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Microsoft announced three redesigned Xbox Series X|S models in June 2024. They added storage, new finishes and a disc-free Series X option—not faster processors or graphics. The consoles launched in 2024, but U.S. Microsoft Store prices checked August 16, 2026 are substantially higher than their original prices, and Microsoft says it is sunsetting the 2TB model.
Which Xbox models did Microsoft announce?
The three 2024 options were revised configurations within the existing Xbox Series X|S family. Microsoft first announced them on June 9, 2024, then confirmed an October 15 release in select markets, with some markets following on October 29. Availability varied by country.
| Model | Advertised internal storage | Disc drive | U.S. launch ERP | Best fit |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Xbox Series S | 512GB | No | Not stated for this model in the 2024 announcement | Lower-cost entry to the Series S family |
| Xbox Series S 1TB Robot White | 1TB | No | $349.99 | Digital players who want more room on a Series S |
| Xbox Series X 1TB Digital Edition, Robot White | 1TB | No | $449.99 | Players who want Series X performance and buy digitally |
| Xbox Series X 1TB | 1TB | Yes | Not stated for this model in the 2024 announcement | Players who want Series X performance and physical games |
| Xbox Series X 2TB Galaxy Black Special Edition | 2TB | Yes | $599.99 | Those seeking the special finish and more built-in storage, if available |
The launch prices above are U.S. estimated retail prices from Microsoft’s June 2024 announcement. They are historical, not current store prices.
Series S 1TB Robot White
This all-digital Series S keeps the compact design and adds a 1TB SSD in a white finish. Its extra storage is useful for players who install several large games, but it does not change Series S performance.
#1 Best Overall
- FASTEST, MOST POWERFUL XBOX — Experience next-generation performance with 12 teraflops of processing power, delivering smoother gameplay, richer worlds, and faster responsiveness than any previous XBOX.
- TRUE 4K GAMING UP TO 120 FPS — Enjoy breathtaking visuals with true 4K resolution, HDR, and frame rates up to 120 FPS, plus hardware-accelerated ray tracing for a heightened level of realism.
- 1TB CUSTOM SSD AND XBOX VELOCITY ARCHITECTURE — Reduce load times dramatically with the custom 1TB NVMe SSD and XBOX Velocity Architecture, enabling lightning-fast performance and seamless world streaming.
- QUICK RESUME — Seamlessly switch between multiple games and resume exactly where you left off. No more waiting through title screens and loading bars.
- FOUR GENERATIONS OF GAMES — Play thousands of games from XBOX Series X|S, XBOX One, XBOX 360, and Original XBOX, with many titles enhanced for better visuals and performance on XBOX Series X.
Series X 1TB Digital Edition
The white Digital Edition has a 1TB SSD and no optical disc drive. Microsoft described it as having the same speed and performance as the standard Series X. It suits buyers comfortable with digital purchases, downloads and subscription access; it cannot play physical game discs or disc-based films.
Series X 2TB Galaxy Black Special Edition
This disc-equipped Series X doubles the standard model’s advertised internal storage. Its Galaxy Black finish has silver, gray and green celestial detailing, and it shipped with a matching controller featuring a Galaxy Black D-pad and Velocity Green rear case. Microsoft described it as available in limited quantities in select markets.
Are the 2024 models faster?
No performance uplift was announced. Microsoft presented the new configurations as retaining the speed and performance of their corresponding existing Series X|S models. The changes were storage capacity, exterior design, disc-drive configuration and, for the Galaxy Black edition, the included special-edition controller. These are not a “Series X Pro,” a new console generation or a stronger graphics tier.
Rank #2
- What's in the box: Xbox Series X console, 1 Xbox Wireless Controller - Carbon Black, Ultra High Speed HDMI cable, Power cord.
- Equipped with AMD's Zen 2 and RDNA 2 architectures, DirectX ray tracing delivers true-to-life lighting, shadows and accurate reflections to create dynamic, living worlds.
- Memory: 16GB GDDR6 w/320 bit-wide bus; Memory Bandwidth: 10 GB @ 560 GB/s, 6 GB @ 336 GB/s; Internal Storage: 1TB Custom NVME SSD
- Gaming Resolution: True 4K; Performance Target: Up to 120 FPS; High Dynamic Range: Up to 8K HDR; Optical Drive: 4K UHD Blu-Ray; HDMI Features: Auto Low Latency Mode, HDMI Variable Refresh Rate, AMD FreeSync.
- Bundled with HDMI_Cable
Series X is designed for higher-fidelity gaming, including up to 4K output and up to 120 FPS in supported games and with compatible displays. Series S is the lower-performance option, commonly targeting 1440p output with upscaling for 4K displays. Actual resolution and frame rate depend on the game, display and selected mode; “up to 120 FPS” does not mean every game runs at that rate. A larger SSD does not improve graphics or frame rate.
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How much storage do you get, and what does a disc drive change?
The capacity printed in a model name is its advertised SSD size, not all space available for games. The operating system and reserved system data use part of the drive, so do not expect the full advertised capacity to be available for installs. A 512GB Series S leaves less room for a large digital library than a 1TB model; the 2TB Series X provides the most built-in storage among these options.
- Series S, in either storage size: Digital-only; it cannot read game discs.
- Series X 1TB Digital Edition: Digital-only; it cannot read game discs.
- Standard Series X 1TB and Series X 2TB Galaxy Black: Include an optical disc drive.
A digital-only console is a poor match if you own physical Xbox games, borrow or buy used discs, resell games, or want disc-based 4K Blu-ray playback. Physical backward-compatible titles also require a disc drive. Digital purchases are subject to Microsoft account and licensing rules, while subscription access depends on an active membership and the catalog available to that plan and region.
