I bought a refurbished Series X from Microsoft for $550 plus $50 for a 3-year warranty about a year ago. Unfortunately, as of today, Microsoft lists all refurbs as Sold Out on their webpage. Up until now their refurbs were a good deal I would say, especially considering New prices. Apparently, others agreed. I've been with Microsoft since the OG Xbox released on 11-15-2001. But I took a year off in there so for what it's worth...necessitating purchasing another Series X in 2025. Despite all the negativity displayed on this and other websites, I'm happy with my purchase. And I'm set until Helix releases. If I purchase Helix or not is anyone's guess. But with rising prices, the seller market is quite good (for sellers). Not so good for buyers... But, as I said earlier, up until now, Microsoft themselves has been a good source for refurbs. I've read on Push Square that Sony has been a good source for refurbished PS5/pro's also.
@Vidorra Well, yeah, I'm just wondering how people are going to afford it? It could always be a subscription service...$100/month for 25 years = $30,000 Or, whatever. It theoretically could work for you and earn money too. People are balking about a $1000 console, so I'm wondering how this is going to be received? Like I said, maybe I'm being cynical... Eventually it's going to be the future, provided society is still around and hasn't destroyed themselves.
What I find both humorous and infuriating at the same time is the pinnacle of all the AI data centers. Above all the intelligence-assist software is what they think will be the big achievement of the AI boom - personal robots to assist human owners! What's most infuriating about these devices is their associated cost...get this - $30,000 a piece. What rich person has enough disposable income to afford a $30,000 robot? So, in addition to paying for a car, house payment, and utilities and groceries - we supposedly can afford a personal robot. Maybe they'll subsidize it, but that my friends is what the big pinnacle of AI is. Did you already know this, or is this the first you've heard of it? Just curious... They don't exactly talk much about it at all. This is where they think they'll make their BIG money from - like the iPhone craze only exponentially more money earned from, etc,. Maybe I'm being cynical... Maybe. I find it somewhat humorous at least. But, in a way, aren't we all already paying the price for this?! That's part of the infuriating part of it...
@Fiendish-Beaver Yeah, the rising costs of components are what's driving these costs to go ballooning up. Seriously. If it wasn't for that, PS pricing wouldn't be near as bad as it is. And the AI data-center craze is at the heart of all of this. Inflation and the rising costs of everything isn't helping either. The price of Helix is going to be infected with this problem also. And the rising costs of building a decent PC is true also. I think the question is, will there be just one Helix, or two or more? Like the S and X models of the series consoles... I could see them building a lesser model going for ~ $1000, and a full version going for $1200+. $1500 or more is certainly possible. Time will tell.
I know the new console is going to be the "reference experience," and they are quoted as saying there will be a series (get it?) of devices built on this reference experience...leading to speculation of a Series S type console, with more limited specs. But, are you ready for this - the Xbox Helix Graphics adapter for PC! Featuring new AMD SOC from Xbox Helix console technology! If they are not planning this, then maybe they should consider it? LOL Are you ready? Xbox Helix technology with PC Scalability. Want that super console with 64GB of GDDR7 Vram? How about 64GB or more DDR5 ram on your Helix PC? (I already have a PC with that much ram, so it's not dreaming too much...) Or, maybe I've coined a new moniker - The Xbox Helix PC! LOL Now, I know you guys have been asking for this, or maybe not but I digress. Anyway, etc on to infinity... Just remember where you heard all of this first!
Come on folks, isn't the new emphasis is going to be the new console they are going to release soon?! Once that's revealed, and ms stands behind it with new games, there's your reference experience! That's the xbox experience she's been recently talking about. Series S/X? Oh yeah, the new xbox will play those games! PC games? Oh yeah, it'll do that too! And then some! There will be advanced games only playable on the new Xbox. There's your return to xbox. Now, how successful they are is another subject. Especially if it's priced too high. But, the new AMD/super-chip enabled xbox will be the new standard.
