4 drawbacks you should know before buying an Xbox Series X
The Xbox Series X can still deliver a strong gaming experience, but the article argues that its value has weakened six years after launch. Higher console prices, rising Game Pass costs and the availability of current Xbox games on PC make buying one harder to justify.
The article says Series X prices now average $725 to $900, compared with its original $499 launch price in November 2020; a disc-based 1TB model typically costs about $799. Game Pass Ultimate, which cost $14.99 a month when it launched in 2019, is now $22.99 after briefly rising to $29.99, and includes 15 hours of cloud streaming each month. The article also points to the more powerful PS5 Pro and the option of playing many Xbox games on PC.
In short
- Series X prices have risen sharply since launch.
- Game Pass Ultimate now costs $22.99 monthly.
- A PS5 Pro or gaming PC may offer better value.
Steelman: both sides, in good faith
The strongest fair case each way — we don't pick a winner.
The case for
The Series X can still be a worthwhile choice for players who want a straightforward living-room console, value its disc drive and existing Xbox library, or prefer not to buy and maintain a gaming PC. Its strong gaming experience and access to Game Pass may justify the cost for people who play often and make use of the subscription’s catalogue and cloud streaming.
The case against
At current prices, the Series X may offer less value than it did at launch, particularly for buyers who also face higher Game Pass fees. People with a capable PC can play many Xbox games without buying the console, while those seeking stronger hardware may prefer the PS5 Pro; occasional players may find the combined purchase and subscription costs hard to justify.
Explained simply
The Xbox Series X is a home video game console made by Microsoft and released in November 2020. It plays games bought on disc or downloaded from Microsoft’s online store, and it can also be used with Game Pass, a monthly subscription that gives access to a changing library of games.
Microsoft sells the console and Game Pass, while Sony’s PlayStation 5 is its main rival. Many Xbox games are also available on Windows PCs, so some players can use a computer instead of buying a console.
The costs of consoles and subscriptions can change over time, which affects how much value buyers get. Comparing the Series X with a PC or other consoles can help people decide which setup suits their games and budget.