Xbox Prices Are Going Up in August — Here's How to Save Before They Do
If you've been sitting on the fence about buying a new Xbox console, now is the moment you've been waiting for — and frankly, it won't last much longer. Microsoft has officially announced that the prices of all Xbox models will rise in August 2026, marking the second price increase in less than a year. With memory prices continuing to drive up costs across industries ranging from automobiles to consumer electronics, gamers are feeling the pinch. The silver lining? Several major retailers are currently offering meaningful discounts on both the Xbox Series X and the Xbox Series S, giving buyers a real window of opportunity to lock in significant savings before the new prices take effect.
Why Are Xbox Prices Going Up Again?
Microsoft's decision to raise prices isn't happening in a vacuum. The broader tech industry has been wrestling with elevated memory and semiconductor costs for some time now, and those pressures have gradually worked their way into consumer products at every price tier. From car infotainment systems to laptops and gaming consoles, virtually no hardware category has been immune. For Xbox owners and prospective buyers, this means the consoles you can purchase today at a discount will cost considerably more in just a matter of weeks. Acting now isn't just smart shopping — it's a way to sidestep a price increase that could easily run you $100 to $150 more than what you'd pay today.
Xbox Series X Deal: Save Big on Microsoft's Most Powerful Console
The Xbox Series X is Microsoft's flagship gaming machine, and it's currently available at a notable discount at two major retailers. Designed for players who demand the best performance, the Series X delivers fast, fluid 4K gameplay and represents the absolute pinnacle of the Xbox hardware lineup.
Current Xbox Series X Pricing
- Walmart: $573 (regularly $649.99) — 1TB model with disc drive
- Target: $573.99 (regularly $649.99) — 1TB model with disc drive
That's a saving of roughly $76 off the standard retail price — and when you factor in that this same console will jump to $799.99 in August, the math becomes even more compelling. Buying now at $573 instead of waiting until after the price hike means you're potentially saving over $226 compared to what you'd pay in just a few weeks.
The 1TB Xbox Series X comes with a built-in 4K Blu-ray disc drive, making it the best choice for players who want to maintain a physical game library or enjoy 4K movie playback from disc. It's also the console most experts recommend if you're planning to play GTA VI later this year, since it's designed to handle demanding titles at the highest graphical settings available on console hardware. If you're a serious gamer and want a system that will stay relevant for years, this is the one to get — and getting it now before the price increase is a no-brainer.
Xbox Series S Deal: The Most Affordable Way Into Xbox Gaming
Not everyone needs the full 4K powerhouse that is the Series X, and that's exactly where the Xbox Series S shines. Compact, digital-only, and priced for accessibility, the Series S is Microsoft's entry point into its current console generation. It plays the same library of digital games as the Series X but tops out at a QHD resolution of 2560 x 1440, rather than true 4K. For most players — especially those on a standard 1080p or 1440p television — the difference is barely noticeable in everyday gameplay.
Current Xbox Series S Pricing
- Dell: $349.99 (regularly $399.99) — 512GB model, best current deal
- Target: $379.99 (regularly $399.99) — 512GB model, good option for local pickup
The Series S currently retails for $399.99, but that price is rising to $499.99 in August — a full $100 jump. Dell is offering the best deal right now at $349.99, which means savvy shoppers can pick up the console for $150 less than its post-hike price. That's a substantial saving for a console in this price bracket.
Target's listing at $379.99 is slightly higher than Dell's price but still represents a decent discount. It may be worth choosing Target if you prefer local pickup, want to combine the purchase with an existing Target Circle Card discount, or simply want to avoid shipping wait times. Either way, both options beat the incoming retail price by a wide margin.
Which Xbox Should You Buy Right Now?
The right console depends entirely on your needs and budget. If you want the best possible gaming experience — true 4K output, a physical disc drive, and the headroom to handle the most demanding upcoming titles — the Xbox Series X at $573 from Walmart is an exceptional value, especially knowing it will soon retail for $799.99. For buyers who primarily game digitally and want the most affordable path into the Xbox ecosystem, the Xbox Series S at $349.99 from Dell is the standout pick.
Both deals are available now, and both are almost certainly tied to the current Prime Day shopping season, which means they may not last. If either console has been on your radar, waiting any longer risks either missing these discounts entirely or paying significantly inflated prices once August's increases take effect.
Act Fast — These Deals Won't Last Forever
The combination of Prime Day sales and impending price hikes has created a rare window where buyers can genuinely save big on Xbox hardware. Whether you're upgrading from an older console, buying a first Xbox, or gifting one to someone special, the current market conditions strongly favor buying sooner rather than later. Once August arrives, the Xbox Series X will cost $799.99 and the Series S will run $499.99 — and these discounted prices will be a distant memory. Check Walmart, Target, and Dell today to lock in your purchase before the savings disappear.