Xbox series X stock - live: Who could restock Microsoft’s console next before Christmas?
UPDATE: The Xbox series X is now sold out at Currys. Read on for more details.
The Xbox series X is Microsoft’s fastest-selling console, but despite its apparent success the next-generation games machine is still almost impossible to find in stock anywhere in the UK, both online and in-store.
Bottlenecks in the manufacturing process and a global semiconductor shortage have slowed the production of the newest Xbox, leaving shoppers in the UK wondering where they can get their hands on one.
The smaller, less powerful and much cheaper Xbox series S is easier to find, but the more advanced series X typically sells out within minutes of hitting the shelves. So, knowing when and where the newest console will be restocked next is key to grabbing one before they sell out again.
That’s why we launched our Xbox stock alerts liveblog, and if you’re wondering where to buy an Xbox Series X in the UK today ahead of Christmas, we’re on hand to help. Below, we’ll update you with the latest live restock updates as soon as they happen, as well as any news on predicted restock dates, new games and accessories and milestone events.
Read more:
Check stock from UK Xbox Series X retailers below:
Key Points
Xbox All Access had a busy weekend
Is the Xbox series X available at Game?
What’s the difference between Xbox series X and series S?
Xbox stock trackers, signing off
16:49 , Steve Hogarty
Well that’s all from us, we’re downing stock tracking tools for the rest of the evening.
Hopefully you managed to grab a console at either Currys or Very earlier today, and you won’t be darkening our doorstep any longer with your incessant need for Xboxes.
We’re approaching the last few drops before Christmas, so if you’re still trying to get Microsoft’s newest games machine under the tree, we recommend that you join us again tomorrow when we’ll be resuming the hunt.
Bye bye!
How to buy an Xbox series X online
16:31 , Steve Hogarty
While we wait for more stock to arrive, here are a few general tips on bagging Microsoft’s next-gen console when it appears.
Register accounts at the retailers most likely to restock, such as Amazon, Currys PC World, Smyths Toys, Argos and Game
Add your payment details and delivery address in advance for a speedy checkout
Download each retailer’s app and add the Xbox series X to your wish list (or “save for later” list)
When the console drops, use the link in your wish list to add the Xbox to your trolley – this usually has a higher success rate that navigating through the website
Keep note of the prices of bundles to ensure you’re getting a good deal. Rounding up, the console itself is £450, controllers are £50, the official headset is £90, and Xbox Game Pass Ultimate costs £11 per month. Newly released game are £60, but retailers usually bundle older games with the console
The pay-as-you-go Xbox All Access programme is good value for money, so long as you don’t already have a Game Pass subscription
Read our full review of the Xbox series X
15:34 , Steve Hogarty
If you can’t buy an Xbox series X, why not do the next best thing and read all about it?
Our review 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 video games 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 review puts 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.”
Half a year after it launched, is now the time buy the Xbox series X?
What’s the difference between Xbox series X and series S?
14:37 , Steve Hogarty
Microsoft makes two versions of the Xbox series game console, called the series S (£249, Amazon.co.uk) and the series X. The former is cheaper and less powerful, but is also far more widely available than the more powerful and more expensive (but very tricky to find) series X.
As well as being smaller – and white instead of black – the series S has 512GB of solid-state storage, which is half that of the 1TB found in the Xbox series X. The S has four teraflops of processing power compared to the series X’s 12 teraflops, and it is limited to displaying games at a resolution of 1440p, whereas the series X can output games in 4K. That said, the series S can play video content from apps like Netflix and Prime Video in 4K resolution.
Lastly, and unlike the series X, the series S does not have a disc drive, so games have to be downloaded from the Microsoft Store and it cannot play Blu-ray movies.
The Xbox series S is priced at £249.99 and the series X is £449.99, making the smaller console great value for gamers who don’t demand 4K gaming. And you can actually buy one today, which is a nice bonus.
The best TVs for gaming on Xbox series X
13:38 , Steve Hogarty
To get the most out of the Xbox series X, you’ll need a 4K television.
