Want to get your hands on an Xbox Series X? In this post, we’ve listed the stores & retailers that restock the Series X most frequently.
For many console gamers, the Xbox Series X is an essential purchase. The latest Microsoft console has delivered on the company’s promise for a high-quality, backwards compatible device with impressive hardware. It can run games at 4K and achieve 120 frames per second for specific titles.
However, the Xbox Series X is much more than a gaming console. It’s an entertainment hub and a ticket to the whole Microsoft gaming ecosystem (most Xbox Series X digital games will work on the Series X, Xbox One, and PC).
However, the Series X has earned its place in gaming history for two reasons. First for being the most powerful Xbox to date, with performance on par with some gaming PCs but for a fraction of the cost. And second, for frequent and frustrating stock shortages. The top of the line console has been in short supply since its launch in November 2020, primarily due to global chip shortages. Fast-forward to 2022, scoring the elusive console is still a challenge.
So, what are your chances of getting an Xbox Series X in 2022? Better than ever if you follow the tips and tricks on this list. Getting the latest Microsoft console is all about knowing where to look and what to do.
And with that in mind, let’s take a look at the best Xbox Series X stores in the US.
Where Can I Buy an Xbox Series X? Best Places To Get an Xbox Series X in the US
Walmart
Walmart is an excellent option for snagging the Xbox Series X due to their frequent restocks. The last restock by the hypermarket retailer was on February 24, and it’s looking promising for another in March or April. And critically, unlike some other retailers, they typically announce stock drops ahead of time so you can prepare.
However, while your chances of getting the console from Walmart are better than some other stores, there is a catch. You’ll need to be a member of their Plus program. A subscription to Walmart+ costs $12.99 a month and signing up for a free trial may not work. Reports indicate that people who signed up for the 15-day free trial found themselves ineligible for early access to the console.
While it’s frustrating when retailers lock consoles behind a paywall, it does limit the amount of competition you’re up against and could give you the best shot of getting the Xbox Series X.
So, what do you need to do when the restock goes live? The first thing you need to do is get prepped beforehand. This means ensuring all of your shipping and billing information is ready to go. Some people have reported successfully adding the Xbox to their cart only to find it’s no longer in stock by the time they’ve filled out their shipping/payment details. In other words, adding the console to your cart doesn’t secure your purchase.
Beyond that, make sure you’re ready with the refresh button the second the stock goes live!
If Walmart has the console in stock, the listed price will be $499. Anything else, and you’re dealing with a third-party seller.
Amazon
Where better to look than the biggest retailer on the internet? Amazon has frequent Xbox Series X restocks, although things have been a little quiet recently, with the last restock dating back to December. And since Amazon doesn’t advertise its stock drops, it can be difficult to pin down your next opportunity. With that said, typically, drops happen at the end of the month, so it’s always worth keeping a close eye on the situation around this time.
But when the stock does come in, how do you get yourself in the best position to net the console over all the other hungry shoppers? There are a couple of things you can do.
First, make sure you have an Amazon account set up with all of your billing and shipping details already stored. This will save critical time at checkout and ensure you don’t miss your chance due to tedious admin.
Second, you’ll want an Amazon Prime account. Why? Because before the last restock, the ecommerce giant announced they would be giving priority access to Prime members for both the Xbox Series X and the PlayStation 5. Amazon has given no word of changing this policy, so it’s a safe bet the same will be true for the next restock. A Prime membership costs $12.99 a month or $119 a year and will get you access to free two-day shipping and extra privileges like music and video streaming. And if you don’t want to pay, there’s good news – you can sign up for the 30-day free trial. Already had a free trial? No problem, you can sign up for another, provided your last Prime trial was more than 12 months ago.
Next, you’ll want to use the Amazon wishlist trick. This trick involves adding the Xbox Series X to your wishlist when it’s out of stock and then adding it directly to your cart from here during the restock event. This saves you from the glitches and server issues common during the mad rush for the console.
Try not to get too discouraged if Amazon claims the console is out of stock a few minutes in. Reportedly, stock can trickle in over 30-40 minutes, so persistence is key.
Lastly, make sure you’re purchasing from the Xbox store or other official sellers and not a third party. The Xbox Series X should cost $499, so if you see vastly inflated prices, this is a sure sign you’re dealing with scalpers.
Best Buy
With the last restock live on February 22 and a reputation for more frequent restocks, Best Buy is still one of the most reliable US stores to check for the Xbox Series X.
However, Best Buy is another retailer where you’ll need a premium membership to get early access. Called Totaltech and costing a whopping $199.99 a year, this membership is considerably more expensive than some of the other options on the list, so it might not be a good option for everyone. But, of course, you do get some significant perks for being a Totaltech member, including 24/7/365 tech support for all technology in your home, 24 months of product protection, exclusive member prices, and more.
Some gamers reported canceling their TotalTech membership after purchasing their console and receiving a $150 refund. However, we can’t know whether this is Best Buy’s official policy, so don’t count on this tactic.
GameStop
GameStop has earned a reputation for being the king of Xbox bundles, so you may have to pay a little extra and opt for a bundle option if this is your Xbox Series X store of choice. The last Xbox console drop was on February 22, and we expect to see many more through 2022.
Previous restocks have been exclusive to users of GameStop’s paid membership, called PowerUp Rewards Pro. Priced at $14.99 with no free trial, being a Pro member gets you access to a range of benefits, including a $5 monthly reward to spend on what you want, exclusive early access to console drops, graphics cards, trading cards, and more.
Target
The massive retailer has been pretty consistent with Xbox Series X restocks in the past, with the last drop being in early February. Target is also the best place to get an Xbox Series X if you want to avoid the online scramble and buy the console in store. They’re reportedly developing an “in-store strategy” to boost their restock efforts.
To maximize your chances of getting the console in-store, you can call the store and check whether they have it in stock. Alternatively, you can use a neat trick on the website. It involves going to the Xbox Series X product listing page and selecting “Xbox All Access.” Once you do this, you should be able to see whether your store has the console in stock.
Microsoft
The official Microsoft store is perhaps the most straightforward answer to “where can I buy an Xbox Series X?”. Unsurprisingly, Microsoft has regular restocks, and the drops tend to come in waves, giving you a decent chance of scoring the console.
Microsoft has also adopted a new approach, similar to what Sony is doing with PlayStation Direct, where you can be invited to purchase the console. However, unlike Sony, you don’t “register your interest in the console,” but instead simply sign up to the Microsoft Store’s special deals mailing list. The selection process is random, but some gamers have reported that you can boost your chances by updating your email preferences to include both Xbox Newsletter and Marketing and Partner Marketing.
Others Places to Look
If you’re coming up empty on the retailers listed above, it’s also a good idea to check Sam’s Club, Newegg, and StockX.
And that’s a wrap! Good luck scouting for the Xbox Series X. If you’re wondering where to buy a PlayStation 5, you can read our companion article here.