As far as direction, it's multi platform as usual business. That she has confirmed with her "we will meet gamers where they are" statement.
How all this is fleshed out remains to be seen. But, the new wonder-machine will be the new xbox emphasis. That, at least, is my opinion. Isn't it rather obvious now that you think about it though?
Point was @Casco if they have given up, they have a funny way of showing it, as they are advertising to me all the time about purchasing a series x/s machine! My question is, are other xbox fans/owners getting these advertisements all the time? If they are, then microsoft are sending out mixed messages.
I'm on ultimate still, but I consider the footing to be tenuous. Who knows how long it will be so. But, $30? I eat out with the wife regularly, and how much does that cost? Multiple times a month. And that money's just gone... So, in the grand scheme of things, it's all just entertainment - and it's relative. I got to eat, but we have groceries at the house. No need to eat out. I'm 64, and my wife is 67. We both still game. (How much have I spent on our two PC's that are nearly identical?) If we get up in the morning and we are both still alive, who cares what Microsoft is up to? It's just gaming... Not something worth having a coronary over.
I still get emails every week from Microsoft promoting Series X/S machines available from them directly, even one recently promoting buying a refurb series machine from them - something I purchased from them as recently as last June (2025). I also bought a 3-year warranty from them for $50 at the time. Anyway, they are still promoting buying one from them all the time. It doesn't appear to me that they have given up! I know, I know... I know what they have said publicly on the matter.
And I haven't bought any new games recently for the Series X machine I own. Come buying time of new games has seen Playstation 5 games getting bought by me. Even some Switch 2 games I've bought. I've played the new Outer Worlds 2 on xbox series X though. And I've enjoyed it so far. But, that's been on gamepass. I just can't see buying new games on xbox console. Maybe it's just me...but, I have nagging doubts about the future of the platform. Call it common sense if you like. I own about 400 games on the console though, so it's not like I haven't bought them in the past. I don't consider myself a Playstation person primarily. But...you know what I'm saying. I'm just putting it out there so to speak. I consider the series x to have many more miles on it. And I'm not selling mine. I guess my point is the reports of xbox's death has been greatly exaggerated. Time will tell if I continue to buy games for it though...
I should say I have had boatloads of trouble running Borderlands 4 on both PC and PS5pro. No problems with Sonic Racing Crossworlds whatsoever on both platforms. BL4 is one big bug fest...It's not ready.
Hey @BAMozzy! You know, I have lurked in the shadows, but I agree with all the negative posts about M$ and the price increases. They deserve all the criticisms they are getting IMO! And PC gaming is a lot less daunting a task than it use to be. I run a program called "Driver Easy" and it keeps ALL of you drivers updated. Run it about once a week and you won't have any driver problems. Second, if you have NVidia graphics, run the "NVidia App" as it will update all of your game settings, considering what hardware you have, and you won't have to worry about game settings anymore. With these two programs, PC gaming should be reliable. I would encourage everyone to consider switching to PC or Playstation. I no longer buy games for my series x. When purchasing Borderlands 4 and Sonic Racing Crosswords, they were purchased for my PS5pro systems and PC systems. I've moved on to something else obviously. It's time! You shouldn't have any problems running PC games now, and the computer can do a whole lot more things other than just running games (not that that's a bad thing!) You know what I'm trying to say! Good move! I think you are running on all cylinders. https://www.drivereasy.com/
This reminds me...recently, Push Square did a comparison of FH5 on XBSX and PS5pro, and for my money, the series x version looks every bit as good as the PS5pro version. I won't be double dipping, as I've already got the game on PC and Xbox, and have unlocked many cars. I'm happy for all the PS users, after all I'm one of them, but I see no reason to buy it on PS again. I think FH5 is one of the games that showcases what the Series X is capable of, and uses it to it's full capabilities...an excellent game. No need to feel slighted because the game released on PS!
