Xbox
These days Microsoft has revealed a new Xbox controller that has a simply spectacular summer design. Not surprisingly, this version of the pad is called Aqua Shift Special Edition, in reference to its shimmering blue and lateral liquid pattern.The new Aqua Shift controller joins the colorful collection of Microsoft wireless gamepads. Alongside the iridescent body characterized by many shades of blue and light blue depending on how the light is reflected, there are triggers and textured bumpers in the same color. This special edition, like the other controllers, has the hybrid D-pad typical of the new next-gen devices for Xbox Series X and Series S. Do not forget the capture button to share your gameplay moments with social networks, as well as 3.5mm stereo headphone input.
Like any Xbox controller, the Aqua Shift is also compatible with Windows and some mobile devices, both iOS and Android, as well as with the new Microsoft consoles. The Bluetooth technology installed in the gamepad allows an efficient and simple connection with consoles, PCs, smartphones and tablets. The rechargeable battery with USB-C connectivity lasts around 40 hours. You can find the new Xbox Wireless Controller Aqua Shift already pre-orderable on Amazon at a price of about 65 €. Officially the pad will be released on the market on August 31, but in Italy the date is set for September 16, 2021.
Taken the compatibility of the controllers could be expanded even more with the expansion of Microsoft xCloud, the cloud gaming combined with the Xbox Game Pass experience. Just yesterday we told you about how Microsoft is concentrating a lot in the gaming market, also taking advantage of Azure Gaming cloud technologies. In the meantime, be sure to check which are the latest games included in the Pass, and stay updated to discover the new entries for August.
The new Aqua Shift Wireless Controller can be pre-ordered on Amazon by following this link.
Xbox Series X stock - live: More Xbox consoles could drop at Game, plus Very restock news
Supply chain problems continue to plague the Xbox series X, making it virtually impossible for shoppers to find Microsoft’s next-generation console in stock online.
While the cheaper Xbox series S is easier to find in most UK stores, the more powerful Xbox series X console is in higher demand. It’s now been eight months since the console’s launch, but new stock is sporadic and sells out in minutes.
If you want to know where to buy an Xbox series X today, we’ve got you covered. Our stock tracking liveblog will update you with the latest stock drops as soon as they happen, as well as any news on predicted restock dates and milestone events.
Key PointsThe chance of any more Xbox stock appearing today is slimming, so let’s brush up on some basic points.
We’re noticing more retailers are bundling the Xbox series X with extra games, controllers, peripherals and access to Game Pass Ultimate to extend the lifespan of their restocks and dissuade scalpers.
Naturally, this bumps up the price of the Xbox series X, so it’s worth keeping in mind how much everything costs to know whether a bundle is good value or not.
Amazon was one of five retailers to have the Xbox series X in stock in July.
On 14 July, Amazon UK had a small drop of the Xbox series X (£449.99, Amazon.co.uk), which was quickly snapped up by stock hungry shoppers. The world’s largest online retailer is predicted to have new PS5 stock arriving in mid-August, hopefully with Xbox stock following not far behind.
© Provided by The Independent (Xbox)If you can’t wait until then, Amazon currently has the less powerful Xbox series S in stock (£249, Amazon.co.uk).
The Xbox series X is sold out at Game13:09 , Steve HogartyWell, that was brief.
Game’s Xbox series X restock lasted roughly three minutes.
The console was sold through the Xbox All Access programme, where you pay £28.99 per month for two years rather than shelling out £449 for the console up front. You also get two years’ worth of Xbox Game Pass.
The Xbox series X is in stock at Game13:03 , Steve HogartyGame is selling the Xbox series X right now as part of the Xbox All Access bundle.
Buy now
Sign up to the IndyBest newsletter for more deals12:31 , Steve HogartyWant even more shopping insights? Why not sign up to the IndyBest newsletter right now to access the best deals and round-ups of the week’s must-have products, as chosen by our crack team of IndyBest experts.
Dropping into your inbox every Friday morning, the handy digest features items from our tried and tested reviews by experts in the field – helping you make the most informed choice with your hard-earned cash.
