Don’t overlook the Xbox Series S during Black Friday – it’s incredible value
Black Friday is now well underway, but one thing you won’t find during the annual sales extravaganza is stock of either the PS5 or Xbox Series X. Both consoles remain extremely hard to find, a problem that’s likely to persist for many more months to come. The Xbox Series S, on the other hand, is in plentiful supply – and there are even some enticing bundles and discounts to be had.
Microsoft’s strategy of releasing a less powerful console was dismissed by some as a waste of time, but the longer the Xbox Series X remains sold out, the more attractive the Xbox Series S becomes. And more people are noticing the incredible value it offers.
At a price of just $299 / £249, the Xbox Series S is significantly cheaper than the Xbox Series X and PS5 at $449, which are often bundled with games and accessories to inflate your bill even more.
The Xbox Series S can be purchased on its own or with a subscription to Xbox Game Pass (new subscribers can get 1 month for $1 / for £1), which grants you access to hundreds of games including Halo Infinite and Forza Horizon 5 to name but a few. Xbox All Access is also a possibility if you want to pay for the console in monthly installments.
While the Series S is admittedly a step down from the Series X, it isn’t as drastic as some might think – you’re only really sacrificing resolution and sometimes framerate. Fundamentally, you’re still playing the same games as Xbox Series X owners, like the aforementioned Halo Infinite, and countless other next-gen titles that have been released. You just don’t have to pay through the nose to do it.
While it may seem an insignificant detail, the size of the Xbox Series S deserves the utmost praise. It’s impossibly small – the smallest Xbox Microsoft has ever made in fact – and it looks absolutely gorgeous in person. If console aesthetics mean anything to you, the Xbox Series S is comfortably the best-looking piece of hardware in a generation; it makes the PS5 look like it was designed during a fever dream. It can also be placed vertically or horizontally and is completely silent in operation.
It’s also a great streaming box, capable of outputting Netflix at 4K with Dolby Vision and Dolby Atmos support. You can also enjoy both Dolby technologies while gaming, which is something the PS5 doesn’t offer.
If you’re tired of waiting for an Xbox Series X to come in stock, or a PlayStation fan who simply wants a place to play future Xbox exclusive games like Starfield without breaking the bank, Black Friday and Cyber Monday are great opportunities to pick up the already cheap Xbox Series S and get even more bang for your buck. It’s worth it alone for Halo Infinite’s multiplayer, honestly, which is completely free to play.
Today’s best Xbox Series S Black Friday deals (US)
Today’s best Xbox Series S Black Friday deals (UK)
We’re rounding up all the best Black Friday Xbox Series X/S deals, Black Friday PS5 deals, and Black Friday Nintendo Switch deals, so stay tuned to TechRadar so you don’t miss out on the latest and greatest offers.
More Xbox Series S deals
No matter where you live, you’ll find all the lowest prices for the Xbox Series S from around the web right here, with offers available in your region.
More Black Friday deals
- Amazon: 50% off TVs, apparel, Instant Pot, and more
- Walmart: Black Friday deals on toys, Apple devices, vacuums, and TVs
- AirPods Pro: down to a record-low price of $159 at Amazon
- Adidas: 50% off sportswear and shoes
- Best Buy: up to 50% off Keurig coffee makers, 4K TVs, laptops, and more
- Cheap TVs: smart TVs from $99.99 at Amazon
- Christmas: lights, trees, and ornaments from $6.99 at Amazon
- Christmas pajamas: matching family sets from $14.99 at Amazon
- Clothing: up to 50% off coats, running shoes, and watches at Amazon
- Costco: up to $900 furniture, laptops, TVs, and jewelry
- Deals under $100: Apple pencil, earbuds, Echo Dot and Ring
- Dell: up to $700 off the XPS 13, Inspiron, and Alienware
- DIY: 40% off power tools, leaf blowers, and more at Walmart
- DreamCloud: $200 off luxury mattresses + $399 free gifts
- Frame TV: save up to $1,000 on Samsung’s Frame QLED TV
- Gifts under $30: books, toys, and cheap gift ideas at Amazon
- Home Depot: up to 40% off tools, grills, appliances, and Christmas decor
- HP: laptops starting from $199.99
- Instant Pot: from $84 at Amazon
- Keurig: up to 30% off Keurig coffee makers at Amazon
- Laptops: cheap laptop deals from $149 at Walmart
- Lowe’s: 50% off tools, appliances, and holiday decor
- Microsoft: save up to $400 on the Surface Pro 7
- Nectar Sleep: $499 off our top mattress + $399 in free gifts
- Nike: up to 40% off running shoes, hoodies, sweatpants, and more
- Nintendo Switch: latest stock updates on consoles and games
- Nordstrom: up to 40% off North Face, Adidas, UGG, Nike, and more
- Oculus Quest 2: get a $50 gift card at Amazon
- Saatva: save $250 on luxury mattresses – TechRadar exclusive
- Samsung: up to $3,500 off 4K and 8K QLED TVs
- Shark vacuum: up to 40% off Shark vacs at Amazon
- Target: massive deals on TVs, toys, Dyson, Keurig, and more
- Toys: discounts on LEGO, hoverboards and Barbie at Walmart
- TVs: 4K smart TVs under $500 at Best Buy
- XPS 13 laptop: on sale for $649.99 at Dell (was $949)
- VPN: use the code TECH15 to get PureVPN for only $1.13 per month
Black Friday is now well underway, but one thing you won’t find during the annual sales extravaganza is stock of either the PS5 or Xbox Series X. Both consoles remain extremely hard to find, a problem that’s likely to persist for many more months to come. The Xbox Series S,…
