Xbox series x stock - live: Where to get Microsoft’s console in the UK today

After a slow start to 2022, Xbox restocks are picking up pace  (iStock/The Independent)
After a slow start to 2022, Xbox restocks are picking up pace (iStock/The Independent)

Update: The Xbox series X is in stock for customers at EE. Read on for more details.

The Xbox series X is more than a year old, but global supply chain issues triggered by a shortage of component parts has left Microsoft’s next-generation console out of stock consistently since launch.

As last year drew to a close UK retailers released thousands of stockpiled consoles to meet consumer demand, with the likes of Very, Smyths Toys, Game, Argos, Asda and Amazon selling the Xbox series X in droves. But January has been a drier affair so far, with just a handful of retailers receiving additional stock.

When it does appear, the Xbox series X sells out in minutes as customers snap up the available units as soon as they arrive. That’s why we launched our Xbox stock tracking liveblog, where we track every UK retailer at once to bring you live stock alerts as they happen.

We’ll also bring you tips and advice for beating the crowds to bag an Xbox series X, including which sites to pay attention to, where the Xbox might be restocked next, and how to register your interest for new consoles before they go on sale.

Read more:

Which UK retailers stock the Xbox series X?

Xbox Series X stock updates

  • Xbox series X available for new and existing EE customers

  • Xbox all access available at Asda

  • The best Xbox series X games you can buy right now

  • The best gaming headsets that you can buy

Xbox stock trackers, shutting down

16:53 , Steve Hogarty

Well that’s all from us for Wednesday. It’s been an uneventful day of Xbox stock tracking in the UK, with that EE bundle deal still floating around and Asda’s Xbox All Access still available to anyone who enjoys filling in forms.

There are more Xbox consoles coming, we’re certain of it. Yesterday’s dramatic restock at Very was ample proof, and we predict that big hitters like Amazon and Game will jump back into the Xbox restocking fun before the month is over. To be the first to know when the next drop happens, join us again tomorrow when we’ll be resuming the search.

Until then, we’re out. You don’t have to go home, but you can’t stay here.

Read our review of the new Nintendo Switch OLED

16:27 , Steve Hogarty

If handheld gaming is more your thing then check out our review of the new Nintendo Switch OLED. 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

Can you install a VPN on an Xbox?

15:27 , Steve Hogarty

If you stream Netflix on your Xbox, a virtual private network allows you to spoof your location and access movies and TV shows not normally available in your country.

You can’t install a VPN directly to an Xbox series X, but you can install one on your laptop and route your console’s internet connection through that. You can also install some VPNs on routers to cover all of your devices in one go.

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

‘Elden Ring’: Release date and how to pre-order

14:28 , Steve Hogarty

Elden Ring is one of the most highly anticipated games of 2022 and with a release date of 25 February it’s right around the corner.

The action RPG was developed in collaboration with George R.R. Martin and from the early looks of the game, it promises to be just as demanding as previous FromSoftware titles such as Dark Souls and Bloodborne.

Elden Ring will be released on Xbox series X, Playstation 5, Xbox one, Playstation 4 and PC.

Everything we know so far about ‘Elden Ring’

Steam Deck: What we know about Valve’s new handheld

13:31 , Steve Hogarty

Looking for a portable gaming device that can play all your PC games? Valve’s Steam Deck is going to be a serious contender for your favourite handheld machine, and it’s been confirmed for a February launch.

There have been comparisons to the Nintendo Switch due to its form factor but Valve’s promise of a powerful, handheld PC gaming experience isn’t one to be dismissed on looks alone.

After many delays the game publisher has confirmed that it is still on track for a revised launch date of February across the UK, Europe and the United States.

Valve just confirmed the Steam Deck launches in February. Here’s what we know

Sign up to the IndyBest newsletter

12:31 , Steve Hogarty

Want even more shopping insights? Why not sign up to the free IndyBest newsletter, where you can access the best deals and round-ups of the week’s must-have products chosen by IndyBest experts.

Dropping into your inbox every Friday morning, the handy digest features items from our tried and tested reviews by pros in the field – helping you make the most informed choice with your hard-earned cash.