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What are the chances of a Very restock today?12:28 , Steve HogartyThe Xbox series X is no longer being reported as in stock, and with that our chances of any new consoles appearing at Very today are in free fall. It may still happen.
We’ll keep checking for new availability at Very and other likely retailers, so stick with us. Xbox restocks become less likely in the afternoon, but they’re far from unusual – we’re most optimistic about potential drops at Currys, Argos and Game.
Reports of Xbox series X in stock at Very right now11:58 , Steve HogartyWe’re seeing reports that the Xbox series X is now in stock at Very.
One stock tracking site, Stock Informer, is reporting availability of Microsoft’s next-generation console, though we’re unable to see any Xbox stock on the retailer’s home page, the Xbox sign up page, or in search results.
This could indicate that Very is about to drop more Xbox series X stock any minute now, so stay on your toes.
Very is currently still selling the PS5 following a long-anticipated restock a few moments ago.
Smyths Toys could restock the Xbox series X soon10:42 , Steve HogartyLots of activity at Smyths Toys right now.
The retailer just restocked the Xbox series X in the Republic of Ireland, which has now sold out.
In the last few minutes Smyths has restocked the PlayStation 5 for click and collect in the UK.
Might an Xbox series X UK restock be next on the retailer’s agenda this morning?
Can you buy an Xbox series X in store?10:30 , Steve HogartyNot only do we continually monitor online retailers for new Xbox stock, but we keep tabs on the availability in physical stores around the country too.
The Xbox series X is rarely spotted in the wild, but they do exist. We’ve heard reports of in-store restocks at John Lewis, Game and Smyths, all while each retailer’s online stores reported the Xbox as sold out.
In-store restocks will most likely be sold out by the time you hear about them from us and jump in your car. Your best chance of finding an Xbox out there in the real world is to stroll into your local stores and start asking questions.
The Xbox series X is in stock at Smyths, but only for Ireland10:05 , Steve HogartySmyths Toys Ireland currently has the Xbox series X in stock for €499.99.
Only customers living in the Republic of Ireland can purchase the console, and deliveries cannot be made to the UK.
Comhghairdeas mo chairde.
Buy now
What’s up with Currys stock right now?10:01 , Steve HogartyWhile we wait for Game and Very to potentially launch their Xbox stock, let’s take a look at a few other likely retailers.
When the Xbox series X debuted in November 2020, Currys PC World was one of the console’s most reliable stockists. Lately however, the electronics store’s shelves have been bare. Currys last had the Xbox series X in stock on 25 June.
We spotted a change to the product listing on the Currys website over the weekend, which could indicate that a restock is happening soon. The “sorry this item is out of stock” notice was replaced by an alluring “email me when back in stock” button. A clue, perhaps? We’ve got our comically large magnifying glass trained on Currys in either case.
© Provided by The Independent (Microsoft)The cheaper Xbox series S is currently in stock (£279, Currys.co.uk)
When will Asda have the Xbox series X in stock?09:41 , Steve HogartyIf you subscribe to the school of thought that Xbox series X restocks happen at the same time as PlayStation restocks, then keep one eye on Asda this morning.
Moments ago, the retailer had a teeny PS5 restock lasting just a few minutes.
We think the chances are slim though. Asda doesn’t behave like many other UK retailers, and tends to just fling stock online whenever it feels like it. A choreographed effort to simultaneously restock both next-gens would be out of character for this retailer. It would also be Asda’s first Xbox series X restock in at least six months.
Does John Lewis have the Xbox series X in stock?09:12 , Steve HogartyNo it does not. When it has them, John Lewis is polite enough to restock its next-gen consoles at around 7am.
That didn’t happen this morning, so it’s a safe enough bet to take the retailer off our stock tracking radar for the rest of the day. Not all the way off, mind you. Our delicate Xbox series X sensors will still light up like Blackpool illuminations if John Lewis decides to restock at some wild hour of the afternoon.
You can’t get anything past us.
