PRE-ORDERS for the new Xbox console went live in the UK this morning, sending gamers into a frantic race to get hold of one of Microsoft’s coveted machines.
The £449 Xbox Series X won’t hit shelves until November, but that didn’t stop fans from trying to reserve one early, with Amazon and other major retailers reported to have sold out within minutes.
Some online stores appear to still have the console in stock, though waiting times are topping 60 minutes on most websites.
A second new gaming machine, the £249 Xbox Series S, also went on sale this morning but seems to still be widely available.
Gamers hoping to get hold of the pricier Series X took to social media to vent their frustrations at coming away empty handed.
“Xbox Series X preorders sold out within minutes at most UK retailers this morning,” one Twitter user wrote.
Another seethed: “Fuming got up late and all the xbox series x are f*****g sold out.”
Pre-orders for the Series X and Series S opened in the UK at 8am BST on Tuesday.
Shops offering the consoles include the Microsoft Store, GAME, Amazon, Currys, Argos, and others.
It’s not clear when the Series X will be restocked.
A GAME spokesperson said: “Xbox customers have come out in force with an exceptional response to pre-orders going live at 8am this morning, in-store and online.
“We’re dealing with large volumes of customers visiting our website and are working hard to serve their needs.”
HOAR has reached out to Amazon, Argos and Currys for comment.
In the US, pre-orders for the two consoles go live at 11am ET / 8am PT today.
Stockists include Amazon, Target, Walmart, Gamestop, Costco and more.
It’s likely that major retailers will have restocked the Series X in the coming weeks, so don’t panic just yet.
Keep an eye on their official websites if you’re keen to bag one, and sign up to be notified when stocks are replenished.
What are the Xbox Series X and Series S?
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 launch November 10 worldwide.