Get the IndyBest newsletter and access to all of The Independent’s other newsletters now. You won’t regret it.

IndyBest newsletter - Sign up for your essential weekly shopping guide

Looking for a PS5? Follow our PS5 tracker for the latest developments

11:29 , Steve Hogarty

Microsoft isn’t the only company dealing with supply chain issues for its latest console. If you’ve been following along, Sony’s PS5 has also been facing a number of issues with stock too.

Luckily that’s why we’ve also been tracking the latest developments of PS5 restocks. The PS5 saw a drop of consoles at Amazon today, with more expected to pop up soon.

LIVE: The PS5 is still in stock at BT, but sells out at Game

Can the Xbox series X storage be expanded?

10:35 , Steve Hogarty

Games are getting bigger, and while a one terabyte hard drive might sound vast it can quickly fill up if you intend on playing large games such as Microsoft Flight Simulator, Call of Duty: Vanguard and Apex Legends.

The Xbox 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.

How do you find an Xbox series X in store?

10:02 , 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.

Can you buy an Xbox series X at Game right now?

09:44 , Steve Hogarty

The Xbox series X is currently sold out at Game. The retailer did have limited stock available late last week, 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.

Does Smyths Toys have Xbox All Access?

09:30 , Steve Hogarty

The Xbox series X product page over at Smyths Toys proudly claims to have the console in stock via Xbox All Access, the pay as you go alternative to shelling out full price for the Xbox series X.

But follow the link and you’ll find that Microsoft’s next-generation console isn’t actually in stock. That leaves Asda and EE as the only retailers with the Xbox this morning.

Where is the Xbox series X in stock?

08:57 , Steve Hogarty

It’s possible to apply to the Xbox All Access programme at Asda this morning, though we’ve heard reports that shoppers are completing registration only to find there’s no console waiting for them at the end of the process.

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 recommend grabbing a console this way if you can.

Xbox series X stock available for EE customers

08:40 , Steve Hogarty

EE is offering the Xbox series X as an add-on to new and existing phone contracts. The offer has been available all week.

Bundling the Xbox series X with your phone plan costs £31 per month for 24 months, with a £10 upfront payment, and includes two years of Game Pass Ultimate, the Netflix-style games on demand service.

It’s basically the Xbox All Access deal, though a little more expensive. Xbox All Access has no upfront fee and costs £28.99 per month.

Buy now

Follow along for live Xbox stock alerts

08:23 , Steve Hogarty

Good morning Xbox hunters!

Welcome to Wednesday’s stock tracking liveblog, where we’ll be scouring the internet for any sign of the Xbox series X in stock. By tracking every UK retailer at once, we can alert you to stock the instant it appears, giving you the best chance of bagging Microsoft’s latest console.

Let’s go.

Xbox stock trackers, signing off

Tuesday 18 January 2022 16:50 , Steve Hogarty

Well, that’s all from us for today. We hope you’ve managed to pick up an Xbox series X at Very while stock lasted, or that you’ve at least added one to your EE phone contract.

If you’re not an EE customer, and you’re feeling sad that Microsoft’s latest console slipped through your fingers yet again, don’t worry. We’ll be resuming the search tomorrow morning, so join us then to be in with the best chance of finding the Xbox in stock.

The best TVs for gaming on Xbox series X

Tuesday 18 January 2022 16:22 , 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 Xbox series X is still in stock at Very

Tuesday 18 January 2022 15:34 , Steve Hogarty

Buy now

The Xbox series X is selling out at Very, with only the £504.98 Forza Horizon 5 bundle left available.

The best gaming chairs in 2022

Tuesday 18 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 a fighter jet pilot.

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

What is Xbox All Access?

Tuesday 18 January 2022 14:28 , Steve Hogarty

 (Microsoft)
(Microsoft)

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.

Microsoft just bought Activision Blizzard

Tuesday 18 January 2022 13:49 , Steve Hogarty

Microsoft has bought games publisher Activision Blizzard in a deal valued at $68.7 billion, the biggest ever acquisition in the industry’s history.

The deal means that Xbox now has exclusive ownership of some of the world’s most popular games series – including Call of Duty, Candy Crush, World of Warcraft, Overwatch and Diablo – as well control over which platforms and consoles these games appear on.