Very could restock the Xbox in the next half an hour08:52 , Steve HogartyAnother lead suspect in our hunt for an Xbox series X is Very, everybody’s favourite hot pink retailer.
Very is heavily rumoured to be launching more PS5 stock between 9am and 12pm this morning, and the retailer has a habit of restocking the Xbox series X at the same time. Very uses a waiting room system too, so be prepared to queue should the drop materialise.
We could be up to our knees in console in just a few minutes.
When will Game restock the Xbox series X?08:44 , Steve HogartyNumber one on our list of candidates for a potential Xbox series X restock this morning is Game.
The retailer accidentally activated its Xbox series X product page for 45 minutes yesterday afternoon, allowing shoppers to add the console to their baskets only to be hit with an “out of stock” message at the last hurdle.
We predict Game is preparing for an actual restock very soon.
Follow our Xbox series X liveblog for stock tracking updates08:10 , Steve HogartyGood morning, Xbox hunters!
We have a big day ahead of us, so we hope you’ve eaten your oats.
Game was tinkering around the edges of its Xbox series X product page yesterday and accidentally flicked the “sell lots of Xboxes” switch too soon. Now we think the real thing could happen at any moment.
And Very could restock between 9am and 12pm today, based on a rumour spotted by none other than our friends over on the PS5 stock tracking liveblog.
Get your Maestro card out baby, today’s going to be our lucky day.
Xbox stock trackers, signing offTuesday 3 August 2021 16:56 , Steve HogartyAfter a long Xbox drought, things are finally picking up.
This afternoon we had a Schrodinger’s drop from Game. The ‘buy’ button was on, but no stock was home. But earlier this morning we had an actual restock from AO.com, and we’re increasingly confident we’re going to see even more Xbox stock arriving tomorrow.
Based on previous restocking patterns – and retailers’ growing tendency to release Xbox stock around the same time as PS5 stock – we’re predicting that John Lewis could restock the Xbox series X between 7am and 7:30am tomorrow morning, and Very could restock between 9am and 12pm.
To be the first to know when new stock lands, join us again tomorrow morning for more updates. Bye bye!
Xbox series X now listed as out of stock at GameTuesday 3 August 2021 16:20 , Steve HogartyHaving flaunted it in our faces for 45 minutes, Game has finally removed the ‘buy’ button from its Xbox series X page and listed the console as out of stock again.
For all the trouble they’ve caused us this afternoon, Game has earned the top spot on our “who’s most likely to restock the Xbox series X next” league table.
Xbox series X “may be available soon” says GameTuesday 3 August 2021 16:15 , Steve HogartyA tweet from Game suggests that the Xbox series X is currently available to purchase through the Xbox All Access programme, though we’ve checked and that doesn’t seem to be the case right now. It appears to be out of stock.
The tweet also suggests the console may be available to purchase soon.
“Soon”.
We’re currently in a staring contest with GameTuesday 3 August 2021 15:59 , Steve Hogarty
© Provided by The Independent (GAME)At 3:31pm, Game turned the “BUY NEW” button on its Xbox series X page from an off-putting shade of sold-out grey to a plump and enticing purple.
This sent stock trackers absolutely wild for a good 15 seconds until the crushing realisation that there’s sadly still no Xbox stock available.
It could be an error, or it could be preparing the page for an imminent restock.
That restock could be seconds away, or it could be tomorrow morning.
For now, we stare.
That may have been a false alarmTuesday 3 August 2021 15:32 , Steve HogartyThe Game restock alert may have been premature.
The retailer updated the product page minutes ago to make the ‘buy’ button active, but either they sold out in less than five seconds or – more likely – Game has activated their ‘buy’ button before they’ve actually added any Xbox stock to their system.
The Xbox series X product page just went live at GameTuesday 3 August 2021 15:22 , Steve Hogarty
© Provided by The Independent (Microsoft)Game is currently listing the Xbox series X for £449. It can also be bought via Xbox All Access, the pay as you go alternative to purchasing the console up front.
