Skip to main content

Microsoft is emailing out links to buy an Xbox Series X bundle from its online store

Microsoft is emailing out links to buy an Xbox Series X bundle from its online store

/

Microsoft is trying to beat the scalpers, but at least you don’t have to pay extra.

Share this story

If you buy something from a Verge link, Vox Media may earn a commission. See our ethics statement.

Photo by Tom Warren / The Verge

If you’re hunting for an Xbox Series X, you might want to check your email inbox. As we noted last fall, Microsoft has occasionally been contacting Microsoft Store customers, offering a “limited supply of Xbox Series X bundles” that are available to “valued Microsoft customers” in the US.

Xbox Series X bundles now available
Xbox Series X bundles now available
Image: The Verge

The emails are addressed to Microsoft Store customers, and bundles are available on a first-come, first-served basis. Microsoft is limiting orders to one bundle per order or two bundles per 30-day period. The links to order a bundle are unique and tied to a Microsoft Account and don’t always guarantee that stock is available for purchase.

These Xbox Series X consoles are available on a first-come, first-served basis and will sell out quickly. The limit is one bundle per order, and two bundles per 30-day period. Since there is a limited supply available, receiving this email does not guarantee there will be consoles remaining when you try to purchase. If you attempt to purchase and see a message that the bundle is unavailable, that means we have sold out.

To purchase you must have a valid Microsoft account and sign in. Your unique link in this email is valid for your Microsoft account only, and the account must be associated with the email address that received this message.

Microsoft initially required buyers pick up a game at the standard price, even though many of them are on sale. It has since updated bundle pricing to match the lowest available prices.
Microsoft initially required buyers pick up a game at the standard price, even though many of them are on sale. It has since updated bundle pricing to match the lowest available prices.
Image: Microsoft.com

There is one downside to the “bundle” offer, however — access requires purchasing a digital game and an extra controller. Paying $59.99 for a second controller adds to the price, but it’s the same as they usually cost in between the occasional sale.

When I received the email on Tuesday I complained that the digital game requirement felt like a rip-off, with only a few titles to choose from and prices that can be more than double what you’d pay on Microsoft’s own Xbox Store. Options included Madden NFL 22, Far Cry 6, and Battlefield 2042 for $69.99, even though Xbox owners can buy them digitally for $20.99, $35.99, or $45.49, respectively. GTA V was a cheaper option at $29.99, but it’s on sale right now for $14.99.

However, as of January 26th, Microsoft has updated the offer. Now it features the marked-down sale prices for the games and controllers, making this bundle much easier to recommend. It still requires spending a little extra in addition to the system’s $499.99 price, but at least you’re not paying more for the games than you would otherwise.

Microsoft’s updated pricing still requires adding a game and controller, but now the pricing matches the deals you’d see in the Xbox store
Microsoft’s updated pricing still requires adding a game and controller, but now the pricing matches the deals you’d see in the Xbox store
Image: Microsoft.com

Just as we’ve seen from Sony with the PlayStation 5, sending out links to accounts for gamers who actually play is one way to help consoles get directly to the people who want them instead of resellers. While reseller prices for next-gen systems have dipped since Black Friday, recent sales have come and gone quickly, so if you’re lucky, this could be the easiest way to grab a new console. Unfortunately, even if you’re in the chosen few, it still comes with some extra costs attached.

Update January 26th, 2:20PM ET: Updated to reflect Microsoft adjusting pricing for games and controllers to match current sale prices.