A lot of next-gen games allow you to choose between a performance mode and a graphics mode. Performance mode dials down the graphics settings in favour of smoother framerates of 60fps or more, while the graphics mode enables higher resolutions and fancier visual effects at the expense of framerate.
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.
9 best 4K TVs for needle-sharp viewing
You can play Xbox games on your laptop
12:39 , Steve Hogarty
You don’t actually need an Xbox series X to play Xbox series X games, just a fast enough internet connection and a compatible streaming device.
Xbox Cloud Gaming streams games from Microsoft’s servers to your console, laptop or phone, via your internet browser or the Xbox app. How does cloud gaming work? Well it’s basically like being on a Zoom call with a game that you’re controlling, meaning you can jump into new games at the push of a button rather than waiting around for your download to finish.
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.
The ultimate guide to the best laptops of 2021
Sign up to the IndyBest newsletter for more deals
11:43 , Steve Hogarty
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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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When did the Microsoft Store last have Xbox stock?
11:10 , Steve Hogarty
You’d think the official Xbox store would be the best place to find the Xbox series X in stock, but the retailer has to fight for the limited supply of consoles just like everybody else.
The store last had the Xbox series X in stock on 30 November. We’re expecting to see more availability in the run up to Christmas.
Does Game have the Xbox in stock?
10:33 , Steve Hogarty
Though it’s sold out right now, Game has had the Xbox All Access programme in stock intermittently for the last two weeks. The pay-as-you-go alternative to buying the console at full price costs £28.99 per month for 24 months, and comes with two years of Game Pass Ultimate included.
The retailer also sometimes stocks the Halo Infinite limited edition Xbox series X bundle. Game last had that limited edition Xbox at the end of October. We’ll let you know if Game receives another allocation of Xbox stock.
What’s happening with Amazon’s Xbox series X stock?
10:04 , Steve Hogarty
Aside from an incredibly brief restock on 24 November, Amazon has been missing the Xbox series X for months now.
It’s occasionally been possible to buy the console from Amazon’s European sites – the Xbox was in stock at Amazon Germany and Amazon France in recent weeks – though importing the Xbox from the EU incurs a hefty wodge of taxes, delivery charges and fees. Expect to pay at least £100 extra to buy an Xbox this way.
If you’ve given up on waiting, Amazon currently has the less powerful Xbox series S in stock (£249, Amazon.co.uk).
Is the Xbox stock situation getting better or worse?
09:40 , Steve Hogarty
We’ve been tracking the availability of the Xbox series X stock for months now, and while analysts say that the global shortage of microchips is still affecting production, lately we’ve been seeing more Xbox stock drops than usual.
Many retailers have found ways to evade scalpers – Game prefers to restock the Xbox All Access programme, and sites like Currys bundle the console with accessories to cut into the scalpers’ profit margins.
This means more Xbox consoles are finding their way into shoppers’ hands than ever.
The Xbox series X is in stock at Very
09:18 , Steve Hogarty
The Xbox series X is in stock at Very right now. The retailer is placing customers in a waiting room to cope with the traffic, but stick with it to reach the product page.
Where can you buy a PS5 today?
09:10 , Steve Hogarty
The digital edition PlayStation 5 is currently in stock at Currys. Follow our PS5 stock tracking liveblog for more updates on new PS5 stock as it arrives.
PS5 stock - live: Where to buy Sony’s console in the UK today
When will Smyths Toys restock the Xbox?
09:04 , Steve Hogarty
Smyths Toys last restocked the Xbox series X on 20 November, when the retailer had consoles available to click and collect from stores around the country.
We’ve heard reports of shoppers being able to find the Xbox in stock in physical stores too, so it’s worth popping into your local branch if you’re passing by to ask about stock.
When did Argos last restock the Xbox series X?
08:50 , Steve Hogarty
Argos hasn’t restocked the Xbox online in weeks, and has sailed right past every predicted restock date. We’ve heard rumours of some in-store restocks happening at random spots around the country, but it’s been almost two months since the retailer last had any stock on the site.
The best way to buy an Xbox series X from Argos is through the app. Add the console to your wish list, which lets you slip the Xbox into your basket in advance for a speedy checkout when the time comes.
