock.
Stick with us to be the first to know when the elusive console pops up.
Xbox series X tracker, signing off
Wednesday 12 January 2022 17:08 , Jasper Pickering
That’s all from us today. Thanks for sticking with the liveblog and we hope you were lucky in your hunt for an Xbox.
So what’s the status now? There’s still availability from Asda and Smyths Toys through the Xbox All Access Scheme but we also saw new stock from EE, exclusive to existing customers.
It now seems that the Fifa 22 bundle from eBuyer has also come to an end. The deal was live for a few hours so hopefully a few of you were lucky enough to bag one.
We’ll be picking up the liveblog again first thing tomorrow, see you then.
Subscribe to our newsletter
Wednesday 12 January 2022 16:06 , Jasper Pickering
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Xbox series X still available at Smyths Toys
Wednesday 12 January 2022 15:01 , Jasper Pickering
It looks like the Xbox Series X is still available through Smyths Toys if you purchase one through the Xbox All Access buying scheme. The console has remained available throughout the day.
If you’re willing to commit to £28.99 a month for the next 24 months then it’s still a viable way to get your hands on a new console.
Smyths Toys also has plenty of Xbox series S consoles available in bundles, such as this one which includes Fortnite and Rocket League (both games are free to play but you will get access to exclusive in-game bonuses).
Buy an Xbox series X through Xbox All Access
10 best gaming TVs for Xbox
Wednesday 12 January 2022 14:04 , Jasper Pickering
One of the big selling points for the Xbox series X over the series S is its ability to play games in true 4K. But in order to see the true benefits of an ultra-high resolution, you’re going to need a 4K TV if you haven’t already got one. It’s also important that your TV has a refresh rate of 120Hz in order to get the smoothest possible visuals on your screen. In this buying guide, we broke down what to look for in the best 4K gaming set ups to make the most of the Xbox series X.
10 best gaming TVs for PS and Xbox players: Rich visuals and smoother game play
Xbox series X available at eBuyer
Wednesday 12 January 2022 13:50 , Jasper Pickering
An Xbox series X bundled with Fifa 22 has just been made available for £509.99 (saving £13.00) at eBuyer.
Best upcoming Xbox series X titles
Wednesday 12 January 2022 13:16 , Jasper Pickering
2022 promises to be a big year for upcoming titles on the Xbox series X after a long line of delays from developers due to the pandemic. Here are some of our most anticipated in January and February:
Tom Clancy’s Rainbow Six Extraction: £39.99 Amazon.co.uk Releases on 20 January
Dying Light 2 Stay Human: £54.99 Amazon.co.uk Releases on 4 February
Elden Ring: £49.99 Amazon.co.uk Releases on 11 February
Here’s how to find a PS5
Wednesday 12 January 2022 11:58 , Jasper Pickering
If you’re also interested in finding out more about the PS5 restock situation, you can check out our PS5 stock tracking liveblog for all the latest availability of Sony’s latest console.
Right now, there still appears to be some PS5 consoles available for BT Broadband customers.
What is Xbox Game Pass Ultimate?
Wednesday 12 January 2022 11:32 , Jasper Pickering
One of the big selling points for the new generation of Xbox consoles is the inclusion of Game Pass, a subscription service that gives users access to over 100 gaming titles.
Game Pass Ultimate includes all the benefits of Xbox Live so you can play multiplayer games online. It also gives you access to exclusive deals and discounts. It’s a great way to try out a lot of different titles without committing to a full purchase.
Membership costs £10.99 (Game.co.uk) per month or £32.99 (Currys.co.uk) for 3 months.
Best controllers for PC and Xbox
Wednesday 12 January 2022 11:07 , Jasper Pickering
Whether you’re more of a PC gamer or console gamer, there are plenty of first-party and third-party controllers to choose from.
In a round up of some of our favourites, the Xbox elite controller series 2 made the top of our list. Our reviewer said: “A weighty controller it may be but the Xbox elite wireless controller series 2 packs in a lot, making it one of the most customisable controllers you could choose.”
Read our round-up in full
Level up your gaming with the best wireless controllers for PC
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Wondering which games to pick up? These were the big winners from last year’s Game Awards
Wednesday 12 January 2022 10:38 , Jasper Pickering
January is a bit of a slow month for new Xbox game launches but there are still an extensive library of excellent Xbox games to choose from.
