Xbox Series S
Hardware, storefront and ecosystem news for Xbox Series S.
Latest coverage
Xbox Console Prices Raising By $100+, 2TB Model Sunsetting
Microsoft is increasing the prices of its Xbox Series X and Series S consoles by up to $150, with the 2TB model being retired. These price hikes, effective August 1, are attributed to rising component costs, particularly for SSDs, and are the third increase in 13 months. The company also mentioned the impact of AI data centers on component prices and is offering financing options and encouraging trade-ins.
Xbox announces another console price hike, this time $100 more for the 512 GB and $150 for 1TB
Microsoft is implementing another worldwide price increase for its Xbox consoles, effective August 1. The 512GB models will increase by $100, and 1TB models by $150, due to rising component and memory costs. The disc-equipped 2TB Xbox Series X is also being discontinued.
Microsoft raises price of Xbox consoles once again, sunsets 2TB model
Microsoft is increasing the prices of its Xbox Series S and Xbox Series X consoles globally starting August 1, 2026, citing a global memory hardware shortage driven by generative AI companies. The 512GB Xbox Series S will rise by $100 to $499.99, and 1TB models of both consoles will increase by $150, with the 2TB Xbox Series X being discontinued. This follows similar price hikes from Sony and Nintendo, with Microsoft explaining that consoles are typically sold at a loss, making them particularly vulnerable to component cost increases.
Microsoft Is Increasing The Cost Of Xbox Consoles, Again, Starting In August
Microsoft is increasing the price of its Xbox Series S and Xbox Series X consoles again, effective August 1. The 512 GB Series S will rise by $100 to $500, and the 1 TB Series X will increase by $150 to $800, attributed to rising component and memory costs. The company is also discontinuing 2 TB models and introducing new financing and refurbished options to improve accessibility.
Marvel's Wolverine will come with a disc in the box, Insomniac assures players as GTA 6's download code approach sends ripples around the industry
Insomniac Games has confirmed that the physical edition of Marvel's Wolverine for PlayStation 5 will include a disc, addressing fan concerns following Rockstar's announcement that Grand Theft Auto 6 will ship with a download code instead. This move by Rockstar is speculated to be an effort to combat second-hand sales and control pricing. The article notes that other upcoming games are also facing similar questions about their physical release formats.
Xbox console prices are about to rise for the second time in a year, just before GTA VI launches — so you really don't want to miss this Xbox Series X deal at Walmart while it lasts
Microsoft has announced that the prices for Xbox Series X and Series S consoles will increase by $100 and $150 respectively, effective August 1, 2026. The company will also discontinue its 2 TB model. This price hike comes shortly before the launch of Grand Theft Auto VI, with a current Walmart deal offering a discount on the 1 TB Xbox Series X model.
Updated XBOX Console Prices
Microsoft is increasing the worldwide prices of Xbox consoles effective August 1, 2026, with 512 GB models rising by US$100 and 1 TB models by US$150, while the 2 TB model will be discontinued. This decision is attributed to rising storage and memory component costs. To mitigate the impact, Microsoft is also introducing enhanced Buy Now, Pay Later options, 0% APR financing through Amazon, and programs for previously played and certified refurbished consoles.
Halo Campaign Evolved's three new missions were inspired by Troy Denning's Halo books, but Halo Studios would recommend playing them after finishing the original story — 'It is meant to be played that way'
Halo Studios executive producer Damian Kahn and creative director Max Schlomberg revealed that the three new missions in Halo Campaign Evolved were inspired by Troy Denning's Halo novels and developed with his input. While playable in any order, the developers recommend completing the original Halo campaign first due to the intermediate difficulty of the new missions. The expansion, featuring a focus on the relationship between Sergeant Johnson and Master Chief, is set to release on July 28 for PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X/S, and PC.
Toroa: Skycall Takes Flight On Xbox Series X|S
Toroa: Skycall, an oceanic adventure game inspired by Māori culture, has been released on Xbox Series X|S. Developed and published by Atawhai Interactive, the game follows a young albatross on a peaceful journey across shifting seas and dream-like environments. Priced at £11.74, it offers a reflective experience focused on flight, family, and the natural world.
