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Xbox series X stock UK: AO, Argos, Smyths, Currys and more – how to get the latest drop

Xbox series X stock UK: AO, Argos, Smyths, Currys and more – how to get the latest drop

Almost a full year after it launched, the Xbox series X is still reliably sold out everywhere in the UK. Supply chain problems have slowed production of the new console to a crawl, leaving shoppers wondering where to buy the new Xbox.

The less powerful Xbox series S is more readily available to buy online, but the more advanced Xbox series X sells out within seconds of new stock appearing. Knowing when and where the Xbox will be restocked is key to getting hold of one.

If you want to know where to buy an Xbox series X in the UK today, you’ve come to the right place. Our stock tracking liveblog will update you with the latest stock drops as soon as they happen, as well as any news on predicted restock dates and milestone events.

Read more:

Check stock from UK Xbox series X retailers below:

Key Points

  • When did Argos last restock the Xbox series X?

  • Where is the Xbox series X in stock right now?

  • When will Smyths Toys restock the Xbox?

The best TVs for gaming on Xbox series X

16:28 , Steve Hogarty

To get the most out of the Xbox series X, you’ll need a 4K television.

A lot of next-gen games allow you to choose between a performance mode and a graphics mode. Performance mode dials down the graphics settings in favour of smoother framerates of 60fps or more, while the graphics mode enables higher resolutions and fancier visual effects at the expense of 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.

10 best 4K TVs for needle-sharp viewing

You can play Xbox games on your laptop

15:36 , Steve Hogarty

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 your download to finish.

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.

The ultimate guide to the best laptops of 2021

The best Xbox series X games to play right now

14:38 , Steve Hogarty

Did you manage to grab an Xbox from Game 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.

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

There are two ‘Halo Infinite’ Xbox controllers

13:40 , Steve Hogarty

 (Microsoft)
(Microsoft)

There’s a standard, black Halo Infinite themed controller, which comes bundled with the new Halo Infinite themed Xbox series X and can’t be bought separately.

But there’s also a new elite controller (pictured above) themed around Master Chief’s iconic green armour. The elite controller launches 15 November – Halo Infinite’s intended release date before it slipped to 8 December – and can be pre-ordered from the Microsoft Store when stock is available.

Here are your basic Xbox series X controller options, setting aside the glut of other limited edition pads out there.

  • Xbox wireless controller: From £49.99, Amazon.co.uk

  • Xbox elite wireless controller series 2: £159.99, Argos.co.uk

  • Xbox elite wireless controller series 2 - Halo Infinite limited edition: £179.99, Xbox.com

Sign up to the IndyBest newsletter for more deals

12:29 , Steve Hogarty

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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.

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When did the Microsoft Store last have Xbox stock?

11:45 , Steve Hogarty

You’d think the official Xbox store would be the best place to find the Xbox series X in stock, but the retailer has to fight for the limited supply of consoles just like everybody else.

The store last had the Xbox series X in stock on 7 September, and before that on 25 August when it opened up pre-orders for the limited edition Halo Infinite Xbox bundle.

When will John Lewis & Partners restock the Xbox?

11:11 , Steve Hogarty

John Lewis & Partners hasn’t had so much of a whiff of an Xbox series X since 12 July.

The retailer only ever restocks at 7am sharp, so by this point in the morning we can safely assume that the historic department store won’t be selling any Xboxes today. That doesn’t mean we don’t keep tabs on this retailer though.

We’d never let our guard down like that.

The limited edition ‘Halo Infinite’ branded Xbox series X

10:40 , Steve Hogarty

 (Microsoft)
(Microsoft)

We’re tracking both types of Xbox series X: the vanilla Xbox series X (£449.99, Amazon.co.uk) and the Halo Infinite branded Xbox series X (£479.99, Microsoft Store).

The rarer Xbox celebrates 20 years of Master Chief and boasts “a custom console design imprinted with stars as seen from the surface of Zeta Halo – extending onto the fan behind a blue vent inspired by Cortana.”

The Halo Infinite branded Xbox series X is only available to pre-order and doesn’t launch until November.

