Yahoo News Xbox series X stock – live: Where to get Microsoft’s console in the UK today
Update: Follow live for all the latest Xbox series X stock news
The Xbox series X is Microsoft’s fastest-selling console, but despite its apparent success, the next-generation games machine is still almost impossible to find in stock anywhere in the UK, both online and in-store.
Bottlenecks in the manufacturing process have slowed the production of the newest Xbox to a crawl, leaving shoppers in the UK wondering where they can get their hands on one.
The smaller, less powerful and much cheaper Xbox series S is easier to find, but the more advanced series X typically sells out within minutes of hitting the shelves. So, knowing when and where the newest console will be restocked next is key to grabbing one before they sell out again.
That’s why we launched our Xbox stock alerts liveblog and if you’re wondering where to buy an Xbox Series X in the UK today ahead of Christmas, we’re on hand to help. Below, we’ll update you with the latest live restock updates as soon as they happen, as well as any news on predicted restock dates, new games and accessories and milestone events.
Read more:
Check stock from UK Xbox Series X retailers below:
Xbox series X stock updates UK
Is the Xbox series X in stock at EE?
Microsoft launches Xbox museum
What is the price of the Xbox series X in the UK?
Xbox games with gold for December 2021
The best Xbox series X games to play right now
16:00 , Eva Waite-Taylor
Did you manage to grab an Xbox in yesterday’s Argos drop? 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 the 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:
Managed to find the Xbox series X in stock? Here are the games you need to play
Can I play Xbox games on my laptop?
15:00 , Eva Waite-Taylor
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 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.
The best TVs for gaming on Xbox series X
14:00 , Eva Waite-Taylor
To get the most out of the Xbox series X, you’ll need a 4K television.
Many next-generation games allow you to choose between a performance mode and a graphics mode. The former downgrade the visuals slightly for smoother framerates, while the latter mode enables higher resolutions and more fancy effects at the expense of the framerate.
If your TV only goes up to 1080p, 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 TV deals for entertainment, movies and gaming.
The best VPN for Xbox series X
13:00 , Eva Waite-Taylor
The Xbox series X has excellent built-in security when playing games online, but there are still reasons why you might want to install a VPN on an Xbox.
If you use your Xbox to watch Netflix, Disney+, Prime Video or some other online streaming service, a VPN allows you to spoof your location and access TV shows and movies not normally available in your country.
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 list of the best VPNs for torrenting, streaming and gaming.
Differences between the Xbox series X and series S
12:00 , Eva Waite-Taylor
There are a grand total of two next-gen Xboxes, the less powerful Xbox series S and the more advanced Xbox series X.
They both run the same next-gen games (as well as older Xbox games through backwards compatibility), but the cheaper Xbox series S has less processing power under the bonnet. This means graphics won’t look as detailed and performance may be a little slower.
For that reason, the Xbox series X is considered to be the “true” next-generation console here – but both consoles are excellent games machines. The Xbox series S has another big advantage in that it’s much easier to find in stock than the Xbox series X.
The Xbox series S costs £249 (Amazon.co.uk), which looks positively bargainous compared to the Xbox series X at £449.
When will Smyths Toys restock the Xbox series X?
11:42 , Eva Waite-Taylor
Smyths Toys dropped a bunch of PS5s earlier today, but it’s currently sold out of the Xbox series X, but lately, the retailer has been restocking the console in small numbers and in seemingly random branches of its stores around the country. If you’re passing by a store, it’s worth dropping in to ask about the Xbox – Smyths often restocks in store without listing availability online.
Alongside Game and 4gadgets, Smyths Toys is one of three retailers partnering with Microsoft to sell the console through the Xbox All Access credit programme. An alternative to paying full price for the console, Xbox All Access lets you pay for your console in monthly instalments over two years.
When is Amazon restock the Xbox series X?
11:22 , Eva Waite-Taylor
Aside from an incredibly brief restock on 24 November, Amazon has been missing the Xbox series X for months now.
It’s occasionally been possible to buy the console from Amazon’s European sites – the Xbox was in stock at Amazon Germany and Amazon France in recent weeks – though importing the Xbox from the EU incurs a hefty wodge of taxes, delivery charges and fees. Expect to pay at least £100 extra to buy an Xbox this way.
If you’ve given up on waiting, Amazon currently has the less powerful Xbox series S in stock (£249, Amazon.co.uk).
