A new year means many new opportunities to watch next-generation video game consoles. Although the PlayStation 5 and Xbox Series X were very difficult to reach in 2020, many gamers remain hopeful that both systems will be more readily available in 2021.
As the consoles are produced, it will theoretically be easier to find after the holidays as the year progresses. If you’re hoping to secure an Xbox Series X or Series S before the end of winter, this is what you need to know, including tools to install and retailers to check out in January.
Popfindr, OctoShop and other tools to find Xbox Series X consoles
Do not worry about those who are not quite sure how they even start to find stock. There are various websites, Twitter accounts and Google Chrome extensions that keep you stocked. You can use it to find an Xbox Series X or Xbox Series S console once it’s back in stock. PopFindr is especially useful as it helps you view the inventory at local stores if you plan to upload a console in person.
If you get the console online, an extension like OctoShop which is also location based and regularly checks several retailers is also very useful. Turn on notifications when it comes to Twitter accounts @ Wario64, which is constantly tweeting as new consoles become available. The Stock Informer Discord channel can also help you track inventory. If you want to get rid of these tools, you have to do the legwork yourself by watching the big retailers.
Microsoft Store
If you really want an Xbox console, you can be very lucky if you hand out the Microsoft Store directly. Microsoft also sells consoles through its online store window for Windows and Xbox and has been releasing new consoles regularly since its launch. Because it comes directly from the source, your order is less likely to be canceled or misplaced!
The main catch from here is that shipping from the Microsoft Store may be a bit slower than other retailers. Still, it’s a reliable way to find one, so you may want to keep an eye on the official Xbox Series X and Xbox Series S store pages.
Antonline
Since the Xbox Series X and Xbox Series S were released on November 10, Antonline has consistently recharged the consoles. They are not as traditional of a retailer as the Microsoft Store or Walmart because they sell bundles at a higher price. An Xbox Series S bundle is available from January 7 and includes an extra controller and 3 months Xbox Game Pass for $ 404.97. Get it while you can, and expect more stock during the rest of January.
Walmart
As the largest retailer in North America, Walmart has been regularly refurbishing Xbox Series X and Xbox Series S consoles since its launch in November. Although they no longer sell consoles in stores, the Series S is already available on their website on December 23, 2020 at 12:45 Eastern. Walmart is usually pretty good at letting people know when exact stock is going to be used again. also happens
Overall, Walmart is pretty consistent when it comes to stock, so they’s a good trader to keep an eye on if you do not want to track down a whole bunch. Set alerts on the Xbox Series X or Xbox Series S pages and keep your trigger finger ready.
Target
Target is the largest retailer to look at 2021. After rumors that the console stock was re-planned, it appears that it finally came through in the last week of December. Twitter users are sharing screenshots of their successful Series X orders, which were presumably available for in-store pickup.
It’s not exactly clear if this was the start of a new wave or a one-off thing, but it’s worth checking out the Series X and Series S pages for updates.
GameStop
GameStop is especially worth following Xbox updates, as inventory usually lasts longer compared to retailers like Amazon. GameStop has sporadically added console bundles to the site, where players can pack a console with a few games or extra controllers. The deals are usually an intimidating price, but that means they are usually online a little longer. If pre-investment is not an issue, it’s worth it to follow the path to saving your headaches.
The dealer last had a bundle available on December 19th around 12:00 Eastern, which remained a bit. That package included NBA 2K 21, Assassin’s Creed Valhalla, and an additional controller.
Best buy
It’s been a hot minute since the Xbox Series X or Series S appeared at Best Buy. The retailer last offered it for sale on December 15, so it is possible to get a refreshment sooner than other retailers. The only catch is that they tend to sell out particularly quickly.
Although there are no official details, Best Buy usually announces stock in advance to give buyers only a few hours’ notice in advance. Last time, the retailer even gave a slight time period, saying the systems would be available after 9 a.m. East. So it’s worth checking out his social channels for updates.
Amazon
Amazon can be a wink and you miss the experience when it comes to Microsoft’s new systems. The Series X and Series S look random and come off just as fast. The last inventory looks set to return to the East on December 17 at about 11:30 a.m., two days after a larger inventory hit most retailers on Dec. 15. If there is a rush, it is always a good idea to keep an eye on Amazon in the days that follow to see if it repeats the same pattern.
Newegg
Newegg has been a surprisingly good way to find an Xbox since its launch. Like GameStop, the retailer tends to set up larger bundles that contain bundled games and extras. Newegg’s last update took place on December 21, a little later than the little mid-month wave, so it’s worth setting up alerts on the Xbox Series X and Series S pages to make sure you don’t a less competitive rush on less popular miss not dealer.
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