One of those is the Microsoft exclusive Forza Horizon 5 which took home best audio design, innovation in accessibility and best sports/racing game from the Game Awards 2021. Another strong contender was the co-operative adventure game It Takes Two which took home the grand prize of ‘Game of the Year’ as well as best family game and best multiplayer game.
Read more about some of 2021’s best releases.
The Oscars for the game biz has concluded: here are all the winners
Xbox series X gaming bundle available for EE customers
Wednesday 12 January 2022 10:13 , Jasper Pickering
We’re seeing availability for the Xbox series X on EE’s online store if you are an existing customer. Simply login using your EE details.
Can the Xbox series X storage be expanded?
Wednesday 12 January 2022 10:05 , Jasper Pickering
Games are massive now. Not just in popularity but in file size as well. A 1TB SSD hard drive might sound like a lot of space but that can quickly fill up if you intend on playing large games such as Call of Duty: Vanguard and Apex Legends.
Luckily, the series X comes with expandable storage if you’re not in the habit of uninstalling older games. The Seagate storage expansion card that can add an additional 512GB, 1TB or 2TB of storage to your console.
This 1TB model is available for £199.99 (Argos.co.uk) and is compatible with the Xbox series X and S.
Xbox series X vs Xbox series S: which one is right for you?
Wednesday 12 January 2022 09:48 , Jasper Pickering
There has been plenty of availability for the Xbox series S compared to its bigger, more powerful counterpart but what are the main differences between the two consoles?
Firstly, the Xbox series S is a digital only console, meaning any physical games you buy won’t work with the series S. It also has much smaller storage space, with 512GB compared to the series X’s 1TB SSD.
The Xbox series X also boasts true 4K resolution while the series S is only capable of 1440p resolution but both consoles are capable of framerates of up to 120fps.
10 best wireless gaming headsets to give you the multiplayer edge
Wednesday 12 January 2022 09:37 , Jasper Pickering
A decent pair of headphones can go along way for online gaming with your friends. Whether you need a pair to jump into a team chat or just to keep the volume down during late night gaming sessions then we have just the list for you.
From the best mics to the best value, here’s a list of 10 of our favourite headsets for every type of gamer.
Give yourself the edge on multiplayer with these wireless gaming headsets
Best Nintendo Switch deals 2022
Wednesday 12 January 2022 09:07 , Jasper Pickering
Looking for a portable console as well? We have a breakdown of some of the best deals available for a wide variety of Nintendo Switch consoles.
From the original model to the handheld-only Switch lite and the more recent OLED model, these are all the best Nintendo Switch deals we’ve managed to find in the January sales.
Want a Nintendo Switch? These are the best deals on consoles right now
Xbox All Access still available from Smyths Toys and Asda
Wednesday 12 January 2022 08:52 , Jasper Pickering
It looks like there is still some Xbox All Access consoles available from Asda and Smyths Toys. For anyone who can afford to pay £28.99 per month for 24 months and can pass the credit check, it’s a viable option to get your hands on the elusive Xbox series X.
With Xbox All Access you also get 24 months of Xbox Game Pass Ultimate worth £10.99 per month making the deal quite good value if you plan on using it to play Xbox exclusives such as Halo Infinite and Forza Horizon 5.
Good morning, Xbox stock trackers
Wednesday 12 January 2022 08:39 , Jasper Pickering
Happy Wednesday, everyone and welcome back to the Xbox series X liveblog.
Today, I’ll be taking you through all the places you will be able to land yourself an Xbox series X as soon as they become available. We’ll be tracking the movements of every major retailer and will update the liveblog as soon as we are aware of any stock drops as well as offer any tips on how best to secure one.
Stay with us to be the first through the checkout.
Xbox stock trackers, signing off
Tuesday 11 January 2022 17:07 , Steve Hogarty
Well that’s all from us. Thank you for following the Xbox stock tracking liveblog today, you little rockstar.
The situation report as the night draws in? Asda and Smyths Toys are selling Xbox All Access to anyone who can afford £28.99 per month for 24 months, and can pass the Klarna credit check to prove it.