GTA 6 Has “Near-Instant” Load Times On PS5, And That’s A Bummer For Some People
Grand Theft Auto 6 is reported to feature near-instant load times on the PlayStation 5, leveraging its SSD technology. This advancement has sparked discussion among players who may miss the longer, art-filled loading screens characteristic of previous Grand Theft Auto titles. The game is set to launch on November 19 for PlayStation 5 and Xbox Series X|S.
Famitsu sales (6/15/26 – 6/21/26) – first week sales revealed for The Adventures of Elliot
Famitsu has released its latest Japanese hardware and software sales data for the week of June 15-21. The Nintendo Switch 2 led hardware sales, while Tomodachi Life: Living the Dream topped the software charts. The Adventures of Elliot: The Millennium Tales debuted at third place on the Nintendo Switch 2 and fourth on PlayStation 5.
The PS5 homepage, PS Store, and PS App have all been updated with a new GTA 6 UI as pre-orders begin
Sony has updated the PlayStation 5 homepage, PlayStation Store, and PlayStation App with a Grand Theft Auto 6 theme to coincide with the official start of pre-orders. The game is set to launch on November 19 for PlayStation 5 and Xbox Series X/S, with pre-orders beginning now and pre-loads starting November 12.
Grand Theft Auto 6’s Lack of Disc in Physical Release Won’t Impact Sales Expectations, Says Analyst
An analyst believes Grand Theft Auto 6's lack of a disc in its initial physical release for PlayStation 5 and Xbox Series X/S will not significantly impact sales, citing the prevalence of digital-only consoles. Retailers may benefit from reduced second-hand sales, and the game's pricing at $80 is seen as a unique case due to Rockstar Games' established goodwill.
Grand Theft Auto 6 to Get Disc Release “During the Following Months” – Rumor
Despite initial reports of Grand Theft Auto 6's physical release not including a disc, Rockstar Games has reportedly informed customers that a disc version will be available in the coming months, possibly by December 2026. This news comes after backlash from players and game preservationists regarding the initial plan for a code-in-box release.
Xbox Series X/S Prices Will Increase Again From August 1st
Microsoft's Xbox division has announced another price increase for the Xbox Series X and Series S consoles, effective August 1st. The company cited rising component and storage costs, which have more than doubled for consoles, as the primary reason for the hikes. To mitigate the impact, Xbox is introducing new Buy Now, Pay Later financing options and promoting trade-in programs for previously played consoles.
GTA 6 pre-orders open now in UK - standard and ultimate edition prices confirmed
Rockstar Games has opened pre-orders for Grand Theft Auto 6, confirming the standard edition will cost £69.99 and the Ultimate Edition £89.99 in the UK. The game is set for release on PlayStation 5 and Xbox Series X/S, with pre-orders including a month of GTA+ and the Vintage Vice City Pack. The Ultimate Edition offers additional in-game content such as vehicles, customization options, and exclusive businesses.
Xbox May Have Just Solved A Major Annoyance About Huge Game Updates
Microsoft has released an update for Xbox Insiders that allows players to use cloud gaming to play titles that are currently updating. This feature, available for Game Pass subscribers, addresses a major annoyance for console players who previously could not access games during lengthy update downloads. The update also includes improvements to Gamertags and game hubs for Xbox 360 titles.
Digital Grand Theft Auto 6 pre-orders come with this bonus that you can instantly use to play free GTA games
Digital pre-orders for Grand Theft Auto 6 on PlayStation 5 and Xbox Series X/S include a free month of GTA+. This subscription service offers benefits for GTA Online, such as in-game cash and exclusive vehicles, and grants access to a library of older Rockstar Games titles like Grand Theft Auto V and Red Dead Redemption.
The GTA 6 editions aren't what we expected — here's what's included in the Standard and Ultimate
Rockstar Games has detailed the Standard and Ultimate Editions for Grand Theft Auto 6, priced at $79.99 and $99.99 respectively. Both editions will be digital-only for physical releases, containing a download code instead of a disc. Pre-ordering any edition before November 20 grants the Vintage Vice City Pack.
Somehow this Payday 3 alternative is still getting massive free updates three years after release
Crime Boss: Rockay City, a co-op heist shooter, is continuing to receive significant free updates three years after its initial release. The latest 'Version 2.0' update introduces a new linear story campaign, two new heists, and incorporates content from previous expansions. Ingame Studios has teased that more content is planned, suggesting the game's narrative is not yet complete.
