Xbox Series S Price Increase: Refurbished Deals From €271 2026

The Xbox Series S price increase is set to hit on August 1st, making now the best time to buy a refurbished console from €271. Microsoft is raising prices across its Xbox Series X|S lineup by €100 to €150, and Apple is following suit with a 20% average hike on iPads and MacBooks. If you've been waiting for a good moment to jump into next-gen gaming, this is it.

Why Xbox Series S Prices Are Going Up

Microsoft's decision to raise prices isn't entirely surprising. Since the Xbox Series X|S launched in 2020, the company has already adjusted prices once, and inflation, supply chain costs, and currency fluctuations are putting pressure on hardware margins. The upcoming increase is one of the steepest yet, affecting all current-gen Xbox consoles.

For budget-conscious gamers, the Xbox Series S has been the most affordable entry point into next-gen gaming. But with the new pricing, that advantage shrinks. That's why refurbished units are becoming the smart alternative.

Refurbished Xbox Series S: The Smart Buy

Back Market, a trusted marketplace for refurbished electronics, is currently offering the Xbox Series S starting at €271. That's significantly below the current retail price and a steal compared to the post-increase MSRP. Refurbished consoles are thoroughly tested and often come with a warranty, so you're not sacrificing quality for savings.

With the price hike looming, these deals won't last long. As more gamers catch on, stock will dwindle and prices may creep up even in the second-hand market.

What You Get with a Refurbished Series S

• Full next-gen performance: Play the latest games at up to 120fps with the same architecture as the Series X.
• Compact design: The Series S is the smallest Xbox ever, fitting easily into any setup.
• Digital-only library: Access to Game Pass and digital storefronts for a huge selection of titles.
• Warranty and support: Back Market offers a 12-month warranty on most refurbished devices.
• Eco-friendly choice: Buying refurbished reduces electronic waste and supports sustainability.

Price Comparison: Before and After August 1st

To understand the urgency, here's how the Xbox Series S pricing stacks up. The table below shows the current retail price, the refurbished price from Back Market, and the expected new MSRP after the increase.

As you can see, the refurbished route saves you even more once the new prices kick in. If you're considering a Series X instead, expect similar hikes across the board.

Who Should Consider This Deal?

If you're a casual gamer looking to play the latest titles without breaking the bank, the Series S is ideal. It's also great as a secondary console for a bedroom or game room. And with Game Pass, you get access to hundreds of games for a monthly fee, making it a cost-effective ecosystem.

However, if you demand 4K gaming or a disc drive, the Series X might be more your speed. But even then, buying refurbished could save you a chunk of change before the price hike. The background to this story is set out in Xbox Series X|S Price Increase: Refurbished Consoles Save You Up to €200. A related thread runs through PS5 Deals: Save on Refurbished PlayStation 5 Consoles Now. Earlier coverage in Refurbished Consoles in Near-Perfect Condition: PS, Nintendo, Xbox Prices shows how the argument developed.

What to Watch Next

Keep an eye on Back Market's stock levels and other refurbished marketplaces like CeX and eBay. As August 1st approaches, demand will spike, so acting quickly is key. Also, watch for bundle deals that include controllers or Game Pass subscriptions. A closer look at the same subject appears in Nintendo Switch 2 Price Increase: Why Buying Today Saves You Money. Anyone following the wider picture can start with iPad A16 Price Increase: Why Now Is the Best Time to Buy. The same theme surfaces in Xbox Series Expansion Cards: SanDisk Optimus GX C50 Price Revealed, which takes a different angle.

Microsoft's price increase is part of a broader trend in the tech industry, with Apple also raising prices. If you're in the market for other gadgets, consider refurbished options there too. Context on how this played out before sits in Xbox Series SSD Deal: MediaMarkt Outlet Drops Price to Under €190. A companion piece, Xbox 25th Anniversary Series X: Special Edition for $900, approaches the same subject from another angle.