How much will Xbox Series S cost in 2025? Expect it to remain $299
The Xbox Series S first launched in November 2020 at an affordable $299 price point. As we enter 2023, you can expect the digital-only next-gen console to stick right around that $299 cost. Here‘s a detailed look at Series S pricing and value.
When it first hit the scene, the Series S offered something completely new – a budget-friendly entry point into the next generation of gaming. By stripping out the disc drive and targeting 1440p gaming instead of 4K, Microsoft created an impressive value aimed at casual players.
Now over two years old, the Series S remains a smart choice in 2024 for a few hundred reasons:
Xbox Series S Price Tracking
| Date | Retail Price |
|---|---|
| Launch MSRP (Nov 2020) | $299 |
| 2022 Avg. Price | $299 |
| Current Price (Mar 2023) | $299 |
- Microsoft has not reduced the $299 MSRP since launch
- Third party retailers consistently sell at $299 as well
- High demand has kept prices steady over 2 years
Based on its pricing history, we can reasonably expect the Xbox Series S to remain at $299 throughout 2023 barring any unforeseen factors.
Microsoft has also avoided making major direct price cuts to past consoles like the Xbox One S. The Series S is already competitively priced, so slashing the MSRP substantially seems unlikely.
That said, keep an eye out for occasional bundle deals or gift card offers that effectively reduce the upfront cost by $20-50 or so. But the base $299 price tag appears here to stay.
What does $299 get you?
While less powerful than the $499 Series X, the Series S still delivers fast 60fps+ performance and quick load times thanks to its modern Zen 2/RDNA 2 architecture. Some key next-gen features the Series S provides at this price:
- Play the latest games: Access to all new release titles, including exclusives
- 60+ FPS framerates: Smooth performance up to 120 fps
- QHD 1440p gaming: Sharp image quality on HD displays
- Ray tracing support: Enhanced lighting and reflections
- 4K streaming media: Watch UHD Netflix, Disney+, and more
- 512GB SSD: Faster load times than traditional hard drives
- Last-gen compatibility: Play 1000s of Xbox One/360/Original games
Of course, there are some compromises made to hit $299, like the lack of a disc drive and max 1440p resolution. But Digital Foundry analysis shows the Series S still outpaces the Xbox One X despite being cheaper.
For budget-focused gamers, it brings enough next-gen power at an affordable cost.
How does the Xbox Series S price compare?
| Console | Price | Resolution | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Xbox Series S | $299 | 1440p | All-digital, lighter performance |
| Xbox Series X | $499 | 4K | Full power, disc drive |
| PS5 Digital | $399 | 4K | Disc-less version of PS5 |
| PS5 Standard | $499 | 4K | With 4K blu-ray drive |
At just 60% of the price of the Series X, the Series S stands out for its value. And versus Sony‘s offerings, it undercuts even the disc-less PS5 Digital Edition by $100.
Clearly, $299 is an aggressive price point that provides a next-gen experience without breaking the bank.
Expert predictions for Xbox Series S in 2024
Given its continued sub-$300 pricing, the Series S should sell well among cost-conscious gamers in 2024. Here are my expert predictions on what to expect:
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Continued strong demand for the "cheapest" new Xbox. The approachable $299 removes barriers for budget shoppers.
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Potential supply chain improvements leading to easier availability compared to the pricier Series X.
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Increased availability of used/refurbished units as early adopters sell to upgrade later. Could see prices around $250.
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More storage expansion deals on the $219 1TB Seagate card to help offset lower internal capacity.
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Strong game bundles like packages with hits like Elden Ring offered at major retailers. Added value.
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At least 30-50+ million lifetime sales based on its affordability and next-gen capabilities.
For those wanting modern gaming performance without huge expense, the Xbox Series S will continue shining in 2024. Microsoft‘s $299 value play should pay off with strong sales well into the future.
The Xbox Series S – Still a Smart Buy in 2024?
Given its staying power at $299 over two years after launch, the Xbox Series S remains a smart budget purchase in 2024 for several reasons:
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Affordable next-gen performance – Capable 1080p/1440p gaming with fast load times and 60+ fps.
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doorway into Microsoft‘s ecosystem – Xbox Game Pass access, party chat, media apps, and more.
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Play new and old games – New releases plus thousands of backwards compatible last-gen titles.
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Competitive pricing – Beats Sony‘s offerings for price, especially the discless PS5 Digital.
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Established value – Already dropped in price from $499 and unlikely to see major cuts soon.
For gamers wanting a modern console on a budget, the $299 Xbox Series S hits a sweet spot. Its pricing should continue delivering strong value even as we move deeper into the new generation of gaming.
In Conclusion
Expect the Xbox Series S to cost around $299 throughout 2023. Given competitive pricing and constant demand, Microsoft has little incentive to slash the price lower for now.
While not as powerful as the Series X, the Series S still provides an impressive next-gen experience for the money. For budget-focused gamers, it remains a smart buy at just $299.
Provided supply challenges improve, strong sales should continue in 2024 and beyond thanks to the Series S appealing mix of features, performance, and price. So if you want to game on the cheap, the Xbox Series S has staying power at $299.