Why is the Xbox Series S so expensive?
Microsoft raised the US price of the Xbox Series S again on August 1, 2026, after a smaller US rise the October before, and Microsoft's own Xbox Wire post gives the reason: "console storage and memory prices have increased by more than 2.5x." VoltVault has the 512GB digital Xbox Series S (not the 1TB) in stock at $199 USD, under its $299 launch price: open-box, never used, free tracked shipping from Utah, USA, with a 30-day money-back guarantee.
See the Xbox Series S 512GB, $199 →
. Prices can change again, so open Xbox Wire, June 25, 2026 or Microsoft's Series S page for today's figure.
What Microsoft said
- The reason: "Unfortunately, console storage and memory prices have increased by more than 2.5x and we expect another doubling by the fall of 2027."
- When: announced June 25, 2026; "Effective August 1, 2026, we will be updating prices worldwide." Microsoft's post also says it raised US Xbox console prices "last October".
- How much: Microsoft's Series S page shows today's price for each model; how much is an Xbox Series S? covers it model by model.
- Microsoft's view of it: consoles "are typically not sold at a profit, but instead for less than they cost to make." The same post says "XBOX Series S remains the lowest-cost way for console players to enjoy the biggest hits this year."
- At launch: the Series S launched at $299 on November 10, 2020 (Xbox Wire, September 9, 2020).
That is the reason Microsoft gives. Other sites tell other stories about why; this page sticks to what Microsoft wrote. Console prices in 2026 covers the PlayStation and Nintendo changes too, and where to buy consoles at the original price lists every console we sell under its launch price.
Which Series S does VoltVault sell?
The 512GB all-digital Xbox Series S in Robot White, open-box and never used, at $199 USD (Xbox Series S in stock). It is not the 1TB model, and it has no disc drive (does the Xbox Series S have a disc drive?). Xbox Series S vs X compares it with the bigger console.
Manufacturer image shown for reference; not a photo of the individual item.
The VoltVault Xbox Series S
- Xbox Series S, 512GB SSD, all-digital (no disc drive), Robot White, open-box, never used, $199 USD
- In the box: the console, one Xbox Wireless Controller and the cables
- Free tracked shipping from Utah, USA within 2 business days of confirmed payment; US transit is about 2–5 business days, and the tracking number is emailed when the label is made
- Return it within 30 days of delivery for a full refund of the item price (returns policy)
- Ask a person before you pay: orders@shopvoltvault.com
Open-box, never used: the box has been opened, so we do not sell it as factory-sealed, but the console itself has not been used. It is not refurbished (used vs refurbished Series S).
More Xbox Series S answers
- How much is an Xbox Series S?
- Is the Xbox Series S worth it?
- Is Microsoft still selling the Series S?
- Where to buy an Xbox Series S
- Xbox Series S in stock: the open-box listing, what is in the box and how it ships
Ready to look at the console itself? The Xbox Series S listing has the full specs.
VoltVault Team
See the Xbox Series S 512GB, $199 →
Common questions
Why is the Xbox Series S so expensive?
Microsoft raised Series S prices again on August 1, 2026, and its June 25, 2026 Xbox Wire post says "console storage and memory prices have increased by more than 2.5x." VoltVault has the 512GB digital Series S in stock, open-box and never used, at $199 USD.
Why is the Xbox Series S more expensive now?
Two price changes. Microsoft's post says it raised US Xbox console prices "last October", and then announced a worldwide change "effective August 1, 2026". Microsoft's US prices went up again on August 1, 2026.
Why did the Xbox Series S price go up?
Microsoft names parts costs: "console storage and memory prices have increased by more than 2.5x and we expect another doubling by the fall of 2027." It also says consoles "are typically not sold at a profit, but instead for less than they cost to make." We do not guess whether prices will rise again or come down; we read the post again on October 28, 2026.
What did the Xbox Series S cost at launch?
$299. Xbox Wire on September 9, 2020 gave the Series S price as $299 for its November 10, 2020 launch.
How much is the VoltVault Xbox Series S?
$199 USD for the 512GB digital Series S in Robot White, open-box and never used, shipped from Utah, USA with a 30-day money-back guarantee.
Is the VoltVault price for the 1TB Series S?
No. $199 is for the 512GB all-digital model in Robot White. VoltVault does not sell the 1TB Series S.
Is the VoltVault Xbox Series S refurbished?
No. It is open-box, never used: the box has been opened, so we do not sell it as factory-sealed, but the console itself has not been used.