However, clicking through seems to reveal there’s no stock available. Potentially a glitch, or maybe they’re about to drop a whole heap of consoles.
Buy now
Will Very restock the Xbox tomorrow?Tuesday 3 August 2021 15:21 , Steve HogartyAnother retailer due for a restock this week is Very.
The retailer last had the Xbox series X in stock on 20 July. Once customers navigated their way out of the waiting room, they could choose from one of a number of optional bundles, including three months of Game Pass and an additional controller.
Notably, Very restocked the Xbox and the PS5 at the same time that day. This was probably a nightmare for their IT team, but it’s turned out to be invaluable intel for us stock trackers. Very is heavily rumoured to have the PS5 back in stock tomorrow morning, so we predict the Xbox series X could make another appearance too.
The retailer is currently selling the less powerful Xbox series S (£249.99, Very.co.uk), with similar options available on bundles and add-ons.
Can you buy an Xbox series X in store?Tuesday 3 August 2021 14:24 , Steve HogartyNot only do we scan for fresh stock at online retailers up and down the information superhighway, but our diligent network of little birdies keeps tabs on the availability of the Xbox in physical stores around the country.
Finding the Xbox series X on an actual shelf is rare, but it does happen.
Most recently we’ve heard of the Xbox series X in stock at the John Lewis in the Bluewater Shopping Centre in Dartford last week. Before that we had reports of high-street Game and Smyths stores reserving physical stock of the Xbox, which can’t be purchased online.
It’s a long shot, but it’s worth popping into local shops to ask about the Xbox series X.
The best TVs for gaming on Xbox series XTuesday 3 August 2021 13:26 , Steve HogartyWith all this focus on where to buy an Xbox series X, let’s not overlook the thing you’ll be plugging it into. Is your TV ready for Microsoft’s next-generation console?
The Xbox series X can output at 8K resolution, though most games will only ever be running at a maximum of 4K. That’s the highest resolution most reasonably priced TVs can reach.
Here’s the cheat sheet to explain things – a pixel is the individual dot you see when you get right up close to the screen, and more pixels means a sharper image.
When we go sharper than this, the marketing folks start measuring by horizontal pixels (and rounding up?!) to make things sound more impressive.
If your TV only goes up to 1080p, you won’t be getting the most out of your new Xbox series X. To help you upgrade your set without breaking the bank, we’ve pulled together a list of the best 4K TV deals for entertainment, movies and gaming.
© Provided by The Independent10 best 4K TVs for needle-sharp viewing
Sign up to the IndyBest newsletter for more dealsTuesday 3 August 2021 12:27 , Steve HogartyWant even more shopping insights? Why not sign up to the IndyBest newsletter right now to access the best deals and round-ups of the week’s must-have products, as chosen by our crack team of IndyBest experts.
Dropping into your inbox every Friday morning, the handy digest features items from our tried and tested reviews by experts in the field – helping you make the most informed choice with your hard-earned cash.
Get the IndyBest newsletter and access to all of our other newsletters now by clicking below.
© Provided by The IndependentIndyBest newsletter - Sign up for your essential weekly shopping guide
What about Argos Xbox stock?Tuesday 3 August 2021 11:30 , Steve Hogarty
© Provided by The Independent (Microsoft)Argos could restock as early as this afternoon.
It’s been more than a month since the retailer had any stock of the Xbox series X, and the store tends to make new consoles available once every four weeks on average. That places Argos near the top of our list of retailers most likely to restock soon.
The best way to buy an Xbox series X from Argos is through the app and by adding the console to your wish list. You have better luck checking out by following the link on your wish list page rather than through the product page.
Does Smyths have the Xbox series X in stock?Tuesday 3 August 2021 11:04 , Steve HogartyAs spotted by our PS5 stock tracking liveblog just minutes ago, Smyths Toys has restocked the PS5 for click and collect customers. As ever, the console is selling out quickly.
Online retailers are likely to restock the Xbox series X around the same time as Sony’s next-gen console, so head to this Smyths Toys page to check for new availability. By bookmarking the search results page rather than the product page, you’ll also catch any potential Xbox bundles that appear.