Once completed, the deal will make Microsoft the third-biggest games company by revenue, next to Sony and Chinese conglomerate Tencent, and

In a statement on the Xbox site, boss Phil Spencer outlined ambitions to bring Activision Blizzard games to Game Pass, the console’s games-on-demand service.

“We will offer as many Activision Blizzard games as we can within Xbox Game Pass and PC Game Pass,” wrote Spencer, “[including] both new titles and games from Activision Blizzard’s incredible catalogue.”

The Xbox series X headsets to look out for

Tuesday 18 January 2022 13:30 , 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

Sign up to the IndyBest newsletter

Tuesday 18 January 2022 12:26 , Steve Hogarty

Want even more shopping insights? Why not sign up to the free IndyBest newsletter, where you can access the best deals and round-ups of the week’s must-have products chosen by IndyBest experts.

Dropping into your inbox every Friday morning, the handy digest features items from our tried and tested reviews by pros in the field – helping you make the most informed choice with your hard-earned cash.

Get the IndyBest newsletter and access to all of The Independent’s other newsletters now. You won’t regret it.

Xbox series X stock available for EE customers

Tuesday 18 January 2022 12:18 , Steve Hogarty

The Xbox series X bundle from EE is still available for new and existing customers. It includes 24 months of Xbox game pass ultimate which gives users access to over 100 titles for £31 a month and a £10 upfront cost.

Buy now

How to buy an Xbox series X online

Tuesday 18 January 2022 11:30 , Steve Hogarty

While there are no more 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

Does AO have any Xbox series X stock?

Tuesday 18 January 2022 11:07 , Steve Hogarty

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.

We’re expecting Game to drop the PS5 today

Tuesday 18 January 2022 10:41 , Steve Hogarty

If you’re searching for Sony’s newest console this morning, well you’re in the wrong place. Pop over to our PS5 stock tracking liveblog for the latest news on the rival machine.

The PS5 is facing similar stock shortages to the Xbox series X, but we’re reporting on a looming restock at Game today. It’s all go over there.

PS5 restock - live: Latest UK stock news from Game, Argos, Very and more

Where is the Xbox series S in stock?

Tuesday 18 January 2022 10:22 , Steve Hogarty

 (Microsoft)
(Microsoft)

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.

When did Argos last restock the Xbox series X?

Tuesday 18 January 2022 10:02 , Steve Hogarty

The Xbox series X is sold out at Argos right now. Aside from a handful of in-store restocks at stores around the country, the retailer hasn’t had the Xbox on sale since just before Christmas.

We estimate Argos should receive another allocation by the end of the week.

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

Tuesday 18 January 2022 09:40 , Steve Hogarty

We’re paying close attention to Currys this week, where we predict another Xbox restock could land soon.

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 as soon as we get a whiff of a console.

The Xbox series X is in stock at Very

Tuesday 18 January 2022 09:16 , Steve Hogarty

Buy now

Very just restocked the Xbox series X. The retailer operates a waiting room system to control customer numbers and prevent overwhelming the site. Once you’re in the queue, don’t refresh the page or open more than one browser window.

Be patient, it can take anything from minutes to hours to reach the front of the line.

Can you buy an Xbox on the high street?

Tuesday 18 January 2022 09:01 , 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 steady drip feed of consoles online, and when they show up in a brick-and-mortar shop they’ve usually been pre-ordered 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 Toys lets you browse console stock levels at all of its UK stores.

Does Smyths Toys have Xbox All Access?

Tuesday 18 January 2022 08:46 , Steve Hogarty

The Xbox series X product page over at Smyths Toys proudly claims to have the console in stock via Xbox All Access, the pay as you go alternative to shelling out full price for the Xbox series X.

But get this: if you follow the link and pick out your Xbox, you’ll be rudely informed that Microsoft’s next-generation console isn’t in fact available.

That leaves Asda as the only retailer with the Xbox this morning.

Where is the Xbox series X in stock?