Currys still has the Xbox in stock
08:32 , Steve Hogarty
A strong start to the day from Currys. The Xbox series X bundle is still available to buy, albeit at the slightly inflated price of £679 with the hard drive expansion.
The console is currently sold out everywhere else.
The Xbox series X is in stock at Currys
08:10 , Steve Hogarty
Currys is currently selling the Xbox series X bundled with the one terabyte Seagate expansion card for £679. The card usually costs £194, while the console retails at £449.
Live blog signing off
Monday 6 December 2021 17:00 , Alistair Charlton
Did you manage to grab an Xbox through All Access at Game today? Perhaps you bagged one of the handful of consoles we spotted at Game and Smyths stores this afternoon.
Or are you holding out for stock to arrive at other retailers soon? Despite it being another quiet day for online restocking, we’re still clinging to hope that series X stock will land in time for Christmas. We’re signing off for now, but will be here again tomorrow morning to bring you all of the latest Xbox restocking news.
You can play Xbox games on your laptop
Monday 6 December 2021 16:02 , Alistair Charlton
You don’t actually need an Xbox series X to play Xbox series X games, just a fast enough internet connection and a compatible streaming device.
Xbox Cloud Gaming streams games from Microsoft’s servers to your console, laptop or phone, via your internet browser or the Xbox app. How does cloud gaming work? Well it’s basically like being on a Zoom call with a game that you’re controlling, meaning you can jump into new games at the push of a button rather than waiting around for an installation.
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.
Sign up to the Indy
Monday 6 December 2021 15:04 , Alistair Charlton
Have we helped you get an Xbox? Want more shopping insights? Why not sign up to the free IndyBest newsletter, where you can access the best deals and round-ups of the week’s must-have products chosen by IndyBest experts.
Dropping into your inbox every Friday morning, the handy digest features items from our tried and tested reviews by pros in the field – helping you make the most informed choice with your hard-earned cash.
Get the IndyBest newsletter and access to all of The Independent’s other newsletters now. You won’t regret it.
The Xbox series X headsets to look out for
Monday 6 December 2021 14:31 , Alistair Charlton
The Xbox series X is often bundled with a gaming headset to bump up the price and stave off scalpers.
The console doesn’t come with its own headset, but it’s compatible with all existing headsets for the Xbox One. The Xbox wireless controller (£54.99, Currys.co.uk) also has a headphone jack, so you can plug in your regular headphones to have game audio play through them rather than your TV, which is ideal if you’re sharing a room with somebody you don’t want to disturb.
If you need to upgrade or you don’t have your own headset yet, Microsoft sells the wireless Xbox series X headset separately (£89.99, Game.co.uk). Lots of third-party manufacturers make Xbox compatible headsets too. We’ve rounded up the best gaming headsets you can buy today.
Immerse yourself in play with one of the best gaming headsets
What’s the difference between Xbox series X and series S?
Monday 6 December 2021 14:01 , Alistair Charlton
While we wait for the next console restock to land, let’s brush up on the fundamentals. Know your enemy and all that.
There are two next-gen Xboxes, the less powerful Xbox series S and the top-of-the-range Xbox series X.
All Xbox games old and new will run on both consoles, though on the less powerful Xbox series S the overall graphics quality will be dialled down. The Xbox series S does not have a disc drive, has half the storage capacity and can only play downloaded games. 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 details, if you’re into comparing teraflops.
Xbox series S specs:
CPU: Custom Zen 2 8-core CPU
GPU: 4 TFLOPS, 20 CUS
Memory: 10GB GDDR6
Storage: 512GB SSD
Resolution: 1440p at 60fps
Xbox series X specs:
CPU: AMD 8-core Zen 2 @ 3.8 GHz
GPU: 12TFLOPS, 52 CUs @ 1.825 GHz
Memory: 16GB GDDR6
Storage: 1TB custom WD SSD, optional 1T
Resolution: 4K at 60fps
Read our review of the new Nintendo Switch OLED
Monday 6 December 2021 13:27 , Alistair Charlton
If handheld gaming is more your thing then check out our review of the new Nintendo Switch OLED. The console features an OLED display for the first time, which is larger than before and produces punchier colours and deeper blacks. There’s also a redesigned kickstand and double the internal storage of its predecessor.
