A new year represents a new opportunity to scramble for the next generation of video game consoles. While it has been difficult to get the PlayStation 5 and Xbox Series X in 2020, many gamers continue to hope that the systems will both be more readily available in 2021.
While there is no official evidence to support such hope, it seems likely that the holiday pressures are ebbing. If you’re hoping to get your hands on an Xbox Series X or Series S before the end of winter, here’s what you need to know, including tools to install and the retailers to check out in January.
Popfindr, OctoShop, and other tools to find Xbox Series X consoles
If you’re not quite sure how to even find new supplies, don’t worry. There are several websites, Twitter accounts, and Google Chrome extensions that track restocks for you. You can use these to find an Xbox Series X or Xbox Series S console when they are back in stock. PopFindr is especially useful, as it helps you see the inventory in local stores if you’re planning to pick up a console in person.
If you get the console online, an extension like OctoShop that is also location-based and regularly checks with various retailers is also incredibly useful. Set up notifications when it comes to Twitter accounts @ Wario64, which consistently tweets when new consoles become available. The Stock Informer Discord channel can also help you track resupply. If you want to get rid of those tools, you have to do the legwork yourself by keeping an eye on the major retailers.
Target
Target is the major retailer to look at towards 2021. After rumors circulated that consoles were planned, it appears they finally came through in the last week of December. Twitter users have shared screenshots of their successful Series X orders, supposedly available for in-store pickup.
It’s not entirely clear whether that was the start of a new wave or a one-off, but it’s worth keeping an eye on both the Series X and Series S pages for updates.
GameStop
GameStop is especially worth following for Xbox updates, as stocks tend to linger a bit longer compared to retailers like Amazon. GameStop has sporadically added console bundles to the website, where players can grab a console with some games or extra controllers packed in. Those deals are often an intimidating price, but that means they usually last a little longer online. If the upfront investment isn’t an issue, it’s worth going that way to save yourself a headache.
The retailer last had a bundle available on December 19 around noon Eastern, which stayed put for a while. That package included NBA 2K 21, Assassin’s Creed Valhalla, and an additional controller.
Microsoft Store
The best advice when it comes to finding an Xbox is to turn off the Microsoft Store. The retailer has posted the new consoles fairly consistently since they launched, so finding one right now is one of your best shots. The only downside is that Microsoft Store shipping tends to be a bit slower than other retailers. It took me about three weeks to ship my own Series X.
Best Buy
It’s been a hot minute since the Xbox Series X or Series S showed up at Best Buy. The retailer last had them on sale on December 15, so they may need to be renewed earlier than other retailers. The only catch is that they tend to sell out particularly quickly there.
While there are no official details, Best Buy usually announces pre-stocking to notify buyers just a few hours in advance. Last time, the retailer even gave a small time window and said the systems would be available after 9 a.m. East, so it’s worth checking his social channels for updates.
Walmart
Walmart is one of the more recent retailers to stock new Xboxes. The Series S last appeared on its website on December 23 at around 12:45 p.m. Eastern. There wasn’t really a warning when that happened, but the retailer usually does give up before consoles go up.
Overall, Walmart is pretty consistent when it comes to restocking, so they’re a good store to keep an eye on if you don’t want to track a whole bunch. Set alerts on the Series X or Series S pages and have your trigger finger handy.
Amazon
Amazon can be the blink of an eye and you miss it when it comes to Microsoft’s new systems. The Series X and Series S seem to pop up randomly and back down just as quickly. The last restocking appears to have taken place around 11:30 a.m. East on December 17, two days after a larger restock that hit most retailers on December 15. days later to see if it repeats the same pattern.
Newegg
Newegg has been a surprisingly good way to find an Xbox since it launched. Like GameStop, the retailer tends to set up larger bundles with bundled games and extras. Newegg’s last refresh came on December 21, a little later than the mid-month wave, so it’s worth setting up alerts on the Xbox Series X and Series S pages to make sure you’re not getting any less competitive rush on a less popular retailer.
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