Tuesday 18 January 2022 08:31 , Steve Hogarty

Asda is continuing to accept new applicants for the Xbox All Access programme this morning, though we’ve heard reports that shoppers are completing registration only to find there’s no console waiting for them at the end of the process.

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 recommend grabbing a console this way if you can.

Xbox stock trackers, activate

Tuesday 18 January 2022 08:17 , Steve Hogarty

Good morning, Xbox hunters!

Welcome to Tuesday’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 stock tracker, signing off

Monday 17 January 2022 17:16 , Jasper Pickering

That’s us for Monday, folks. While it was quiet on the restock front we hope that the liveblog was helpful for tips on upcoming releases, accessories and purchasing advice.

We’ll be back again first thing tomorrow so make sure that you stick around for all the latest stock developments. See you then.

How to secure an Xbox series X online

Monday 17 January 2022 16:04 , Jasper Pickering

It’s been a quiet day on the Xbox front so here’s some tips you can use to get yourself ready for the next available stock drop.

  • Register an account at each of the retailers listed above that stock the Xbox series X.

  • Ensure your correct payment details are saved in your browser on desktop, or on Google Pay or Apple Pay on your phone.

  • 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.

  • Sign up for a 30-day trial of Amazon Prime, in case the retailer makes its next Xbox drop a Prime-exclusive.

  • 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 or basket – 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.

  • Don’t buy a console on social media, these are always scams.

EE is offering 12 months of Xbox Game Pass Ultimate with this broadband deal

Monday 17 January 2022 15:01 , Jasper Pickering

If you’re looking for a new broadband deal then EE is offering up to a year of Game Pass Ultimate for new customers.

The deal also includes unlimited mobile gaming for new and existing customers who purchase one of its full fibre max plans.

The 12 months of free Xbox Game Pass Ultimate is worth £131.88 and with the inclusion of free data for existing EE customers, this brings the total amount saved up to £252 on select offers.

Read our article to find out how to get up to a year of Xbox Game Pass Ultimate

Get a free year of Xbox Game Pass Ultimate with this EE broadband deal

‘Elden Ring’: Release date and how to pre-order

Monday 17 January 2022 14:03 , Jasper Pickering

Elden Ring is one of the most highly anticipated games of 2022 and with a release date of 25 February it’s right around the corner.

The action RPG was developed in collaboration with George R.R. Martin and from the early looks of the game, it promises to be just as demanding as previous FromSoftware titles such as Dark Souls and Bloodborne.

Elden Ring will be released on Xbox series X, Playstation 5, Xbox one, Playstation 4 and PC.

Find out more about ‘Elden Ring’ with our in-depth guide

Everything we know so far about ‘Elden Ring’

Sign up to the IndyBest newsletter

Monday 17 January 2022 13:05 , Jasper Pickering

Have we helped you get an Xbox? Want more shopping insights? Why not sign up to the free IndyBest newsletter, where you can access the best deals and round-ups of the week’s must-have products chosen by IndyBest experts.

Dropping into your inbox every Friday morning, the handy digest features items from our tried and tested reviews by pros in the field – helping you make the most informed choice with your hard-earned cash.

Get the IndyBest newsletter and access to all of The Independent’s other newsletters now. You won’t regret it.

IndyBest newsletter - Sign up for your essential weekly shopping guide

Looking for a PS5? Follow our PS5 tracker for the latest developments

Monday 17 January 2022 12:01 , Jasper Pickering

Microsoft isn’t the only company dealing with supply chain issues for its latest console. If you’ve been following along, Sony’s PS5 has also been facing a number of issues with stock too.

Luckily that’s why we’ve also been tracking the latest developments of PS5 restocks. The PS5 saw a drop of consoles on Playstation Direct today but sold out within a few minutes.

If you want to be the first to hear about the next availability of PS5s then follow along with our stock tracker for more information

PS5 stock - live: Today’s UK restock news from Game, Argos, Very and more

Monday 17 January 2022 11:42 , Jasper Pickering

The Xbox series X is often bundled with a gaming headset to bump up the price and stave off scalpers. Last week, we saw eBuyer drop the Xbox series X with a Razer Kraken X thrown in for £506.99 as one example.

The console doesn’t normally 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.

