Are Xbox Black Friday deals worth it in 2024?

What to expect from Xbox Black Friday deals

Data from the last annual Black Friday cycle indicates that both current Xbox models (Xbox Series X and Series S) are generally offered at discounted prices. However, these are not really deep price cuts, especially when it comes to Xbox Series X Black Friday deals, given the current demand for it. At best, you can expect retailers to cut around £20 - £50 off the normal retail price, which translates into a discount range of 4-10%. Xbox Series S Black Friday deals are typically more generous, coming in at between £20 and £60. This offers a better discount on the £299 recommended retail price. Bundle deals have historically been the best bet. You'll get more value from one of these than a mere 5% discount on the console. Retailers often include free games and accessories, which can total up to £100 in value, especially if you choose the Series S. Don't expect any direct discounts from Microsoft itself – you're more likely to pay full price and get Game Pass Ultimate subscriptions or digital store credits as Black Friday gifts. Here you have some highlights of price comparisons:

*Prices as at 28 November 2024

Is an Xbox Black Friday sale the best time for discounts

Considering the relatively low discounts on Xbox Black Friday deals, you might well wonder if it's worth the fuss. So, let's analyse the data to see just how much you can save in the big November sale, compared to other times of the year.

Xbox Series X Black Friday trends

Xbox Series X Black Friday discounts had virtually no notable effect on prices at that time in 2023. Coming off a baseline average of around £449 in late October, the console dropped to its lowest average point of about £379 on 3 November – but then shot back up to roughly £470 just three days later. During the year, it was relatively stable, averaging between £390 and £395 from March to July. It climbed to a high of about £441 in August, and has steadily decreased since then. It reached a yearly low of around £330 this past October, and has since plateaued at about £375.

Xbox Series S Black Friday trends

It's a different scenario with last year's Xbox Series S Black Friday prices. After averaging around £235 in the previous month, the price plummeted on Black Friday, reaching a record low for the year of about £152. The next day it was back up to around £189, and continued upward before peaking at around £241 in early December. Holiday season discounts brought it back down to about £180 on 21 December 2023. Since then, it's been up and down constantly throughout the year, bouncing between an average high of roughly £249 in May, and an average low of about £219. At the end of September, it rose to around £240, but fell again quickly and has remained at around £203 for most of October to date.

Should I wait for Xbox Black Friday deals?

The above information shows that when it comes to either of the latest Xbox series, Black Friday isn't necessarily the best time to buy one. You can get just as good – if not better – discounts during the year. 

Add to that the anxiety that comes with making sure you actually do snap up a good deal before the offers run out, and the frenzy that comes with the whole experience. It's very easy to get caught up in everything, while catching a bit of FOMO for your trouble. You don't have to, though – simply relax, while other consumers trip over themselves, and pick up a nice discount for yourself when things are quieter.

You won't have to search all the outlets you can think of and sift through dozens of promotions to find the best prices. And you won't suffer the kind of buyer's regret that comes from the nagging feeling that you might not have found the best deal.

We'd be remiss not to point out that you also run the risk of falling for fake discounts, or, at least, ones that aren't as generous as they appear to be. It's a simple enough trick. Some retailers will show you a "normal" price along with the discounted price. You'll typically see something like "Was £100, now £50". That certainly looks like a hefty 50% discount, but that's only if the original price is accurate, right? The sleight of hand lies in the fact that the "normal" price is a lot lower than displayed, which makes the discount a lot less in reality.

Back Market offers plenty of Xbox Black Friday deals, so we're not trying to dampen your enthusiasm or take the fun out of it. It's just wise to go in with your eyes open and your wits sharp.

Consider a refurbished Xbox to lower your carbon footprint

There's no longer any debate that we should each do all we can to help repair and protect the environment. Buying a refurbished Xbox on Black Friday is a much more sustainable option compared to getting a new one. Ours are diligently inspected and fully reconditioned, then put through a series of tests to ensure they meet the original benchmark specs. This makes them as good as new, and gives you an opportunity to do your bit through this form of recycling.

Xbox Series S - This is the latest budget version of the Xbox. It offers faster load times over previous models, and a next-gen frame rate. It packs a big punch at an affordable price, making it suitable for casual gamers.

Xbox Series X - This is a step up from the Series S, mainly due to its immersive gaming experience. The 4K resolution is outstanding. It's suitable for high-end gamers, dedicated clan members, and even pros.

To summarise Xbox Black Friday deals

If you're an avid gamer, it's definitely worth having a look at all the available Xbox Series X Black Friday deals. While history indicates that you might not find significant direct discounts, the extra games and Game Pass subscription could certainly make it worth your while. The same applies to Xbox Series X Black Friday offers. If you're not a regular gamer, but like to play the most popular titles, a bundle deal with some new games may be perfect for you. 

One final word of warning on discounts, though. It's very common for some retailers to increase their prices as November nears, so that their discounts appear to be larger by contrast. In reality, you're not paying much less than you would have a couple of months ago – or in the months to come, for that matter.

While we offer Black Friday deals along with everyone else, we also give you great discounts all year round. These can be on par with the lowest November deals, and sometimes even cheaper. You can get discounts up to 50% on both Xbox models, along with a 30-day return guarantee. All our products come with a 1-year warranty, so you can buy with complete confidence.

It's also worth another reminder that when you buy refurbished Xboxes from Back Market, you're making the environmentally-conscious choice.