Xbox Series X

The Xbox Series X is the most powerful Xbox console: about 12 teraflops of RDNA 2 graphics, 16GB of GDDR6 memory, a 1TB SSD and, on the standard model, a 4K Ultra HD Blu-ray drive. It plays Xbox Series X|S games plus thousands of Xbox One, Xbox 360 and original Xbox games, and it is built around Xbox Game Pass. This hub covers every Xbox Series X model, the current price, where to buy one new, used or refurbished, backwards compatibility, and how the biggest games run on it.

When did the Xbox Series X come out?

The Xbox Series X came out on November 10, 2020, alongside the cheaper Xbox Series S. Together they are known as the Xbox Series X|S family. Microsoft has sold roughly 35 million Series X|S consoles. The next generation, Project Helix, is not expected before 2028.

Xbox Series X models

Model	Price (US, since Aug 1, 2026)	Notes
Xbox Series X (1TB, disc)	$799.99	Black, 4K Blu-ray drive
Microsoft Xbox Series X 1TB Digital console	$749.99	Robot White, no disc drive
Xbox Series X 2TB Galaxy Black Special Edition	Being sunset	2TB, disc drive, speckled black design
Xbox Series X25 Limited Edition	$899.99 (from Nov 13, 2026)	Translucent green, numbered, Halo bundle

Xbox Series X Digital Edition (white Xbox Series X)

Launched in October 2024, the white Xbox Series X Digital Edition removes the disc drive and comes in Robot White. Performance is identical. If you want a white Xbox Series X, this is the model. There is no add-on Xbox Series X disc drive, so choose the disc model if you own physical games.

Xbox Series X 2TB Galaxy Black Special Edition

Also launched in 2024, the Xbox Series X 2TB Galaxy Black special edition doubled the storage and added a black-and-green speckled finish. Microsoft is sunsetting it, so remaining stock and used units are all that is left.

Xbox Series X Halo Edition and other special editions

The Xbox Series X Halo Edition (the Halo Infinite Limited Edition from 2021) had a dark metallic design that lit up with the Halo ring and came with a matching controller. Other Xbox Series X special editions include promotional units for Starfield and Forza, and the new X25 for the 25th anniversary. See the Xbox 25th anniversary console.

How much is the Xbox Series X?

How much is an Xbox Series X in late 2026? $799.99 for the disc model and $749.99 for the Digital model in the US, after price increases in May 2025 and on August 1, 2026. It launched at $499.99. For every model and a buying guide, read how much is an Xbox.

Xbox Series X bundles

The best-known bundle is the Microsoft Xbox Series X 1TB SSD Forza Horizon bundle, which has included Forza Horizon 5 and now features the newest Forza release in some markets. Retailers also sell bundles with Call of Duty, sports games and Game Pass time. A bundle is worth buying when the extra game is one you want, or when the bundle price matches the console alone.

Where to buy an Xbox Series X

• Microsoft Store: every model at the official price.
• Walmart Xbox Series X: regular stock and Walmart+ early access during sales.
• Target Xbox Series X: deals during Target Circle Week and Black Friday, often as gift cards.
• GameStop Xbox Series X: new and pre-owned consoles, plus trade-in credit.
• Amazon Xbox Series X: check that the seller is Amazon or Microsoft, not a reseller charging more.
• Xbox Series X at Costco: member bundles with extras and a strong return policy.
• eBay Xbox Series X: the biggest used and limited-edition market; use buyer protection.

Used and refurbished Xbox Series X

A used Xbox Series X typically sells for about $400 to $550 in late 2026, which is far below the new price. A refurbished Xbox Series X from Microsoft, Best Buy or GameStop costs a little more than a used one but includes testing and a warranty. When buying an Xbox Series X used, test the disc drive, check every port, listen for loud fan noise, and make sure the previous owner has removed their account and reset the console.

Xbox Series X backwards compatibility

Can you play Xbox One games on Xbox Series X? Yes, almost all of them. The Series X also plays more than 600 Xbox 360 games and dozens of original Xbox games from the backwards compatibility list. Many older games run better, with higher frame rates, Auto HDR and faster loading. Your digital purchases carry over automatically, and backward compatible discs work in the disc drive. Look up the Xbox backwards compatibility list on xbox.com, or check our Xbox 360 and original Xbox hubs.

Popular games on Xbox Series X

• Halo on Xbox Series X: Halo Infinite, The Master Chief Collection and Halo: Campaign Evolved all run at up to 120fps.
• Starfield Xbox Series X: runs at 30fps or 60fps modes and is on Game Pass.
• Red Dead Redemption 2 on Xbox Series X: plays through backwards compatibility at the Xbox One X version’s quality. The original Red Dead Redemption is also available.
• Resident Evil Requiem Xbox Series X: released February 27, 2026 with performance and quality modes.
• Crimson Desert Xbox Series X: launched March 19, 2026.
• Battlefield 6, Madden 26 and NBA 2K26 on Xbox Series X: all have native Series X|S versions with 4K and 60fps or higher modes.
• Guitar Hero on Xbox Series X: Guitar Hero Live and older Guitar Hero games for Xbox 360 run through backwards compatibility, but you need compatible guitar controllers.

For more, see the best Xbox Series X games and our is it on Xbox list.

Xbox Series X vs other Xbox models

People sometimes search “Xbox Series One S” or “Xbox x series” when they mean different consoles. The Xbox One S (2016) is a previous-generation console; the Xbox Series S (2020) is the current budget model; the Xbox Series X is the current flagship. Compare them in Xbox Series X vs Series S.

Essential Xbox Series X guides

• Xbox Series X expansion card and external storage
• Xbox Series X tips
• Xbox troubleshooting
• Xbox Game Pass

Xbox Series X specs in plain English

The Series X pairs an eight-core AMD Zen 2 processor running at up to 3.8GHz with a 52-compute-unit RDNA 2 graphics chip. In practice that means most games run at 4K and 60fps, many offer 120fps modes on a 120Hz TV, and ray tracing is supported in games that use it. The custom NVMe SSD and Xbox Velocity Architecture cut loading times sharply compared with the Xbox One, and Quick Resume lets you jump between several suspended games in seconds. The console supports HDMI 2.1, variable refresh rate, Dolby Vision for games and Dolby Atmos audio.

Setting up your Xbox Series X

1. Download the Xbox app on your phone; it walks you through setup and transfers your settings.
2. Connect to a 4K 120Hz TV with the included HDMI cable for the best picture, and turn on the TV’s game mode.
3. Update the console, then calibrate HDR in Settings, General, TV and display options.
4. Choose Energy saving or Sleep power mode. Energy saving uses far less power; Sleep lets the console update games in the background and start faster.
5. Plug in an external drive to move your Xbox One games over, or let them download from the cloud.

Is the Xbox Series X worth it in 2026?

It is the best-performing Xbox and the best way to play Game Pass on a big 4K TV. The main drawbacks are the higher price after the 2026 increase and the fact that many Xbox games now come to PS5 and PC too. If you already have a gaming PC, the Xbox app may be enough. If you want a simple, powerful living-room console with a huge library and backward compatibility going back to 2001, the Series X remains an excellent choice.