Microsoft sending out Xbox Series X restock invitations — but there's a catch

Microsoft sending out Xbox Series X restock invitations — but in that location's a take hold of

(Image credit: Future)

If you're still hunting for Xbox Series X restocks and have a Microsoft Store account, then you lot might want to cheque your email inbox because email invitations to buy a console are being sent out.

Microsoft started this practice last year, and according to The Verge, the visitor is once again mailing select customers a unique link that offers the opportunity to purchase an Xbox Series 10 via the Microsoft Store. This is similar to Sony Directly, which regularly holds invite-only PS5 restocks to sidestep scalpers and get consoles into the hands of actual gamers.

Unfortunately, dissimilar Sony Direct, which allows wannabe panel owners to sign upwards for the run a risk to be emailed an invitation, these Xbox Series X restock invitations currently appear to be dished out entirely randomly. Microsoft isn't offer a registration form or any sort of eligibility criteria. It looks like you've simply got to go on your fingers crossed for an email.

And here's the catch

At that place's also a fairly significant catch to these invitations too. Microsoft is offering only the opportunity to buy an Xbox Series X bundle, rather than the console equally a standalone. The package in question comes with a console, an extra controller and your option of a unmarried digital game.

Amongst the games you can pick from are Far Weep 6, Battlefield 2042 and Madden 22, all of which contribute $60 or $lxx to the overall price of the bundle. This feels peculiarly unfair equally each can exist bought separately for $36, $45 and $21, respectively, in the ongoing Xbox Store auction. Fifty-fifty the cheapest choice, GTA V, adds $xxx to the bundle simply is currently on sale past itself for $15.

This bundle is definitely less egregious than the $700+ bundles that nosotros've seen at GameStop, which often have the cheek to include a GameStop Gift Card, just Microsoft is all the same forcing customers to buy extras they may not want.

The demand for Xbox Series Ten bundles appears to have declined quite dramatically in recent weeks. Previously, we'd seen pricey packages sell out at GameStop and Antonline in minutes, only during the most contempo GameStop Xbox Serial Ten restock the retailer'due south pre-built bundle took multiple full days to finally sell out.

If you haven't received an invitation from Microsoft or would rather wait for the chance to score the console without any extras, make sure to bookmark our Xbox Series X restock hub. It's updated daily with the latest stock updates and rumors, plus information technology has all the ownership advice you need to score yourself a next-gen Xbox.

Xbox Series Ten restock tracker — where to look

Best Buy: Xbox Series X | Xbox Series South (terminal restock January xi)
Walmart: Xbox Series X | Xbox Serial Southward (last restock January 13)
Amazon: Xbox Series 10 | Xbox Series Due south (last restock December 16)
Dell: Xbox Series Ten (last restock Jan 20)
Target: Xbox Series X | Xbox Series S (last December 16)
Microsoft: Xbox Series X | Xbox Series S (final restock October 28)
GameStop: Xbox Series 10 | Xbox Serial S (restock January 19)
Newegg: Xbox Serial 10 | Xbox Series S (last restock May 2)
Adorama: Xbox Series X & Xbox Series S bundles (last restock December 22)
Lenovo: Xbox Serial X | Xbox Series S (last restock January 12)
Costco: Xbox Series X (last restock January 19)
BJ'southward: Xbox Series X (last restock July 8)
Kohl's: Xbox Series X (concluding restock Apr 21)
Antonline: Xbox Serial X | Xbox Serial S (last restock January 14)
Sam's Club: Xbox Series Ten | Xbox Series Due south (last restock Nov 17)

Rory is a Deals Editor at Tom's Guide based in the United kingdom. He covers a broad range of topics but with a detail focus on deals, gaming and streaming. When he'southward non scouring retailers for PS5 restock or writing hot takes on the latest gaming hardware and streaming shows, he can exist found attending music festivals and beingness thoroughly disappointed by his terrible football squad.