Our reviewer said of the £309.99 console: “The larger display is fantastic and playing games in handheld mode is an absolute joy. The kickstand feels so solid and makes us never want to look at that little toggle on the back of the original Switch ever again...this is absolutely the best version of the console yet.”
The best TVs for gaming on Xbox series X
Monday 6 December 2021 13:00 , Alistair Charlton
To get the most out of the Xbox series X, you’ll need a 4K television.
Many next-generation games allow you to choose between a performance mode and a graphics mode. The former downgrades the visuals slightly for smoother frame rates, while the latter mode enables higher resolutions and more fancy effects at the expense of framerate.
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.
When will Halo Infinite be released?
Monday 6 December 2021 12:30 , Alistair Charlton
This week will see arguably the biggest game launch yet for the Xbox series X and series S. Halo Infinite was originally planned to be a launch title for the new Xbox consoles, back in November 2020. But Xbox Game Studios decided to delay the release for more than a year.
Now the game is almost here, and it will be released for all to play on 8 December – this Wednesday. The first-person shooter is available to pre-order now, and is coming to the Xbox series X and S, as well as Windows PCs and the older Xbox One console.
How to buy a PS5 in the UK today
Monday 6 December 2021 12:03 , Alistair Charlton
If you’re looking for a PS5 instead of an Xbox, then you’re in luck. Our IndyBest team also runs a live blog tracking UK restocks of the PS5 console.
The PS5 has been easier to buy than the Xbox series X in recent weeks, and today we’ve seen drops at BT and PlayStation Direct. For all of the latest news on PS5 restocks right across the UK, head to our live blog.
Xbox series X stocks lands in several Smyths Toys stores
Monday 6 December 2021 11:55 , Alistair Charlton
More good news! We’ve just spotted that the Slough, Maidstone and Crayford branches of Smyths Toys each have seven Xbox series X consoles in stock. These have been added to the retailer’s website in the last hour or so, and are available to purchase in-store now. You’ll have to be quick though, as we expect them to sell out very soon.
Xbox series X stock lands in Game store
Monday 6 December 2021 11:27 , Alistair Charlton
Good news for Xbox hunters in Dumfries – your local Game store just tweeted to say it has some series X consoles in stock right now. The store said it has “very limited” stock, so you’ll have to be quick if you want to grab one today.
Deposits can also be placed at Game Dumfries for the PS5, which is due in stock in time for Christmas.
Happy Monday!!!
We do have very limited stock of the #XboxSeriesX so, be sure to come in and take advantage of the deals we currently have going!
We are taking #PS5 deposits as well so do come in and, put down your deposit so you can be sure to get your PS5 before Christmas! pic.twitter.com/TRu0sBgxre— GAME Dumfries (@GAMEDumfriesSPD) December 6, 2021
Is Very due an Xbox restock soon?
Monday 6 December 2021 11:13 , Alistair Charlton
You won’t be surprised to learn that Very is currently sold out of Xbox series X consoles. However, its website says more stock is “coming soon,” which gives us hope of an imminent restock. Very last had series X consoles available on 9 November, and before that we saw restocks on 24 August, 14 September and 19 October. With that track record, it’s entirely possible that Very will have only one Xbox series X restock in December.
If you fancy the cheaper and less powerful Xbox series S, the console is available from Very right now.
Can you buy an Xbox directly from Microsoft?
Monday 6 December 2021 10:43 , Alistair Charlton
Yes, but the Microsoft Store currently doesn’t have any Xbox series X stock. Consoles were last available from Microsoft’s own website on 11 November, and before that we saw restocks on 12 and 16 October. There’s no sign as to when more stock series X will be available from Microsoft, but the cheaper and less powerful series S is available to buy now, as it is from most other retailers.
Can you buy an Xbox series X on the high street?