I voted for 2027, but since reading all these comments, and thinking further about it, I feel 2026 is more likely. Releasing the new xbox console the same time that Sony launches the PS6 would be a huge mistake. Launching in 2026, a year ahead of Sony, would make more sense. Phil has already said that 2026 is going to be a big year for xbox! How would that not include the new console? If all the big games are releasing in 2026...think about it. Phil has also said that the future is PC and streaming. The new handheld looks a lot like a handheld PC. Don't kill me, I'm just the messenger - but, has anyone thought about where streaming fits into this? I don't think they've dropped streaming. Perhaps the new console (and handheld) streams old series x/one (etc) games, while natively supporting PC games? That would explain how they've solved the xbox running on a PC problem so fast and confidently. These thoughts are based on what Phil has said on the record. How is PC and streaming the future going forward? It's all speculation at this point - all of it. But, look at what he has said recently - 2026 is going to be a special year for Xbox. It looks obvious to me. Why would he release all the big xbox games in 2026 and not the console? Delaying the console till the next year? The same year Sony is set to deliver the PS6?
Comments 15
Re: Talking Point: What's A 'Good Deal' For An Xbox Series X or S In 2026?
I bought a refurbished Series X from Microsoft for $550 plus $50 for a 3-year warranty about a year ago. Unfortunately, as of today, Microsoft lists all refurbs as Sold Out on their webpage. Up until now their refurbs were a good deal I would say, especially considering New prices. Apparently, others agreed. I've been with Microsoft since the OG Xbox released on 11-15-2001. But I took a year off in there so for what it's worth...necessitating purchasing another Series X in 2025. Despite all the negativity displayed on this and other websites, I'm happy with my purchase. And I'm set until Helix releases. If I purchase Helix or not is anyone's guess. But with rising prices, the seller market is quite good (for sellers). Not so good for buyers... But, as I said earlier, up until now, Microsoft themselves has been a good source for refurbs. I've read on Push Square that Sony has been a good source for refurbished PS5/pro's also.
Re: Free Play Days: Try These Xbox Games For Free (April 9-12)
Completely agree with you @RiverGenie. I'm in the same boat...
Re: Sony Announces Major PS5 Price Hikes, Here's How They Compare To Xbox Series X|S
@Vidorra Well, yeah, I'm just wondering how people are going to afford it? It could always be a subscription service...$100/month for 25 years = $30,000 Or, whatever. It theoretically could work for you and earn money too. People are balking about a $1000 console, so I'm wondering how this is going to be received? Like I said, maybe I'm being cynical... Eventually it's going to be the future, provided society is still around and hasn't destroyed themselves.
Re: Sony Announces Major PS5 Price Hikes, Here's How They Compare To Xbox Series X|S
What I find both humorous and infuriating at the same time is the pinnacle of all the AI data centers. Above all the intelligence-assist software is what they think will be the big achievement of the AI boom - personal robots to assist human owners! What's most infuriating about these devices is their associated cost...get this - $30,000 a piece. What rich person has enough disposable income to afford a $30,000 robot? So, in addition to paying for a car, house payment, and utilities and groceries - we supposedly can afford a personal robot. Maybe they'll subsidize it, but that my friends is what the big pinnacle of AI is. Did you already know this, or is this the first you've heard of it? Just curious... They don't exactly talk much about it at all. This is where they think they'll make their BIG money from - like the iPhone craze only exponentially more money earned from, etc,. Maybe I'm being cynical... Maybe. I find it somewhat humorous at least. But, in a way, aren't we all already paying the price for this?! That's part of the infuriating part of it...