Check us out, just giving away our most precious and secret stock tracking tips for free.
Of course, we’ll be dutifully monitoring retailers throughout the day to bring you live stock updates, so feel free to give your F5 key a rest.
Is the Xbox series X in stock at John Lewis?Tuesday 3 August 2021 10:38 , Steve HogartyThe Xbox series X is not in stock at John Lewis. Or anywhere for that matter.
The historic department store restocked the PlayStation 5 at around 7:15am this morning. That’s 15 minutes later than usual, and spoils one of our most reliable pieces of stock tracking intel. Until now John Lewis was a 7am restocker, come rain or shine.
We’re seeing PS5 and Xbox stock arriving in tandem now, so all eyes should be on John Lewis tomorrow morning at (or shortly after) 7am.
When is the Xbox series X back in stock at Currys?Tuesday 3 August 2021 10:22 , Steve HogartyLet’s take a closer look at the live stock situation at Currys PC World.
The retailer last had the Xbox series X in stock on 25 June, and before that was a reliable and regular stockist of Microsoft’s next-generation console.
We spotted a small change to the product listing on the Currys website, which happened over the weekend and could indicate an imminent restock. The “sorry this item is out of stock” notice was replaced by a more alluring “email me when back in stock” button.
Does this mean that Currys is expecting another allocation of Xboxes soon? We think it might.
© Provided by The Independent (Microsoft)One thing’s for certain though, the cheaper Xbox series S is currently in stock (£279, Currys.co.uk).
Where is the Xbox series X in stock today?Tuesday 3 August 2021 10:01 , Steve HogartySo which retailers are most likely to have the Xbox series X in stock today?
We already know that Amazon UK and Game are both prepping for a big restock of the PlayStation 5 in mid-August, and increasingly we’re seeing Xbox series X restocks happening alongside restocks of the rival Sony console. So let’s pop those two retailers in a holding pattern for now.
As for the chances of something happening today? Since AO.com dropped its stock this morning, we’re setting our sights on the two retailers most overdue an Xbox series X restock.
Those are Currys PC World and Argos.
Will August have more Xbox stock?Tuesday 3 August 2021 09:29 , Steve HogartyAs we venture further into August, we should start to see a real increase in the number of available consoles arriving on shelves. Microsoft will want to unstick whatever’s clogging up its pipeline as much as it can in the run up to the busiest shopping season of the year.
And as always, stay with us to be the first to hear about more Xbox restocks happening today. Not to pat ourselves on the back too much, but we did predict the AO.com Xbox restock yesterday evening. Pat pat pat pat pat.
© Provided by The Independent (The Independent)How to buy an Xbox series X from AO.comTuesday 3 August 2021 08:58 , Steve HogartyWhenever AO.com restocks the Xbox series X, the retailer requires shoppers to jump through some strange hoops to get the console into their basket. The “add to basket” button will stay firmly greyed out, despite the console being available.
Here’s what you need to do. This only works on Google Chrome on the desktop.
The AO.com Xbox restock coincided with a flurry of fresh availability of the PlayStation 5, too.
This morning, Sony’s next-generation console came back into stock at John Lewis and EE. The former has now sold out, and you have to be an existing EE customer to take advantage of the latter offer.
This is yet more evidence that new stock of both consoles seems to be dropping at the same time. A cosmic console ballet, unfurling before our eyes. Check out our PS5 stock tracking liveblog for more updates.
© Provided by The IndependentEE PS5 consoles are in stock now, plus more restock news
The Xbox series X is now sold out at AO.comTuesday 3 August 2021 08:13 , Steve HogartyAO.com had the Xbox series X in stock earlier this morning at 7:30am, though the console sold out faster than it took to eat our Weetabix.
It was the first time AO.com had restocked since 13 July, and the console was sold as part of a £504 bundle including an extra wireless controller.
