How to buy an Xbox Series X straight from Microsoft and avoid scalpers completely
MICROSOFT is giving gamers another chance to buy an Xbox Series X directly.
This means you can evade scalpers and buy the console at the recommend retail price.
Countless desperate gamers have tried their luck with third-party stores, but stock vanishes fast.
Microsoft recently launched queueing system that reserves an Xbox for members of the Insider Program – and has just re-opened it for new applications.
"Today we're introducing the Console Purchase Pilot," said Xbox.
It allows "Xbox Insiders on Xbox One to register for a chance to reserve an Xbox Series X/S console."
The bad news is that this queueing system is currently only live in the USA.
However, it's entirely possible that Microsoft could roll out the system to other countries in the UK.
Sadly there's no word on such a move yet.
It's also possible that you might not get a console even if you reserve one.
In a note, Xbox said: "Limited space is available and not all who register will be selected."
That's not all: you'll also need to make the purchase from within an Xbox One.
To sign up for Xbox Insider, switch on your Xbox and go to the Xbox Store.
Search for the term "insider" then download the Xbox Insider app.
Once you load that up, you'll be guided on how to join the service.
It's totally free, and it's the only way to take part in this new Xbox Series X reservation system.
The Xbox Series X and Series S are the latest consoles from Microsoft.
They're the follow ups to the Xbox One X and Xbox One S respectively.
The Series X is all about power and performance, and is said to be so fast that it virtually eliminates loading times.
It'll be capable of processing games in glorious 8K definition and render huge virtual worlds not seen in any console before it.
The Series S is a bit smaller and cheaper, with lower specs and no disc tray.
Gamers will have to download all of the titles they want instead of buying physical copies.
Both consoles launched on November 10 worldwide.
The disc-free Series S costs £249/$299, while the Xbox Series X comes in at £449/$499.
Gaming tips and tricks
Looking for tips and tricks across your favourite consoles and games? We have you covered...
- Can you play PS4 games on PS5?
- PS5 vs Xbox Series X - which is better?
- Everything you need to know about Roblox
- Most popular Roblox games
- Best video games for 2021
- How to tame a boar in Fortnite
- Top 100 rated players in FIFA 21
- Best FM21 wonderkids
- How many people play Fortnite?
- Full weapon tier list from Valheim
In other news, The Sun's favourite alternative to a games console is the Oculus Quest 2 VR headset.
Check out the wildly impressive Panasonic 65HZ1000 TV, which makes most tellies look rubbish.
Read our complete guide to Call of Duty 2021.
READ MORE SUN STORIES
And Dell's Alienware R10 Ryzen Edition is a gaming PC powerhouse that crushes both the new consoles.
We pay for your stories! Do you have a story for The Sun Online Tech & Science team? Email us at tech@the-sun.co.uk