Re: Sony Announces Major PS5 Price Hikes, Here's How They Compare To Xbox Series X|S
@Fiendish-Beaver Yeah, the rising costs of components are what's driving these costs to go ballooning up. Seriously. If it wasn't for that, PS pricing wouldn't be near as bad as it is. And the AI data-center craze is at the heart of all of this. Inflation and the rising costs of everything isn't helping either. The price of Helix is going to be infected with this problem also. And the rising costs of building a decent PC is true also. I think the question is, will there be just one Helix, or two or more? Like the S and X models of the series consoles... I could see them building a lesser model going for ~ $1000, and a full version going for $1200+. $1500 or more is certainly possible. Time will tell.
Re: Xbox Reveals New Details On 'Project Helix' Next-Gen Console, Says Devs Will Get It In 2027
I know the new console is going to be the "reference experience," and they are quoted as saying there will be a series (get it?) of devices built on this reference experience...leading to speculation of a Series S type console, with more limited specs. But, are you ready for this - the Xbox Helix Graphics adapter for PC! Featuring new AMD SOC from Xbox Helix console technology! If they are not planning this, then maybe they should consider it? LOL Are you ready? Xbox Helix technology with PC Scalability. Want that super console with 64GB of GDDR7 Vram? How about 64GB or more DDR5 ram on your Helix PC? (I already have a PC with that much ram, so it's not dreaming too much...) Or, maybe I've coined a new moniker - The Xbox Helix PC! LOL Now, I know you guys have been asking for this, or maybe not but I digress. Anyway, etc on to infinity... Just remember where you heard all of this first!
Re: Xbox Head Doubles Down On The Importance Of Console, Says It's A 'Reference Experience'
Come on folks, isn't the new emphasis is going to be the new console they are going to release soon?! Once that's revealed, and ms stands behind it with new games, there's your reference experience! That's the xbox experience she's been recently talking about. Series S/X? Oh yeah, the new xbox will play those games! PC games? Oh yeah, it'll do that too! And then some! There will be advanced games only playable on the new Xbox. There's your return to xbox. Now, how successful they are is another subject. Especially if it's priced too high. But, the new AMD/super-chip enabled xbox will be the new standard.
As far as direction, it's multi platform as usual business. That she has confirmed with her "we will meet gamers where they are" statement.
How all this is fleshed out remains to be seen. But, the new wonder-machine will be the new xbox emphasis. That, at least, is my opinion. Isn't it rather obvious now that you think about it though?
Re: Sony Exec Suggests PS5 Is Far From Finished, And It's Likely The Same For Xbox Series X|S
Point was @Casco if they have given up, they have a funny way of showing it, as they are advertising to me all the time about purchasing a series x/s machine! My question is, are other xbox fans/owners getting these advertisements all the time? If they are, then microsoft are sending out mixed messages.
Re: Poll: Now That The Dust Has Settled, Which Xbox Game Pass Tier Are You Subscribed To?
I'm on ultimate still, but I consider the footing to be tenuous. Who knows how long it will be so. But, $30? I eat out with the wife regularly, and how much does that cost? Multiple times a month. And that money's just gone... So, in the grand scheme of things, it's all just entertainment - and it's relative. I got to eat, but we have groceries at the house. No need to eat out. I'm 64, and my wife is 67. We both still game. (How much have I spent on our two PC's that are nearly identical?) If we get up in the morning and we are both still alive, who cares what Microsoft is up to? It's just gaming... Not something worth having a coronary over.
Re: Sony Exec Suggests PS5 Is Far From Finished, And It's Likely The Same For Xbox Series X|S
I still get emails every week from Microsoft promoting Series X/S machines available from them directly, even one recently promoting buying a refurb series machine from them - something I purchased from them as recently as last June (2025). I also bought a 3-year warranty from them for $50 at the time. Anyway, they are still promoting buying one from them all the time. It doesn't appear to me that they have given up! I know, I know... I know what they have said publicly on the matter.