Xbox stock trackers, signing offMonday 2 August 2021 17:02 , Steve HogartyWell that’s it for another day of tracking the live availability of the Xbox series X across every UK retailer simultaneously. Phew! Let me quickly grab my calculator to figure out how many amazing restocks we had today.
There were a total of 0 (zero) restocks.
But let’s not be disheartened. Every day without an Xbox brings us closer to the big drop we’ve all been waiting for. We predict new stock will arrive at Currys, Argos or AO.com some time in the next few days, based on how long these three retailers tend to go between restocks.
To be the first to know when new Xbox stock pops up, be sure to join us again on the liveblog tomorrow morning.
Be safe!
Where can you buy a PS5 today?Monday 2 August 2021 16:08 , Steve HogartyMicrosoft isn’t the only company struggling to produce any consoles. The PlayStation 5 is about as difficult to find as the Xbox series X, though we’ve a better idea of which retailers are most likely to restock Sony’s next-generation console soon.
BT, yes the phone company, received an allocation of PS5s earlier today – though you had to have signed up for alerts from the retailer ahead of time to be in with a chance of buying one. Follow our PS5 stock tracking liveblog for more updates on new PS5 stock as it arrives.
© Provided by The IndependentArgos, Asda, John Lewis and more PS5 stock could drop first in August
Xbox series X and Xbox series S comparisonMonday 2 August 2021 15:39 , Steve HogartyThere are two next-generation Xboxes, the less powerful Xbox series S and the more advanced Xbox series X. So what’s the difference?
Next-generation Xbox games will run on both consoles – you’ll see games advertised as being available for “Xbox series X/S” – though on the less powerful Xbox series S the overall graphics quality and performance will be dialled down. The Xbox series S does not have a disc drive, and can only play downloaded games, though it’s still fully backwards compatible with games for older Xbox consoles.
© Provided by The Independent (Microsoft)The Xbox series S is much easier to find in stock than the series X. It’s also cheaper and costs just £249 (Amazon.co.uk). Here are the Xbox series S’s specs:
And for comparison, these are the Xbox series X specs below. There’s a pretty big gulf between the two consoles in terms of hardware, so if you’re in search of a truly next-generation upgrade we’d wait for the Xbox series X to come back in stock.
For those of you just joining us, hello! The Xbox series X is out of stock everywhere, and now you’re up to speed.
There’s a healthy chance we’ll see a restock at Smyths Toys this month. The retailer hasn’t had the Xbox series X in stock online since mid-June, though we hear it’s possible to find the console in some physical stores. If you have a local branch it’s worth dropping in and asking about availability.
When the Xbox is in stock online, Smyths is one of three retailers – along with Game and 4Gadgets – to offer the Xbox All Access programme, a pay-as-you-go alternative to buying the console at full price. You pay £28.99 per month for 24 months, get Xbox Game Pass Ultimate thrown in, and own the console at the end of the term.
You can play Xbox games on your laptopMonday 2 August 2021 13:53 , Steve HogartyThis might tide you over while we wait for the Xbox series X to come back into stock: Xbox Game Pass Ultimate subscribers can play a selection of Xbox games on their PC right now using Microsoft’s cloud streaming service.
You don’t need a gaming PC, just a fast enough internet connection. Xbox Cloud Gaming streams games from Microsoft’s servers to your laptop or phone, via your internet browser or the Xbox app. Cloud gaming requires a membership to Xbox Game Pass Ultimate (£32.99, Argos.co.uk), which unlocks on-demand access to more than 100 games.
Thankfully, decent laptops are much easier to find than the Xbox series X. If you’re thinking of upgrading, check out our list of the best laptops in 2021.
© Provided by The IndependentThe ultimate guide to the best laptops of 2021
Sign up to the IndyBest newsletter for more dealsMonday 2 August 2021 12:52 , Steve HogartyWant even more shopping insights? Why not sign up to the IndyBest newsletter right now to access the best deals and round-ups of the week’s must-have products, as chosen by our crack team of IndyBest experts.
Dropping into your inbox every Friday morning, the handy digest features items from our tried and tested reviews by experts in the field – helping you make the most informed choice with your hard-earned cash.