Check out our guide for the best gaming headsets you can buy

Immerse yourself in play with one of the best gaming headsets

Steam Deck: What we know about Valve’s new handheld

Monday 17 January 2022 11:21 , Jasper Pickering

Looking for a portable gaming device that can play all your PC games? The Steam Deck by Valve is going to be a serious contender for your favourite handheld machine.

There have been many obvious comparisons to the Nintendo Switch due to its form factor but Valve’s promise of a powerful, handheld PC gaming experience isn’t one to be dismissed on looks alone.

After many delays the game publisher has confirmed that it is still on track for a revised launch date of February across the UK, Europe and the United States.

Want to find out more about the Steam Deck? Read our full guide for more information

Valve just confirmed the Steam Deck launches in February. Here’s what we know

Play ‘Rainbow Six Extraction’ through Xbox game pass ultimate this week

Monday 17 January 2022 11:01 , Jasper Pickering

Looking for a new game to play on your new Xbox? Rainbow Six Extraction is released on 20 January and will be available at launch for all game pass ultimate subscribers. The online tactical shooter is a spin-off of the popular title Rainbow Six Siege and will take familiar characters through an alien invasion.

In order to find out more details about the game, how to pre-order or even let your friends try it for free, read our buyer’s guide for further details.

‘Rainbow Six Extraction’: Release date, pre-order guide and how to try it for free

Here’s how you can play ‘Rainbow Six Extraction’ for free when it launches

The best Xbox series X games you can play right now

Monday 17 January 2022 10:38 , Jasper Pickering

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

Read our full guide on the best Xbox series X games you can buy

Managed to find the Xbox series X in stock? Here are the games you need to play

The best laptop in 2022 for gaming on the go

Monday 17 January 2022 10:17 , Daisy Lester

Did you know that you can play Xbox games on a PC through game pass ultimate? If you happen to be on the hunt for a new laptop to work from home or game on the go, then our round-up of the best laptops in 2022 has got you covered.

At the top of this list is the XPS 15, Dell’s flagship model that thoroughly impressed our reviewer: “If you’re in the market for a high-performance and productivity focused Windows laptop with a spectacular next-generation display, the new Dell XPS 15 is the best you’ll find. This is as about close to perfect as laptops get.”

Read our full round-up for the best laptops of 2022

The ultimate guide to the best laptops of 2022

Are we likely to see a restock from Argos this week?

Monday 17 January 2022 10:01 , Jasper Pickering

Argos has consistently been restocking the Xbox series X on a monthly basis for the last several months and like other retailers, they tend to go quickly. We also saw three restocks in the lead up to Christmas so are we likely to see a similar trend in January?

The Xbox series X was last in stock on 13 January so while not unheard of we think it might be more likely to turn up at other large retailers before the month is out.

Xbox all access still available at Asda

Monday 17 January 2022 09:39 , Jasper Pickering

Xbox all access is also still available from Asda for those that can qualify for it.

So what is Xbox all access? It’s an alternative to paying full price for the console and 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.

Buy now

Xbox all access available from Smyths Toys

Monday 17 January 2022 09:13 , Jasper Pickering

If you’re looking for an Xbox series X and can finance it over a two year plan, then Smyths Toys might have the deal for you.

With Xbox all access, customers can get their hands on the Xbox series X and two year’s worth of game pass ultimate for £28.99 a month.

Buy now

Xbox series X stock available for EE customers

Monday 17 January 2022 08:56 , Jasper Pickering

The Xbox series X bundle from EE is still available for new and existing customers. It includes 24 months of Xbox game pass ultimate which gives users access to over 100 titles for £31 a month and a £10 upfront cost.

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Morning, the Xbox series X stock tracker has logged on

Monday 17 January 2022 08:26 , Jasper Pickering

Happy Monday everyone! We’re back with the Xbox tracker liveblog to bring you all the latest developments on restock updates.

We’re tracking every UK retailer at once for any sign of Microsoft’s elusive black cuboid, to bring you live Xbox restock updates as they happen.

If you’re on the hunt for an Xbox on this bright and sunny Friday morning, stick with us to be the first to know when the console drops. Ready? Let’s go.