If you’re a free-wheeling spirit who can’t be tied down by any payment plan, and you want to buy an Xbox series X for £449 over the counter like our grandparents used to do, then join us again tomorrow when we’ll be resuming the hunt.
Bye bye!
The best VPN for the Xbox series X
Tuesday 11 January 2022 16:25 , Steve Hogarty
The Xbox series X has impeccable built-in security when playing games online, but there reasons besides security to install a VPN for the Xbox.
If you use your Xbox as your main entertainment hub, a virtual private network allows you to spoof your location and access telly shows and movies not normally available in your country, such as those found on American Netflix, which is full of amazing things they don’t want British people seeing. You can’t install a VPN directly to an Xbox series X, but you can install one on your internet router to anonymise all of the web traffic in your home in one fell swoop.
A slow VPN will hinder your online gaming, so to keep your Xbox series X running at peak performance you’ll want to make sure the VPN you choose is fast and responsive enough to avoid lag and dropouts when playing online. Check out our round-up of the best VPNs for torrenting, streaming and gaming.
The best VPN for every type of device
Read our review of the new Nintendo Switch OLED
Tuesday 11 January 2022 15:29 , Steve Hogarty
If handheld gaming is more your thing then check out our review of the new Nintendo Switch OLED (£309.99, Argos.co.uk). The console features an OLED display for the first time, which is larger than before and produces punchier colours and deeper blacks. There’s also a redesigned kickstand and double the internal storage of its predecessor.
Our reviewer said of the £309.99 console: “The larger display is fantastic and playing games in handheld mode is an absolute joy. The kickstand feels so solid and makes us never want to look at that little toggle on the back of the original Switch ever again...this is absolutely the best version of the console yet.”
Nintendo Switch OLED review: The best version of the console yet
Where is the Xbox series S in stock?
Tuesday 11 January 2022 13:28 , Steve Hogarty
As fans clamour to get their hands on the most advanced member of the Xbox family, demand for the less powerful Xbox series S is smaller and so the console is easy to find in stock pretty much everywhere.
The Xbox series S is a brilliant games machine however, and a viable alternative to the more expensive Xbox series X. The console is backwards compatible and runs the same next-generation Xbox games, but with some of the fancier graphics options dialled down. It doesn’t have a disc drive, so you can only play downloaded games. The hard drive is also half as big.
There’s now an official Xbox series S + Fortnite + Rocket League bundle on the shelves too, costing £249. You can find it at Very, Game, Amazon and more.
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Tuesday 11 January 2022 12:29 , Steve Hogarty
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The best gaming chairs in 2022
Tuesday 11 January 2022 11:40 , Steve Hogarty
Gaming chairs might seem like a specialist piece of furniture, but an ergonomic seat helps you play for longer and supports good posture, especially if you’re over 30 and make a “hrngh” noise whenever you sit down or stand up or move slightly.
There are thousands of gaming chairs to choose from, and most of them aren’t worth your time, money or bum cheeks. To help you park yourself in the best possible place, we’ve rigorously tested and ranked the best gaming chairs in 2022 to suit every budget and build. Stop standing around and check it out.
Are you sitting comfortably? You will be in one of these gaming chairs
What’s happening with Amazon’s Xbox series X stock?
Tuesday 11 January 2022 11:08 , Steve Hogarty
Aside from a teensy restock one week ago, Amazon has been missing the Xbox series X since early December. Just before Christmas the retailer treated us to an enormous restock – the biggest and longest-lasting we’ve seen at Amazon since launch – which suggests that the well has run dry for now.
The world’s largest online retailer is predicted to have new PS5 stock arriving this week, so we’re hoping that fresh Xbox stock will follow.
If you can’t wait until then, Amazon currently has the less powerful Xbox series S in stock (£249, Amazon.co.uk).
How do you find an Xbox series X in store?
Tuesday 11 January 2022 10:44 , Steve Hogarty
We track every online retailer at once to catch the Xbox series X the moment it appears on sale.
Keeping track of available Xbox stock in physical shops is trickier, but it can be done. We rely on tips from shoppers and reports from social media to pinpoint the next-generation console popping up out there in the real world.