Get the IndyBest newsletter and access to all of our other newsletters now by clicking below.
© Provided by The IndependentIndyBest newsletter - Sign up for your essential weekly shopping guide
Read our full review of the Xbox series XMonday 2 August 2021 12:29 , Steve HogartyWill reading our review of the Xbox series X make hanging around for new stock a little more bearable? Probably not.
Our profile of the most advanced Xbox yet describes a powerful machine that’s still waiting on truly next-generation games to take advantage of the hardware. The pandemic has slowed more than just the production of games consoles. Many videogames have had their development schedules delayed by the sudden shift to remote working in 2020, meaning the launch dates of major titles have had to be pushed back.
Still, the Xbox series X is impressive. As our reviewer (well, I) put it, “inside the black box are some seriously powerful components, matching a high-end gaming PC in a chassis that’s about the size of a loaf of Hovis.”
© Provided by The IndependentHalf a year after it launched, is now the time buy the Xbox series X?
New games coming to Xbox Game Pass in AugustMonday 2 August 2021 12:01 , Steve Hogarty
© Provided by The Independent (Microsoft)Microsoft Flight Simulator (£59.99, Very.co.uk) is the hottest game on Xbox Game Pass right now, but there are a slew of new titles arriving on the subscription service throughout August. Here’s the full list.
Xbox Game Pass is essentially Netflix for gaming, offering players access to more than 100 games for a flat montly fee. Subscribers can also access discounts on buying games from the Xbox store.
© Provided by The IndependentXbox Game Pass 2021: Is it worth the money?
The Xbox series X hard drive has £40 off at AmazonMonday 2 August 2021 11:27 , Steve Hogarty
© Provided by The Independent (Seagate)While we wait for more Xbox series X stock to materialise, you might want to consider boosting your future console’s available storage.
The Seagate 1TB storage expansion card (£179.99. Amazon.co.uk) doubles the capacity of the Xbox series X you don’t own yet. This is the cheapest the SSD has been, so if the thought of running out of space is keeping you up at night, now’s a good opportunity to pick one up.
With download sizes ballooning and games like Microsoft Flight Simulator (£59.99, Very.co.uk) hogging up to 100GB of the Xbox’s built in hard drive, it likely won’t be long until expansion drives are a required accessory.
Currys PC World has price matched Amazon (£179.99, Currys.co.uk).
PS5 vs Xbox series X: which console is better?Monday 2 August 2021 10:58 , Steve HogartyIf you’re following an Xbox series X stock tracking liveblog, chances are you’ve already decided which next-generation console you prefer.
But if you’re still on the fence and in need a bit of guidance, check out our comprehensive comparison of the PlayStation 5 and Xbox series X.
© Provided by The IndependentPS5 vs Xbox series X: Which console is better?
Where is the Xbox series S in stock?Monday 2 August 2021 10:42 , Steve Hogarty © Provided by The Independent (Microsoft)The Xbox series S is the less powerful version of the Xbox series X, but it’s still a fantastic games machine. And if there’s one major advantage it has over the more advanced Xbox series X, it’s that you can actually buy one right now.
The Xbox series S is backwards compatible and runs the same next-generation games, but at lower resolutions and with some of the fancier graphics options dialled down or switched off. It also doesn’t have a disc drive, so you can’t play your physical games collection, only the games that you download.
For that reason the Xbox series X is considered by purists to be the “true” next-generation Xbox, and so the more powerful console is in much higher demand. This means it’s relatively easy to find the Xbox series S in stock online. Here are a few spots you can pick one up today.
The Xbox series X is smashing sales recordsMonday 2 August 2021 10:24 , Steve HogartyDespite being so hard to find, the Xbox series X was somehow still the second best selling console in the UK in June, and the fastest selling console Microsoft has ever produced. An estimated 6-7 million Xboxes have been sold so far.
