Topic: Impossible to get one

@Gamer83 I can still see this generation maybe having a 'mid-gen' boost as generations are 'longer' now than ever. If you look at the OG Xbox and Consoles before that, 4-5yrs was long enough. Pushing 7yrs is a LONG time in hardware and, as we are still in the 'early' days of RT for example, we are still seeing Quality, Performance and even RT modes. We can't have Quality at 60fps and RT for example and with potential advancement, could offer a mid-gen refresh with more 'power' to get closer to that Quality @ 60fps with 'decent' RT implementation and still sell for ~$500.

With a 'slim' version released, you'd expect a big drop in price too. The difference between 90nm and 45nm makes a 'big' difference on the size of chip, the power needed and the cooling - which helped PS3 drop dramatically in size to the Slim. The PS4/XB1 both started with 28nm and the 'Slim' was aided by 16nm but when you are at 7nm as the current gen is, then dropping to say 5nm or 4nm isn't really going to save a lot of 'die space' to shrink the APU to make a Slim. Looking at the design of the Series X, that's not exactly got a lot of 'space' to shrink - unlike the PS5 which could be redesigned to be a LOT more compact.

The need for a 'mid-gen' refresh last gen could be in part due to the increase in TV resolutions but part of it could be that the 'hardware' wasn't capable of running the software at their 'target'. PS4 & especially XB1 struggled to deliver a 'Native' HD with a 'Consistent' frame rate. I know the CPU had a part in that too, but more and more games coming out at '900p' or less, with medium/low graphical settings and still dropping frames. With the Pro and X, both offering a graphical boost and better performance, they take away the attention of the 'base' hardware - especially when compared to PC's. The gap between the 'average' PC and Console was increasing to the point of either needing a mid gen refresh to prolong the generation or consider ending the gen after a respectable 4-5yrs.

In my mind, I think we will see 'mid-gen' refreshes because trying to go 7yrs is too 'long' and the advancements in technology will leave Consoles a long way behind in that time unless they do. This is without considering 120fps modes too which obviously sacrifice visual quality so even today, there are 'reasons' for a mid-gen refresh to offer better visual quality high frame rate modes and/or maybe with RT too..

Won’t help u but I just got one (series x) here in the States from GameStop. Had to buy a pro controller, three months of Gamepass ultimate and a $50 GameStop gift card. I actually like the pro controller more than I thought I would, tho I could have gotten it cheaper on Amazon…I am satisfied with my purchase.

@rockodoodle Congrats. Hope you have many a great gaming nights!!!

I was hoping to hold out until I could just get one without having to jump through hoops or buy a bundle. But it has been over a year. I think I have been patient.

@rockodoodle I had to 'pre-order' a Bundle to ensure I got my Series X on Day 1. Mine came with an Extra controller, a game (AC: Valhalla) and a play and charge kit and only the game has been used as I use my Elite V2 (so no need of the extra controller, the one that came with my console hasn't been taken out of the box and the V2 is rechargeable anyway so no need of the play and charge kit).

My PS5 bundle had even 'less' I wanted - that had 3 games (Cyberpunk, CoD:ColdWar, Watchdogs Legion) an Extra 'white' controller and a docking station. I hate white controllers so had to buy a Red one, the games haven't been played and I doubt I'll use a 3rd party dock - BUT I bought to ensure I had one - which are still incredibly hard to find.

I guess I could put the stuff that I don't want, still sealed and 'as new' on Ebay or something to recuperate some of my costs back - but I haven't done so yet and don't regret ordering the bundle and ensuring I got my console. A lot cheaper than 'Ebay' scalpers and with the retailer warranty too...

@rockodoodle Yeah some of my friends are still holding off till they can get one without a bundle. If I was in your shoes I probably would have gone the bundle route as well. I would be patient for only so long lol.

I have been patient enough that I have enough Amazon Credit Card points to get one from Amazon….if they had them. I guess I will use them for a PS5.

I just saw that GameStop had them and didn’t consider the other bundle until I already ordered this one. Kinda glad I stuck with the pro controller bc I am not big on Far Cry and 2kNBA. Plus, I bet I can get them really cheap by summer anyway. Thought about selling controller too, but was too tempted to at least try it out

@johnvboy
I have the LG C1 OLED 55" and it's truly spectacular. Switch too- I calibrated it to match how my Switch OLED looks, color wise. And I cranked Sharpening up pretty high which helped a ton

For PS5/PC (and in a few days, Series X once it arrives) I use the HDMI 2.1 ports for 4k 120fps capability if needed (though I cap my PC at 4k 60fps for VRR). All 4 HDMI ports are 2.1 which is amazing considering even the Sony Bravia only includes 2 ports with 2.1, using 2.0 for the others.

Once you go OLED, there's no going back. I don't care if it only lasts 5 years instead of 10. I'd rather have 5 amazing years than 10 mediocre ones 😀

If anyone is in the UK and still looking for a Series X (and hasn't seen the Pure Xbox post) there's stock right now at Amazon UK

https://smile.amazon.co.uk/Xbox-RRT-00007-Series-X/dp/B08H93G...