Monday 6 December 2021 10:15 , Alistair Charlton
Yes, but for now the console is as tricky to find in shops as it is online. We recommend regularly trying your local branches of Game and Smyths. Both occasionally have the consoles in stock, but it’s often a case of just a handful at a time, and they sell out very quickly.
Game stores each have their own Twitter account, which they update regularly with in-store news and information on Xbox series X (and PS5) stock. Keep an eye on this Twitter list, which gathers all of the Game store accounts into one place.
Smyths Toys has a tool on its website for checking in-store stock. We have seen the odd console pop up here, so it’s worth checking. For now, of course, there’s isn’t a single Xbox series X available at any Smyths store in the UK.
How to buy an Xbox series X online
Monday 6 December 2021 09:45 , Alistair Charlton
While there are no restocks to report on, let’s go over some of basic tips when it comes to securing a console. Preparation is key to success, and there are a bunch of things you can do right now to ensure you’re ready when the next restock happens.
Register an account and save your payment details at each of the retailers that stock the Xbox series X. They’re listed in the main article above
Are you a BT customer, or know somebody who is? Register your interest on the BT site to get exclusive access to BT’s next drop
Download each retailer’s app (if they have one) and add the Xbox series X to your wish list or “save for later” list
When the console drops, use the link in your wish list to add the Xbox to your trolley – this usually has a higher success rate than navigating through the website
Keep note of the prices of bundles to ensure you’re getting a good deal. Rounding up, the console itself is £450, controllers are £50, the official headset is £90, and Xbox Game Pass Ultimate costs £11 per month. Newly released game are £60, but retailers usually bundle older games with the console
The pay-as-you-go Xbox All Access programme is good value for money, so long as you don’t already have a Game Pass subscription
When did Currys last have an Xbox restock?
Monday 6 December 2021 09:16 , Alistair Charlton
Currys last had the Xbox series X in stock on 16 November, and that was the only restock of the month. Before that, we saw restocks at Currys on 7, 26 and 29 October. We’re hoping to see more consoles available from Currys as we head towards Christmas, but for now there’s no indication as to when they might arrive.
Given the last couple of months, Currys tends to restock later in the month (apart from 7 October) so hopefully we’ll see consoles become available in the next week or two.
Is the Xbox series X available at Game?
Monday 6 December 2021 09:01 , Alistair Charlton
The Xbox series X is available from Game now, via the All Access subscription system. The console quietly came into stock on 3 December and seems to have retailed in stock ever since. To be clear, you cannot pay outright for the console at Game, and in-store stock is often non-existent, but a console can be ordered online for home delivery through All Access, which costs £28.99 a month for two years.
All Access won’t be for everyone, but it gives gamers a way to get their hands on the popular console in time for Christmas.
When will Smyths Toys restock the Xbox series X?
Monday 6 December 2021 08:43 , Alistair Charlton
The Xbox series X is currently sold out at Smyths Toys, but the retailer says more stock is due at some point in December. Hopefully this means consoles will be available for home delivery before Christmas, but we don’t have any more information than that for now.
Alongside Game, Smyths is a retailer that has partnered with Microsoft to sell the console through the Xbox All Access credit programme. An alternative to paying full price for the console, Xbox All Access lets you pay for your console in £28.99 monthly instalments over two years.
Xbox All Access had a busy weekend
Monday 6 December 2021 08:34 , Alistair Charlton
We heard from a couple of readers about the series X being available through Xbox All Access via Game on Friday. Then over the weekend, further consoles were offered by Asda and Smyths Toys, also through All Access. This is where you pay £28.99 a month for the Xbox series X and All Access, which lets you play a wide range of games without actually buying them all individually.
The console is out of stock again at Smyths, but appears to still be available through All Access at Game.
Good morning!
Monday 6 December 2021 08:16 , Alistair Charlton
Good morning and welcome to another week of Xbox hunting.
As ever, the IndyBest team is here to help find you an Xbox series X in the UK, and at its recommended retail price. With Christmas coming up, we’re hoping to see extra consoles offered by retailers over the coming couple of weeks. Keep an eye on this live blog, as we’ll be posting all of the latest Xbox UK restock news as soon as we have it.