In terms of overall sales, the Nintendo Switch is the second best selling console and the PlayStation 5 leads the pack, with an estimated 10 million consoles shipped. We’ve already begun tracking pre-order availability of the new Nintendo Switch OLED. That console launches in October.
Pre-orders for the Nintendo Switch OLED (£309.99, Amazon.co.uk) are sold out at Amazon, so check out our Nintendo Switch stock tracker for updates on new pre-order availability as it arrives.
© Provided by The IndependentHow to pre-order the Nintendo Switch OLED in the UK
Can you buy an Xbox series X in store?Monday 2 August 2021 10:13 , Steve HogartyThe Independent won’t spare the budget to embed highly trained stock tracking spies in every physical store in the UK, but we do continuously monitor social media and games forums for reports of shoppers finding the Xbox series X in stock on the high street.
Given the general scarcity of Microsoft’s next-generation console, in-store restocks happen more often than you’d expect. Certain branches of Game and Smyths Toys have reportedly had the Xbox series X available to purchase in-store, despite neither retailers stocking the console online since June.
It’s worth asking at your local high-street branch of Game if they’ve the Xbox series X in stock, or if they operate a pre-order list.
Is the Xbox series X in stock at John Lewis?Monday 2 August 2021 09:56 , Steve HogartyJohn Lewis & Partners is a retailer of habit.
The store is currently sold out of the Xbox series X, but unlike most other retailers – who like to take us by surprise – John Lewis tends to restock at precisely 7am. This makes it one of the easier online stores to monitor for new Xbox series X stock, though no new consoles have appeared there in several months now.
Will Xbox supply issues get worse before they get better?Monday 2 August 2021 09:40 , Steve HogartyThe global shortage of silicon semiconductors – a vital component in everything from electric toothbrushes to cars – is still wreaking havoc on supply chains everywhere.
CNBC reports that smartphone manufacturers could be in trouble next. Companies like Samsung and Apple had so far been insulated from the problem as they stockpiled microchips, but now those supplies are running out and increased demand for chips from other industries is ramping up costs even further.
Far from being over, the semiconductor shortage looks set to continue for some time.
© Provided by The IndependentThis is why it’s so hard to buy a PS5 right now
When is the Xbox series X back in stock at Currys?Monday 2 August 2021 09:28 , Steve Hogarty © Provided by The Independent (Microsoft)When the Xbox series X launched, Currys PC World was one of the console’s most reliable stockists. Lately however, the electronics store hasn’t had two Xboxes to rub together. Currys last had the Xbox series X in stock on 25 June.
We spotted a small change to the product listing on the Currys website over the weekend, which could indicate an imminent restock. The “sorry this item is out of stock” notice has been replaced by an alluring “email me when back in stock” button.
Does this mean that Currys is expecting another allocation of Xboxes shortly? Or simply that we’ve had so few restocks lately that we’re clutching at straws?
The cheaper Xbox series S is currently in stock (£279, Currys.co.uk)
Where is the Xbox series X in stock this week?Monday 2 August 2021 08:58 , Steve HogartyLet’s reset and put the abject stocklessness of last week behind us, shall we? Which retailers are most likely to have the Xbox series X in stock this week?
Amazon UK and Game are both prepping for a big restock of the PlayStation 5 in mid-August, and increasingly we’re seeing Xbox series X restocks happening alongside restocks of the rival Sony console.
Before then, we’d pin our hopes on one of three retailers who are now long overdue some Xbox series X stock: Currys, Argos and AO.com
Follow our liveblog for the latest Xbox series X stock newsMonday 2 August 2021 08:26 , Steve HogartyGood morning Xbox hunters!
Welcome to this week’s Xbox series X stock tracking liveblog, where we’ll be dutifully scanning the shelves of every UK retailer to bring you live updates on available stock as soon as it appears.
Last week saw a grand total of two Xbox restocks from The Game Collection and Box, both as part of expensive bundles – bad news for anyone who just wants the base console by itself.
Stock of Microsoft’s next-generation console is now as scarce as it’s ever been, though tipsters are hopefully we’ll see an uptick as we enter August, We’re hoping they’re right.