How to buy an Xbox series X in store
11:02 , Eva Waite-Taylor
Lately, more retailers have opted to restock consoles in store rather than online, case in point Smyths with its latest PS5 restock. This helps avoid scalpers and get the console into the hands of legitimate customers.
Keeping track of the stock situation in physical shops is tricky, but not impossible. We rely on tips from shoppers, reports from Twitter, and intel from our shady network of spies embedded in every brick-and-mortar shop in the country.
Here are some tips for finding the Xbox series X in stock out there in the wild:
The retailers rumoured to have in-store stock are Argos and Smyths Toys. To a lesser extent, we’ve heard of John Lewis & Partners, Currys PC World and Game having physical stock.
Enter your postcode on 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.
Xbox Game Pass vs PlayStation Now
10:42 , Eva Waite-Taylor
Microsoft and Sony both offer a number of game streaming services.
PlayStation Now and Xbox Game Pass allow players to pay a flat monthly fee to access a rolling library of hundreds of games, rather than purchasing games outright. Both services also let you play games via cloud streaming – which is essentially like being on a Zoom call with a game you’re controlling.
Launched back in 2017, Xbox Game Pass was billed as gaming’s answer to Netflix. The service unlocks a library of more than 100 games, which subscribers are free to download and play at their leisure, so long as they keep paying their subscription fee. PlayStation Now lets players download games or stream them online.
Xbox Live Gold and PlayStation Plus are the respective console’s subscription plans for multiplayer gaming and also offer free games as benefits. Xbox Live Gold is included with Xbox Game Pass and many predict the two will eventually be combined into a single subscription.
Confused about Game Pass? We don’t blame you. Have a read of our explainer and we’ll tell you everything you need to know.
Is the Xbox series X in stock at EE?
10:23 , Eva Waite-Taylor
The last restock of the Xbox series X at EE was on 18 November, and it was a very long stock drop indeed. But unfortunately, it’s currently out of stock, so we’d recommend registering your interest.
With EE you can spread the cost of the Xbox series X across the term of your EE contract when you select “add to plan” at the EE Shop. On top of your usual phone contract you pay £45 a month for 11 months, with a £10 upfront cost.
‘Battlefield 2042’ is currently 14% off
10:22 , Eva Waite-Taylor
‘Battlefield 2042’ Xbox series X: Was £69.99, now £59.99, Amazon.co.uk
A multiplayer-only FPS, Battlefield 2042 was released on 22 October and is set in a near-future besieged by the effects of climate change. Fighting takes place on a series of giant, unpredictable maps, where flash storms and tornados can tear up and rearrange the environment. If this sounds like something you’re interested in, it’s currently 14 per cent off at Amazon – everyone’s a winner!
Best Xbox gaming accessories, from steering wheels to headsets
10:02 , Eva Waite-Taylor
While it’s proving difficult to find the Xbox series X in stock anywhere at the moment, you can still prepare for your console’s eventual arrival by stocking up on this must-have official accessories.
The Turtle beach stealth 700 gen 2 (£129.99, Argos.co.uk) was praised by our writer for delivering “seriously impressive sound in a neat package that feels sturdy and premium”.
If it’s a steering wheel you’re after, it’s got to be Hori racing wheel overdrive (£99.99, Game.co.uk), with our tester claiming that it has a“simple design belying its superb build quality and durability, and can be clamped to a table for a secure ride”.
What is the price of the Xbox series X in the UK?
09:42 , Eva Waite-Taylor
The Xbox series X costs £449. There’s also the Xbox All Access programme, where you pay nothing upfront and get an Xbox series X console and 24 months of Game Pass Ultimate for £28.99 per month. At the end of the 24-month term, you keep the console.
The all-digital Xbox series S console costs £249 and is more often in stock than the more powerful Xbox series X. The Xbox series S is also available through the Xbox All Access programme for £20.99 per month.
Bundles have been spotted, but they’re unofficial and compiled by retailers to get rid of old stock and put off scalpers. Online retailer Very bundled the console with an extra controller when it had stock of the console.
With the base consoles in such limited supply, don’t expect to see great deals on bundles anytime soon.
Xbox games with gold in December 2021
09:36 , Eva Waite-Taylor
Xbox announced the December games with gold lineup in late November. It consists of The Escapists 2, a game that sees you plot your break from prison, Tropico 5 – Penultimate Edition, which involves running your own island. Also available is Orcs Must Die! and Insanely Twisted Shadow Planet. All of which are free to Xbox live gold members, as well as game pass ultimate members.