Does Game have the Xbox in stock?

10:18 , Steve Hogarty

 (Microsoft)
(Microsoft)

Though it’s sold out right now, Game has had the Xbox All Access programme in stock intermittently for the last two weeks. The pay-as-you-go alternative to buying the console at full price costs £28.99 per month for 24 months, and comes with two years of Game Pass Ultimate included.

The retailer is also one of two places you can pre-order the Halo Infinite limited edition Xbox series X bundle. Game last stocked that limited edition Xbox on Wednesday 25 August, and last sold the regular Xbox series X on 13 August.

We’ll let you know if Game receives another allocation of Xbox stock.

Where can you buy a PS5 today?

10:01 , Steve Hogarty

If there’s any consolation for Microsoft, it’s that rival Sony has the same production line problems to contend with. The PlayStation 5 is about as difficult to find in stock as the Xbox series X, though in recent weeks the console has been restocked with increasing frequency. It’s enough to make an Xbox stock tracking liveblog jealous.

Follow our PS5 stock tracking liveblog for more updates on new PS5 stock as it arrives.

All the latest news on PS5 restocks in the UK

What’s happening with Amazon’s Xbox series X stock?

09:44 , Steve Hogarty

Aside from an incredibly brief restock on 9 September, 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).

Is the Xbox stock situation getting better or worse?

09:28 , Steve Hogarty

 (Microsoft)
(Microsoft)

We’ve been tracking the availability of the Xbox series X stock for months now, and while analysts say that the global shortage of microchips is worsening, lately we’ve been seeing more Xbox stock drops than usual.

Many retailers have found ways to evade scalpers – Game’s last restock was in store only and couldn’t be found online, and sites like AO bundle the console with accessories to cut into the scalpers’ profit margins.

This means more Xbox consoles are finding their way into shoppers’ hands than ever.

When did Currys last restock the Xbox series X?

09:14 , Steve Hogarty

Though not available right now, we think Currys could restock the Xbox series X as early as this week, most likely today or tomorrow.

The retailer has only restocked once so far in September, but managed a grand total of three stock drops in August. We ran these stats past a mathematician, who informed us that one is two less than three. If the law of averages holds, we’re coasting towards a Currys restock very soon.

When will Smyths Toys restock the Xbox?

08:57 , Steve Hogarty

Smyths Toys last restocked the Xbox series X on 9 September, though it was a very small allocation. We’d estimate that less than a dozen consoles were sold in total.

Before that on 10 August, Smyths Toys had Xbox stock available to click and collect from stores around the country, and we’ve heard reports of shoppers being able to find the Xbox in stock in physical stores.

It’s worth popping into your local branch if you’re passing by to ask about stock.

When did Argos last restock the Xbox series X?

08:43 , Steve Hogarty

Argos hasn’t restocked the Xbox online in weeks, and has sailed right past every predicted restock date. We’ve heard rumours of some in-store restocks happening at random spots around the country, but it’s been almost two months since the retailer last any stock on the site.

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.

Where is the Xbox series X in stock right now?

08:31 , Steve Hogarty

Right now, the Xbox series X is sold out everywhere.

So let’s start poking around a few retailers and rating their chances of restocking the Xbox today, shall we?

First up we’ve got AO, which last restocked the Xbox series X on Friday, 17 September, when it sold the console as part of a rather expensive bundle costing £614. It was pricey enough that shoppers hesitated, which kept the restock going for a good 45 minutes.

Such a recent restock means AO is unlikely to receive another allocation of Xboxes soon. We’ll keep tabs on the retailer all the same, but we think your best chance of finding an Xbox right now is to look elsewhere.

Follow the liveblog for the latest Xbox stock alerts

08:10 , Steve Hogarty

Good morning, Xbox hunters!

Welcome to this week’s Xbox series X stock tracking liveblog, where we’ll be monitoring UK retailers for sightings and rumoured of Microsoft’s elusive new console.

The Xbox can appear without warning and sells out almost instantly, so we’re here to bring you live stock updates as they happen to give you the best chance of grabbing one.