How much will Xbox Series X cost?

While Microsoft has told us a ton about Xbox Series X, next-generation pricing remains a little less clear.

Best answer: Microsoft hasn't indicated Xbox Series X pricing ahead of its slated 2020 release. However, as a next-generation console targeting up to 8K resolution gaming, it won't be cheap.

• 4K gaming today: Xbox One X 1TB Console ($424 at Amazon)

What to expect from Xbox Series X

Microsoft is gearing up for Xbox Series X, its future-facing, next-generation games console dropping next year. The reveal set a high bar with its performance promises, on track to deliver a significant leap in graphical fidelity while targeting 8K and 4K at 120Hz.

The Xbox Series X pitch targets gaming enthusiasts, between its top-tier hardware and resulting outputs. The latest AMD hardware lies at the core, stowing AMD Zen 2 CPU and Navi GPU technologies for four times the processing power of Xbox One X. High-bandwidth GGDR6 RAM and a proprietary solid-state drive (SSD) complete the package, signaling a formidable powerhouse, but not without cost.

Microsoft stopped short of discussing Xbox Series X pricing at E3 2019 or The Game Awards 2019, only just nailing down its final hardware configuration. Although specific details are scarce, the foundations could support a powerful platform, likely straying from a budget-friendly price. But with Xbox Series X and PlayStation 5 hitting the market near-simultaneously, pricing remains a hot topic.

What is the Xbox Series X price? What we know

Microsoft is yet to commit to a price for Xbox Series X but set your expectations before a formal announcement. As a cutting-edge device filled with powerful specs, the final console could be costly.

Given Xbox One introductory pricing, it's clear where Xbox Series X estimates should fall. The original Xbox One debuted in 2013 at a $499 retail price (although bundled with the ill-fated Kinect), and the 4K-driven Xbox One X matched this in 2017. Microsoft's next Xbox endeavor could fall into a similar ballpark if the market allows, or will likely push significantly higher to support that hardware.

Like past consoles, Microsoft must deliver a balance of performance against relative affordability in 2020. Xbox Series X strives to achieve leading visuals worth of flagship status, but simply can't rival $2,000 PC setups for an appeal to the broader market. That balancing act remains core to the Series X ambitions, and the broader Xbox platform, over the year ahead.

But with the current next-generation landscape, the Xbox Series X could cost more than initially expected. The existence of "Xbox Lockhart" continues to circulate, which may pose a more budget-friendly alternative to offset the high price demanded by Xbox Series X. The console would provide around a third of the graphical prowess and likely cut the disc drive, with a sample of next-generation features over Xbox One X. While the status of Lockhart remains unclear, Microsoft recently trademarked "Xbox Series," potentially suggesting an "Xbox Series S" is on the cards.

Microsoft's Xbox One X remains the current frontrunner in this console market, serving up 4K gaming across hundreds of titles. Its price is lower than ever as Series X looms ahead and remains the recommended console in mid-2020.

Our pick

Xbox One X 1TB Console

$424 at Amazon

Get upgraded to 4K Xbox gaming

Microsoft's flagship Xbox One X console packs the best of Xbox, hitting 4K resolution and HDR colors across hundreds of titles. It's the most powerful console on the market, guaranteed to impress. This bundle is the cheapest right now on Amazon.