Xbox Prices Are Going Up in August — Here's How to Save Right Now
If you've been sitting on the fence about buying an Xbox console, the time to act is now. Microsoft has officially announced that the prices of all Xbox models will rise in August 2026, making this one of the most important buying windows for gamers in years. The good news? Retailers are already responding with pre-hike discounts, and there are some genuinely compelling deals available on both the Xbox Series S and Xbox Series X right now. Whether you're a casual gamer or a hardcore enthusiast planning to dive into upcoming titles like GTA VI, there's a deal here worth your attention.
Why Are Xbox Prices Going Up Again?
This isn't the first time Microsoft has raised Xbox prices in recent memory — it's actually the second time in less than a year. The culprit? Memory prices. Rising costs for the kind of high-performance memory chips used in modern gaming hardware have sent shockwaves through numerous industries, from automotive manufacturing to consumer computing. As these supply chain pressures persist, hardware manufacturers like Microsoft are passing some of those costs along to consumers.
The August price increases are significant enough that buying now — even at full retail price — would save you real money. But with discounts currently available at major retailers, you can save even more. Let's break down what each console will cost before and after the hike, and where to find the best current prices.
Xbox Series X Deals: The Flagship Console at a Lower Price
The Xbox Series X is Microsoft's most powerful gaming console, built for fast, fluid 4K gameplay. It features a built-in 4K Blu-ray disc drive, making it the go-to option for gamers who want the best visual experience and the flexibility to play physical media. With 1TB of internal storage, it offers plenty of room for your game library without constantly juggling installs.
Normally priced at $649.99, the 1TB Xbox Series X with disc drive is currently discounted to $573 at Walmart and $573.99 at Target — a savings of over $75 compared to the standard retail price. That alone is a great deal, but here's the part that should really grab your attention: after the August price increase, this model will retail for $799.99. That means buying today at the discounted price saves you over $226 compared to what you'd pay in just a few weeks.
- Walmart: Xbox Series X 1TB (disc drive) — $573.00 (down from $649.99)
- Target: Xbox Series X 1TB (disc drive) — $573.99 (down from $649.99)
If you're planning to play highly anticipated titles like GTA VI when it releases later this year, the Xbox Series X is the strongest platform to do it on. The 4K output, fast SSD load times, and backward compatibility with a huge library of Xbox titles make it a complete package. At $573, it's hard to argue against picking one up now before the price climbs to $799.99.
Xbox Series S Deals: The Budget-Friendly Option Before Prices Spike
Not everyone needs the full 4K powerhouse experience, and that's exactly where the Xbox Series X's smaller sibling comes in. The Xbox Series S is a compact, disc-free console that plays all the same digital Xbox games as the Series X, just at a maximum resolution of 2560 x 1440 QHD rather than full 4K. For most TV setups and the majority of gaming scenarios, the visual difference is minimal, and the lower price point has always made it an attractive entry point into the Xbox ecosystem.
The Xbox Series S is typically priced at $399.99, but that will jump to $499.99 in August — a $100 increase overnight. Right now, however, Dell has the 512GB model on sale for just $349.99, which is the best current deal on the market. That's a full $150 cheaper than what you'll pay after the price hike.
- Dell: Xbox Series S 512GB — $349.99 (down from $399.99, rising to $499.99 in August)
- Target: Xbox Series S 512GB — $379.99 (a solid option if you prefer in-store pickup or have Target Circle Card benefits)
Target's listing at $379.99 is worth considering if you'd rather grab it locally or if you're eligible for additional Target Circle discounts. While it's not the absolute lowest price, combining a Circle Card discount with the current sale price could make it competitive with or even better than the Dell deal depending on your membership level.
Which Xbox Should You Buy Right Now?
The answer depends largely on your budget and how you plan to play. If you want the best performance, 4K resolution, and the ability to play physical disc-based games, the Xbox Series X at $573 is an exceptional value — especially compared to the looming $799.99 price tag. It's Microsoft's flagship for a reason, and with major upcoming releases on the horizon, it's the version built to last.
If you're more budget-conscious or primarily game digitally through Xbox Game Pass, the Xbox Series S at $349.99 from Dell is one of the best entry-level gaming deals available right now. For $350, you get access to the full Xbox digital library, Game Pass compatibility, and a capable machine that punches well above its weight class.
Don't Wait Too Long
These deals are tied to the current Prime Day sales cycle, which means they won't last indefinitely. Once August arrives and the price increases go into effect, neither of these consoles will be available at anything close to these prices. Whether you're buying for yourself or planning ahead for a gift, this is a rare window where discounts and impending price hikes align to create a genuinely urgent opportunity. Acting now could save you anywhere from $100 to over $200 depending on which model you choose — and that's money better spent on games.
Check Walmart, Target, and Dell directly for the most up-to-date pricing, as stock and sale periods can shift quickly during major sales events. But if the deals are still live when you're reading this, they're worth taking seriously before the August price hikes make today's prices feel like a distant memory.