Xbox Prices Are Going Up in August — Here's How to Save Right Now
If you've been sitting on the fence about picking up a new Xbox console, the clock is officially ticking. Microsoft has announced that the price of every Xbox model will increase starting in August 2026 — the second price hike in less than a year. The culprit? Rising memory prices that continue to ripple across every major industry, from automotive manufacturing to consumer electronics. The good news is that right now, ahead of both Prime Day and the looming price increases, retailers like Walmart, Target, and Dell are already offering meaningful discounts on the Xbox Series S and Xbox Series X. This is genuinely one of the best windows you'll have to buy a new Xbox console at a fair price.
Why Are Xbox Prices Going Up?
Microsoft's decision to raise prices isn't happening in a vacuum. Memory and semiconductor costs have been climbing steadily, and console manufacturers are feeling the squeeze. Sony, Nintendo, and now Microsoft have all had to adjust pricing strategies to keep up with supply chain pressures. For Microsoft, this is already the second time it has raised Xbox hardware prices within a single year, which signals that these increases aren't short-term corrections — they're the new normal.
When the August 2026 price changes go into effect, the Xbox Series X will jump from its current $649.99 to $799.99, and the Xbox Series S will rise from $399.99 to $499.99. Those are significant increases of $150 and $100 respectively, making the current discounted prices even more compelling. If you wait, you won't just lose the deals — you'll be paying substantially more than today's full retail price.
Xbox Series X Deals: The Flagship Console at a Discount
The Xbox Series X is Microsoft's most powerful gaming console. It's built for fast, high-fidelity 4K gameplay and includes a built-in 4K Blu-ray disc drive — a feature that matters more than ever as physical media makes a quiet comeback among enthusiast gamers. With 1TB of internal storage, it offers ample space for modern titles without constantly managing your library.
Right now, two major retailers are offering the 1TB Xbox Series X at a notable discount:
- Walmart — $573.00 (down from $649.99)
- Target — $573.99 (down from $649.99)
That's a saving of roughly $76 to $77 off the standard retail price — and remember, come August, this same console will retail for $799.99. That means buying today at Walmart versus waiting until after the price hike saves you over $226. It's a substantial difference that's hard to ignore, especially if you've been planning to upgrade anyway.
The Xbox Series X is particularly worth considering if you plan to play GTA VI when it releases later this year. Rockstar's long-awaited open-world title will demand serious hardware, and the Series X's processing power, fast SSD load times, and 4K output make it the natural home for that kind of experience. If you want the best possible version of that game without investing in a high-end gaming PC, the Series X is your answer.
Xbox Series S Deals: The Budget-Friendly Digital Option
Not everyone needs 4K output or a disc drive, and the Xbox Series X isn't the right choice for every household. That's exactly what the Xbox Series S is designed to address. It's smaller, sleeker, and more affordable — and it plays every single game available on the Series X, with the main difference being that it tops out at 2560 x 1440 QHD resolution rather than full 4K. For most living room setups and the majority of TV sizes, that difference is nearly imperceptible during actual gameplay.
The Series S is a digital-only console, meaning all your games come from the Microsoft Store or Game Pass — there's no physical disc slot. If you're already a Game Pass subscriber or prefer the convenience of an all-digital library, the Series S delivers outstanding value.
Here are the current best deals on the 512GB Xbox Series S:
- Dell — $349.99 (down from $399.99)
- Target — $379.99 (down from $399.99)
Dell currently has the best price at $349.99, a clean $50 off the standard retail cost. Target's $379.99 listing is slightly higher, but it may be the better option if you prefer in-store pickup or if you have Target Circle Card discounts that could bring the final price down further. Either way, both are far better than the $499.99 price tag that kicks in next month.
Which Xbox Should You Buy?
The right choice comes down to how you play and what you prioritize. Here's a simple breakdown to help you decide:
- Choose the Xbox Series X if you have a 4K TV, want the most powerful performance available, plan to use physical game discs, or intend to play demanding upcoming titles like GTA VI at the highest possible settings.
- Choose the Xbox Series S if you're primarily a digital gamer, you're budget-conscious, your TV doesn't support 4K, or you're buying for a child or a secondary gaming setup in your home.
Both consoles support Xbox Game Pass, backward compatibility with older Xbox titles, and the full library of current-generation Xbox games. Neither choice is a bad one — it purely depends on your priorities and your setup.
Don't Wait Too Long — These Deals Won't Last
With Prime Day approaching and the August price hike confirmed, there are two separate forces pushing these deals toward expiration. Retailer stock at discounted prices is finite, and once the price increase goes live at Microsoft's end, you'll be paying significantly more whether you shop at Walmart, Target, Dell, or anywhere else.
The window right now is genuinely one of the best times in recent memory to buy an Xbox. Discounted prices on top of pre-hike retail costs means your effective savings are compounding. If a new console has been on your wishlist, this is the moment to stop watching and start buying.