Microsoft Xbox Series X
The Xbox Series X is the definitive home for Game Pass subscribers, offering powerful 4K gaming, four-generation backward compatibility, and an ever-growing library — though sharp 2026 price increases have narrowed its value advantage.
via Amazon.com
Check Price at AmazonAs an Amazon Associate, we may earn from qualifying purchases at no extra cost to you.
- +Xbox Game Pass provides access to hundreds of games including GTA 6 day-one on the platform
- +Unmatched backward compatibility spanning four Xbox generations
- +Powerful 4K/120fps performance with Dolby Vision and Dolby Atmos
- −Significant price increase in August 2026 makes it one of the most expensive mainstream consoles
- −Fewer notable first-party exclusives compared to PlayStation
- −Next-generation Project Helix console reportedly arriving by late 2027 affects long-term value
Microsoft's Xbox Series X enters late 2026 as a powerful but increasingly expensive proposition. A third round of price hikes took effect on August 1, 2026, pushing the 1TB disc model to $799.99 — a $300 increase over its 2020 launch price. Microsoft attributed the increases to DRAM and NAND flash prices rising more than 2.5x since late 2025 due to demand from AI data centers. In the same wave, Sony and Nintendo also raised prices across their respective lines, so the Xbox Series X, despite being costlier, is not uniquely expensive relative to the market. What the Xbox Series X still delivers is considerable. Its custom AMD Zen 2 CPU and 12-teraflop RDNA 2 GPU match the PS5 in raw performance, capable of native 4K gaming at up to 120fps with full Dolby Vision and Atmos support. Quick Resume remains one of the most underappreciated features in gaming, letting you switch between multiple games instantly — a daily-use quality-of-life improvement that owners consistently mention in long-term feedback. Backward compatibility is the Series X's standout advantage: it runs games from the original Xbox, Xbox 360, and Xbox One era, many with enhanced resolution and frame rates, and that library only expands over time. The biggest ongoing appeal is Xbox Game Pass. The subscription gives access to hundreds of titles including every first-party Microsoft release at launch, plus EA Play integration and cloud streaming. GTA 6, launching in November 2026 exclusively on current-gen consoles (no PC at launch), will be available through the platform. Upcoming titles including Gears of War: E-Day and Clockwork Revolution have also reinvigorated enthusiasm for the Xbox exclusive pipeline under new CEO Asha Sharma. The Xbox controller remains comfortable but lacks the innovative features of the DualSense, and the user interface continues to feel cluttered compared to the cleaner PlayStation home screen. At $799.99 for a 1TB disc model, the Xbox Series X is harder to recommend to budget-conscious buyers than it was even a year ago. But for anyone committed to the Xbox ecosystem — especially Game Pass subscribers or those with an existing library — it remains a powerful and content-rich choice.
Last updated:
James has reviewed consumer electronics and gadgets for over 6 years. He specializes in audio equipment, cameras, and smart home devices.
Last updated:
Microsoft Xbox Series X – FAQs
Yes, for most buyers. The Microsoft Xbox Series X stands out for: Xbox Game Pass provides access to hundreds of games including GTA 6 day-one on the platform and Unmatched backward compatibility spanning four Xbox generations. The main trade-offs are Significant price increase in August 2026 makes it one of the most expensive mainstream consoles. Check our full Electronics and Gadgets comparison for alternatives.