Here are some tips for finding the Xbox series X in stock in stores:
Argos, AO and Smyths Toys are often rumoured to have the Xbox available in stores. To a lesser extent we’ve heard of John Lewis & Partners, Currys and Game restocking their shelves.
Plug your post code into the retailer’s online product page to check for local stock. If you can, scroll around to peek at other stores farther away from you.
Xbox not in stock? Don’t lose hope. Many stores don’t log returns or uncollected Xbox pre-orders back into their stock systems. Pop into your local shop in person and ask a member of staff.
Here’s how to find a PS5 in stock
Tuesday 11 January 2022 10:22 , Steve Hogarty
Sony’s console is suffering with the same supply chain issues dogging every piece of high-end electronics out there right now, so it’s about as difficult to find in stock as the Xbox series X.
Whether you’re searching for a PS5 today, or you’re generally interested in the stock situation on the other side of the aisle, we’ve launched our PS5 stock tracking liveblog to keep you up to date with the latest news on availability of Sony’s next-generation console. Right now we’re tracking a drop at the BT Store.
PS5 stock - live: BT restock is available now – how to get the console today
When did Argos last restock the Xbox series X?
Tuesday 11 January 2022 10:01 , Steve Hogarty
High on our list of retailers we expect to restock the Xbox soon is Argos, which last has consoles available 20 December. Argos restocks the console roughly once a month, and so we estimate an imminent drop by the middle of next week.
The best way to buy an Xbox series X from Argos is through the app. Add the console to your wish list, which lets you slip the Xbox into your basket in advance for a speedy checkout when the time comes.
Can you buy an Xbox series X at Game right now?
Tuesday 11 January 2022 09:45 , Steve Hogarty
The Xbox series X is currently sold out at Game. The retailer did have limited stock available on Sunday evening, which suggests it could have more Xbox consoles on the way this week.
Game’s approach to restocking is hectic, with lots of repeated drops in quick succession, and dozens of very similar bundles to choose from, so we’re keeping a close eye on the site this week.
Phil Spencer wants bans to work across platforms
Tuesday 11 January 2022 09:23 , Steve Hogarty
Xbox boss Phil Spencer floated the idea of game bans affecting players not just on the Xbox platform, but on PlayStation’s too.
Speaking with the New York Times on a range of topics including the issue of abusive players and bad actors in online gaming, Spencer said he hopes to one day see enough co-operation within the industry that a ban from playing online on the Xbox series X would also see players booted off the PlayStation network, and vice-versa.
Spencer recognised that such a high level of co-ordination between rival platforms would be difficult to achieve, but also suggested the idea that players on either console could create a list of banned players they could carry over to another platform themselves.
Moderating abusive, hateful and racist language online is one of the biggest challenges facing tech companies today. As Spencer describes it, Microsoft uses speech recognition and machine learning to monitor the sentiment of conversations between players and detect when the vibe is turning sour. If cross-platform banning could be implemented, Microsoft and Sony would be doubly effective at cutting out foul play.
Some cross-platform games, such as Activision’s Call of Duty, already enforce bans across every console.
Xbox All Access is available at Smyths
Tuesday 11 January 2022 08:55 , Steve Hogarty
Smyths Toys has had Xbox All Access available since yesterday. The retailer last restocked the Xbox series X by itself on 22 December, with consoles appearing in store up and down and across the United Kingdom.
Since then it’s only stocked Xbox All Access, the pay monthly scheme we just mentioned below. This is a 0 percent finance scheme – Klarna gives you an interest-free loan and the Xbox series X belongs to you on day one – and if you’re able to afford it, the entire balance can be paid off immediately without any penalties.
If you were planning on subscribing to the excellent Game Pass Ultimate service anyway, Xbox All Access is the way to go.
Sign up to the IndyBest newsletter for more deals
Monday 10 January 2022 12:30 , Steve Hogarty
Want even more shopping insights? Why not sign up to the IndyBest newsletter right now to access the best deals and round-ups of the week’s must-have products, as chosen by our crack team of IndyBest experts.
Dropping into your inbox every Friday morning, the handy digest features items from our tried and tested reviews by experts in the field – helping you make the most informed choice with your hard-earned cash.
Get the IndyBest newsletter and access to all of our other newsletters now by clicking below.
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