And I haven't bought any new games recently for the Series X machine I own. Come buying time of new games has seen Playstation 5 games getting bought by me. Even some Switch 2 games I've bought. I've played the new Outer Worlds 2 on xbox series X though. And I've enjoyed it so far. But, that's been on gamepass. I just can't see buying new games on xbox console. Maybe it's just me...but, I have nagging doubts about the future of the platform. Call it common sense if you like. I own about 400 games on the console though, so it's not like I haven't bought them in the past. I don't consider myself a Playstation person primarily. But...you know what I'm saying. I'm just putting it out there so to speak. I consider the series x to have many more miles on it. And I'm not selling mine. I guess my point is the reports of xbox's death has been greatly exaggerated. Time will tell if I continue to buy games for it though...
Re: Xbox Users Seeing Game Pass Dashboard Ad That Mentions Price Hike & New Benefits
I should say I have had boatloads of trouble running Borderlands 4 on both PC and PS5pro. No problems with Sonic Racing Crossworlds whatsoever on both platforms. BL4 is one big bug fest...It's not ready.
Re: Xbox Users Seeing Game Pass Dashboard Ad That Mentions Price Hike & New Benefits
Hey @BAMozzy! You know, I have lurked in the shadows, but I agree with all the negative posts about M$ and the price increases. They deserve all the criticisms they are getting IMO! And PC gaming is a lot less daunting a task than it use to be. I run a program called "Driver Easy" and it keeps ALL of you drivers updated. Run it about once a week and you won't have any driver problems. Second, if you have NVidia graphics, run the "NVidia App" as it will update all of your game settings, considering what hardware you have, and you won't have to worry about game settings anymore. With these two programs, PC gaming should be reliable. I would encourage everyone to consider switching to PC or Playstation. I no longer buy games for my series x. When purchasing Borderlands 4 and Sonic Racing Crosswords, they were purchased for my PS5pro systems and PC systems. I've moved on to something else obviously. It's time! You shouldn't have any problems running PC games now, and the computer can do a whole lot more things other than just running games (not that that's a bad thing!) You know what I'm trying to say! Good move! I think you are running on all cylinders. https://www.drivereasy.com/
Re: Forza Horizon 5 Is Seemingly The Best-Selling New PS5 Game Of 2025 So Far
This is a link to the FH5 comparison:
https://youtu.be/rf9l4-f8S7E
Re: Forza Horizon 5 Is Seemingly The Best-Selling New PS5 Game Of 2025 So Far
This reminds me...recently, Push Square did a comparison of FH5 on XBSX and PS5pro, and for my money, the series x version looks every bit as good as the PS5pro version. I won't be double dipping, as I've already got the game on PC and Xbox, and have unlocked many cars. I'm happy for all the PS users, after all I'm one of them, but I see no reason to buy it on PS again. I think FH5 is one of the games that showcases what the Series X is capable of, and uses it to it's full capabilities...an excellent game. No need to feel slighted because the game released on PS!
Re: Poll: When Do You Think Xbox's Next-Gen Console Is Coming Out?
I voted for 2027, but since reading all these comments, and thinking further about it, I feel 2026 is more likely. Releasing the new xbox console the same time that Sony launches the PS6 would be a huge mistake. Launching in 2026, a year ahead of Sony, would make more sense. Phil has already said that 2026 is going to be a big year for xbox! How would that not include the new console? If all the big games are releasing in 2026...think about it. Phil has also said that the future is PC and streaming. The new handheld looks a lot like a handheld PC. Don't kill me, I'm just the messenger - but, has anyone thought about where streaming fits into this? I don't think they've dropped streaming. Perhaps the new console (and handheld) streams old series x/one (etc) games, while natively supporting PC games? That would explain how they've solved the xbox running on a PC problem so fast and confidently. These thoughts are based on what Phil has said on the record. How is PC and streaming the future going forward? It's all speculation at this point - all of it. But, look at what he has said recently - 2026 is going to be a special year for Xbox. It looks obvious to me. Why would he release all the big xbox games in 2026 and not the console? Delaying the console till the next year? The same year Sony is set to deliver the PS6?