Xbox Black Friday 2021 deals: Series X console restocks coming soon, game bargains live now – CNET [CNET]

This story is part of Holiday Gift Guide 2021, our list of ideas, by topic, by recipient and by price, to help you discover the perfect gift.

In terms of holiday gifts, the Xbox Series X is right behind the PS5 on the must-have list. And with Black Friday sales having already started — and more coming in the days ahead — Xbox deals are coming into focus. First, the bad news: As with the Switch and PlayStation 5, don’t expect any price cuts on the Xbox consoles this year. The reason is simple: With sky-high demand and low inventory because of ongoing supply chain issues, there’s no reason for Microsoft — or retailers — to offer incentives. They’re selling every unit they can. That goes for the standard Xbox Series X and the Halo Collectors Edition.

But the news isn’t all bleak. The step-down Xbox Series S pops up more frequently and doesn’t sell out as quickly. For anyone who wants an easier in to the current state of “next-gen” gaming, it’s a solid choice at $300. Meanwhile, plenty of sales are coming up for games on all major consoles — that’s where you’ll see bona fide Black Friday deals on Xbox content this year and what we’re pulling together here. Microsoft’s own sale officially kicks off Friday, Nov. 19, while Walmart deals on Xbox begin Monday, Nov. 22. Keep checking back for the latest updates.

Read more: Xbox Series X restock: Walmart reportedly planning to have consoles on Black Friday

Xbox Black Friday deals starting Nov. 19

These Microsoft Game Studios titles will be on sale for up to 75% off starting Nov. 19. Note that existing subscribers to Xbox Game Pass already have access to these games.

• Gears 5
• Gears Tactics Hellblade: Senua’s Sacrifice
• Rare Replay
• Psychonauts 2
• Sea of Thieves
• Forza Horizon 4 

and more.

For those who don’t want to wait until Nov. 19, a lot of great holiday deals are already live. We’ve highlighted a few below.

Deals on Xbox Game Pass available now

This holiday season, you can save on Xbox Game Pass for PC when you get your first three months for $1 and access hundreds of PC games including Minecraft, Forza Horizon 5 and Halo Infinite.

• Xbox Game Pass for PC: $1 for three months (95% off; new subscribers only)
• Xbox Game Pass Ultimate: $1 for 1 month for new subscribers
• Xbox Game Pass Ultimate (three-month membership): $38 (Save $7)

Deals on Xbox Games available now

Here are a few games with deep discounts, though there are many more available at Xbox.com. 

• Dragon Ball Z: Kakarot (ultimate edition): $48 (Save $48)
• The LEGO® Games Bundle: $20 (Save $80)
• LEGO® Harry Potter™ Collection: $10 (Save $30)
• LEGO® Marvel Collection: $12 (Save $48)
• The Ultimate Sonic Bundle: $30 (Save $30)
• Assassin’s Creed Legendary Collection: $60 (Save $140)
• Far Cry 5 Gold Edition + Far Cry New Dawn Deluxe Edition Bundle: $33 (Save $98)

Deals on Xbox Accessories available now

• Xbox One wireless controller (Elite Series 2): $140 (Save $40)
• HyperX Cloud II Gaming Headset: $80 (Save $20)
• Kingston HyperX Cloud II Headset: $80 (Save $20)
• Kingston HyperX Pulsefire Surge RGB Gaming Mouse: $40 (Save $15)
• Xbox Wireless Headset: $89 (Save $11)

Walmart Black Friday Xbox Deals starting Nov. 22

Walmart officially announced that it will have PS5 and Xbox inventory on sale next week. According to the circular, Walmart’s Black Friday sale begins Monday, Nov. 22 at 7 p.m. ET, with 4 hours early access to members of Walmart Plus ($13 a month or $98 a year, with a 15-day free trial right now). The store confirms that “supplies are limited” and will be available “online only,” which means you are likely to miss out on the stock if you’re not a subscriber. 

There will also be price cuts on Xbox games, which should be a little easier to get your hands on. Here are a few highlights:

$35 Xbox game deals

Save up to $25 versus the usual Walmart price.

• Guardians of the Galaxy
• Far Cry 6

$25 Xbox game deals

Save up to $35 versus the usual Walmart price.

• Mass Effect Trilogy
• Back 4 Blood

$20 Xbox game deals

Save up to $30 versus the usual Walmart price.

• Resident Evil Village 
• Assassin’s Creed Valhalla