The reason the Xbox Series S is so much cheaper than the Series X
The Xbox Series X and S have seen the same price hikes as all other gaming hardware, but the Series S still provides a lower cost to entry.

The Xbox Series X and S have seen the same price hikes as all other gaming hardware, but the Series S still provides a lower cost to entry.
The short version
- Both consoles have become more expensive since launch, but the Series S is still relatively affordable.
- A console nearly six years into its lifecycle would typically have seen a price drop by this point, but that's not the case for the latest Xbox line.
- On the contrary, the Xbox Series X and S have seen a price increase in recent months.
What happened
It's not the only system to see these hikes, either. The PlayStation 5's price went up twice within a year and the Nintendo Switch 2 got a heftier price tag in 2026 , largely thanks to the ongoing RAMaggedon crisis driving up component prices.
Why it matters
Despite the price hikes, the Series S maintains a price edge over the Series X, starting at $500.
Summary by Nerd News Network. Read the full article at Engadget via the links above and below.