Rank #3
- BEST VALUE IN GAMING — Experience next-gen speed and performance in the smallest XBOX ever. The XBOX Series S delivers powerful all-digital gameplay in a sleek, compact design.
- UP TO 120 FPS GAMEPLAY — Enjoy smooth, responsive gaming with frame rates up to 120 FPS, powered by XBOX Velocity Architecture, a custom NVMe SSD, and DirectX Raytracing for a heightened level of realism.
- 512GB CUSTOM SSD AND XBOX VELOCITY ARCHITECTURE — Reduce load times dramatically with the custom 512GB NVMe SSD and XBOX Velocity Architecture, enabling lightning-fast performance and seamless world streaming.
- QUICK RESUME — Seamlessly switch between multiple games and resume exactly where you left off. No more waiting through title screens and loading bars.
- FOUR GENERATIONS OF DIGITAL GAMES — Play thousands of digital games from XBOX Series X|S, XBOX One, XBOX 360, and Original XBOX with backward compatibility. Many titles are enhanced for better visuals and performance. Smart Delivery ensures you always get the best version for your console.
What do Xbox Series X|S models cost now?
Microsoft announced worldwide console price changes effective August 1, 2026: $100 more for 512GB models and $150 more for 1TB models. It also said it was sunsetting the 2TB model. Microsoft attributed the changes to sharply higher memory and storage costs, saying those component costs had risen more than 2.5 times and could rise further by fall 2027. Those are Microsoft’s stated reasons and outlook, not an independent measurement.
The following are U.S. Microsoft Store listings checked August 16, 2026. Prices and stock can differ at other retailers and in other regions.
| Microsoft Store U.S. listing | Price seen August 16, 2026 | Availability shown |
|---|---|---|
| Xbox Series S | $499.99 | Listed |
| Xbox Series S 1TB White | $599.99 | Listed |
| Xbox Series X 1TB Digital Edition White | $749.99 | Listed |
| Xbox Series X 1TB disc model | $799.99 | Listed |
| Xbox Series X 2TB Galaxy Black Special Edition | $799.99 | Listed, out of stock |
| Certified-refurbished Series S | $399.99 | Listed |
| Certified-refurbished Series S 1TB | $499.99 | Listed |
| Certified-refurbished Series X | $649.99 | Listed |
| Certified-refurbished Series X Digital | $599.99 | Listed, out of stock |
Check the Microsoft Store console listings for current stock. A listing does not guarantee availability, and retailer discounts, bundles, open-box units and refurbished inventory can differ from Microsoft’s prices.
Rank #4
- What's in the box: Xbox Series S 512GB console, 1 Wireless Controller, High Speed HDMI cable.
- CPU: 8X Cores @ 3.6 GHz (3.4 GHz w/SMT) Custom Zen 2 CPU; GPU: 4 TFLOPS, 20 CUs @1.565 GHz Custom RDNA 2 GPU; SOC Die Size: 197.05 mm2.
- Memory: 10GB GDDR6 128 bit-wide bus; Memory Bandwidth: 8GB @ 224 GB/s, 2GB @ 56 GB/s.; Internal Storage: 512GB Custom NVME SSD
- Gaming Resolution: 1440p; Performance Target: Up to 120 FPS; HDMI Features: Auto Low Latency Mode, HDMI Variable Refresh Rate, AMD FreeSync.
Which model makes sense for you?
Choose the Series S 512GB for the lowest listed new-console price
It is the entry point in the current new lineup for buyers who play digitally, do not need a disc drive and have reliable broadband. The trade-off is limited room for installed games; you may need to uninstall and redownload titles more often.
Choose the Series S 1TB if you want more room, not more power
The extra capacity can make a digital library easier to manage while keeping the Series S form factor. It remains a Series S in performance, not an alternative to Series X graphics capability.
Choose the Series X Digital Edition only if discs are irrelevant to you
It offers Series X performance without a disc drive. At the listed U.S. price, consider carefully whether its white finish and digital-only setup are worth choosing over a disc-equipped Series X. It is a poor fit for anyone relying on physical games or disc playback.
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The disc-equipped 1TB model is the straightforward choice for Series X performance alongside physical games, used-disc bargains, lending or disc-based Blu-ray playback. Its current official listing is far above the historical launch price of the 2024 Digital Edition; those were different configurations, so the figures are not a like-for-like price increase.
Consider the 2TB Galaxy Black only if you find suitable remaining stock
It combines the most advertised built-in storage in this group with a disc drive and special finish. Microsoft says the model is being sunset, and its U.S. store listing was out of stock at the price shown above. Availability elsewhere is not established by that listing.
Compare refurbished hardware before paying current new-console prices
Microsoft’s store listed certified-refurbished Series S models at $399.99 and $499.99, and a Series X at $649.99. The refurbished Series X Digital listing was out of stock. These listings may change with inventory; check the specific product page for condition, warranty, return terms and availability before buying. Microsoft has said certified-refurbished consoles may be available for up to $100 off MSRP, but that is not a guarantee for every model or listing.
Should you add storage instead?
For an existing Series X|S owner, or a buyer weighing a smaller-capacity console, expansion storage may be an alternative to replacing the console. Seagate lists Xbox Series X|S Storage Expansion Cards in 512GB, 1TB and 2TB capacities. The cards are designed for Series X|S and support Xbox Velocity Architecture performance, allowing optimized games to run from the card. See Seagate’s product datasheet for the stated compatibility and capacities.
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What “new Xbox models” means in 2026
These were real new configurations when announced in 2024, but they were not a performance refresh and are not new 2026 hardware. For buyers now, the practical decision is among current listed prices, storage needs, disc support and refurbished availability—not a faster version of Series X|S. Microsoft’s original announcement, preorder and release details, 2024 lineup overview and 2026 price update document those changes.
Quick Recap
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.
