Is the Xbox Series X Worth Buying in 2025?
The latest 2025 Xbox X series will now cost $599 instead of $499.
s the Xbox Series X Worth Buying in 2025?
It’s 2025, and the Xbox Series X is now five years old. In console years, that’s… middle-aged. Not ancient, but not exactly shiny and new either. With rumors about the next generation swirling around, and new games constantly pushing the limits of current hardware, a lot of people are wondering: Is the Xbox Series X still worth buying this year?
The short answer? Yeah, probably — depending on what you’re looking for. Let’s break it down.
The Hardware Still Slaps
Let’s get this out of the way: the Xbox Series X is still a powerhouse. It was arguably the most technically advanced console at launch back in 2020, and it’s aged well. You’re getting 4K resolution, up to 120 frames per second, ray tracing, super fast load times thanks to its SSD — all the good stuff.
Unless you’re a hardcore PC gamer chasing 8K at 240 FPS, the Series X still delivers a premium gaming experience. Games look great, run smoothly, and the system is quiet and reliable.
So if you’re worried about the Series X being “outdated,” don’t be. For 95% of gamers, it still performs like a champ.
Game Pass Is Still the Star of the Show
One of the biggest reasons people stick with Xbox — or switch to it — is Game Pass. And in 2025, it’s better than ever. Microsoft has leaned hard into the subscription model, and for good reason: it’s kind of the best deal in gaming.
For around $15 a month, you get access to hundreds of games — from brand-new AAA releases to classic indies. Think of it like Netflix, but for games. A few standout recent releases in 2025 (no spoilers) have launched day one on Game Pass, and it continues to be a killer feature that PlayStation just hasn’t fully matched.
If you’re someone who likes trying a bunch of different games without paying $70 every time, this alone might make the Series X worth it.
Backward Compatibility is a Big Win
One thing Xbox does better than most: respecting your old library. The Series X can run games from the Xbox One, Xbox 360, and even the original Xbox. Not just through some janky emulator — these games often run better on Series X than they did originally.
So if you’ve been an Xbox player for a while and you’ve built up a collection, the Series X lets you bring all that with you. It’s a nice touch, especially for gamers who don’t want to start from scratch.
Still No “Next-Gen” Console Yet (But It’s Coming)
This is the elephant in the room: Will there be a new Xbox soon?
Probably, yeah. Microsoft hasn’t officially announced anything at the time of writing, but the rumor mill is buzzing. Some are saying late 2026. Others think a mid-gen refresh (like a “Series X Slim” or a handheld version) might drop even sooner.
If you’re someone who has to have the newest thing the second it drops, maybe hold off. But let’s be real: new consoles aren’t cheap, and launch libraries are usually thin. The Series X will still be fully supported for a few more years at least, so you’re not buying a dying machine.
So What About the Competition?
Sony’s PlayStation 5 is still Xbox’s main rival, and it’s got some amazing exclusives. If you care a lot about games like Spider-Man 3, The Last of Us Part III, or Final Fantasy XVII, PS5 might be your jam.
That said, Xbox has been acquiring studios like crazy — Bethesda, Activision Blizzard, and more — so it’s not like it’s lacking in exclusives. Starfield, Hellblade II, and Avowed are just the beginning. More original content is coming, and a lot of it drops directly on Game Pass.
Also, if you’re a PC gamer, Microsoft makes it easy to play many Xbox games on both platforms. Your saves, achievements, and Game Pass access all sync up — which is honestly a dream if you switch between console and PC.
The Price is Right (Especially in 2025)
Another reason the Series X is worth a look in 2025? The price has come down. You can regularly find deals for $399 or even lower — especially refurbished or bundles with free games.
Considering its raw power and what it offers with Game Pass, it’s one of the best value propositions out there. And if you’re on a tighter budget, the Xbox Series S (a less powerful, digital-only version) is even cheaper, though it doesn’t do 4K or run games quite as smoothly.
So… Should You Buy It?
Here’s the real talk: If you don’t have a current-gen console yet and you want a high-performance machine with tons of games and a great subscription service, the Xbox Series X is still a fantastic choice in 2025.
It’s powerful. It’s got a massive library. It’s affordable (or at least, more affordable now). And it’s not going obsolete anytime soon.
If you’re already rocking a Series X, there’s zero reason to “upgrade” — nothing better exists yet. If you’re on Xbox One or haven’t been gaming in a while, now’s a great time to jump back in without worrying you’re buying into a fading system.
Bottom Line: The Xbox Series X may not be the new kid on the block anymore, but it’s still one of the best ways to game in 2025. Whether you’re all about Game Pass, want to play the latest exclusives, or just need a fast, reliable console, it holds up — and then some.
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