What is Xbox all access?
09:26 , Eva Waite-Taylor
Game and Smyths sold the Xbox series X exclusively through the Xbox All Access programme. But what is that exactly?
Xbox All Access is a payment plan that lets you spread the cost of the Xbox series X or Xbox series S over two years. Rather than pay £449 for the console upfront, you pay 24 monthly instalments of £28.99.
This includes two years of Xbox Game Pass Ultimate, the games subscription service allowing you to access more than 100 games on demand, including the likes of Microsoft Flight Simulator (£59.99, Argos.co.uk). Xbox Game Pass Ultimate usually costs £10.99 per month.
That works out as £712 worth of stuff for £695, meaning Xbox All Access is pretty good value for money. Now you just need to find an Xbox in stock. Stick with us and we’ll alert you as soon as consoles are available.
When will Game restock the Xbox?
09:22 , Eva Waite-Taylor
Game last restocked the Xbox series X on 11 November, when it piped a steaming hot stream of Halo Infinite bundles into our laps. Before that, the retailer was restocking Microsoft’s newest console pretty frequently near the end of October, and even found time to restock the infamous and inexplicably popular Xbox mini-fridge.
Game is coordinated about its Xbox restocks, synchronising drops across all of its stores at once. We’re estimating more Xbox All Access stock will appear at Game next week, but it could happen as early as today. The retailer’s been known to restock on a Friday.
Pre-orders can sometimes be made in-store, depending on the branch, so it’s worth popping into your local Game if you’re passing by to ask if they have any in stock.
Does the Xbox series X come with a headset?
09:12 , Eva Waite-Taylor
The Xbox series X doesn’t come with its own headset – Microsoft assumes you already own a pair – but the console is compatible with all existing headsets for the Xbox One. If you’re looking for a new one, the one below is where it’s at.
Corsair HS75: £169.99, Amazon.co.uk
If it’s a headset for your Xbox series X you’re after, this one featured in our guide to the best gaming headsets. “Being officially licensed for Xbox pays off for the Corsair HS75 as it pairs up well without any need for a wireless adapter,” noted our writer. “In exchange, you get immersive Dolby Atmos sound which works particularly well when playing atmospheric horror games like Resident Evil Village (£49.99, Amazon.co.uk),” they added.
“Being able to hear what’s around you enhances the quality of games a lot and the custom-tuned 50mm neodymium drivers work like a dream.” Better still, it has a “noise-cancelling unidirectional microphone for multiplayer sessions”, and it’s “comfortable”.
The Xbox one controller you need from Argos
09:07 , Eva Waite-Taylor
If you’re happy with your Xbox one and are search for an additional controller for ir, look no further than this wireless option (£54.99, Argos.co.uk). It is said to easily pair and switch between your devices, be that your Xbox, PC, Android or iOS. It’s available in six additional colours, including blue and camo. And we think this would make a great Christmas gift for the gamer in your life.
Microsoft launches Xbox museum
09:00 , Eva Waite-Taylor
In honour of Xbox’s 20th anniversary, the tech giant has launched a virtual museum. It’s a web-based experience, which charts the console’s history, as well as different games, it also provides insight into your gameplay stats if you sign in to your account at the beginning.
It presents 132 moments of Xbox’s most important historical achievements, each linked to additional information that you can explore in further detail. It does also document notorious moments of Microsoft’s shortfallings, including the launch of the Xbox 360 red ring of death and when the giant attempted to buy Nintendo.
Visit Museum.xbox.com to learn more
How to buy an Xbox series X online
08:50 , Eva Waite-Taylor
To make sure you’re in the chance of getting your hands on an Xbox series X online, let’s go over some things you can do right now to be ready when the next restock happens:
Register an account at each of the retailers that stock the Xbox series X. They’re listed in the main article above
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 games 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
Good morning fellow Xbox hunters
08:40 , Eva Waite-Taylor
Welcome back to yet another day of tracking the stock of the Xbox series X. If you’re on the hunt for the console on this bright and sunny Thursday morning, stick with us to be the first to know when the device drops.
Yesterday, Argos did a rather speedy drop – it lasted all of 30 minutes. So we’re hoping for something a little more fruitful today. Stay tuned for all the latest news and insight.
