The highly anticipated Black Friday sales event has commenced for Xbox enthusiasts across the UK, with Microsoft launching substantial discounts of up to 75 per cent on a wide array of games and accessories. This comes as a welcome development after last year's disappointing showing for Xbox markdowns, setting the stage for what could be the best bargains in recent memory.
Best Early Xbox Black Friday Deals Available Now
Shoppers eager to get a head start on their gaming purchases need not wait for the official Black Friday date of 28 November. Several compelling offers are already live, including a standout console bundle from Very.co.uk. The Xbox Series S gaming bundle, which includes the all-digital 512GB console, a controller, and a 24-month Game Pass Ultimate subscription, has been reduced from £659 to £599, saving gamers £60.
Meanwhile, Amazon's Black Friday sale features a 33 per cent discount on the Xbox Wireless Controller in Carbon Black, bringing its price down to just £39.99 from its usual £59.99. For football fans, the newly released EA Sports FC 26 standard edition for Xbox One and Xbox Series X/S is already half-price at £34.99, a significant £35 saving on the launch price.
What to Expect as Black Friday Approaches
The Xbox Black Friday sale will continue through to 3 December, extending beyond Cyber Monday on 1 December. Industry observers are hopeful that this year's discounts will mirror the impressive 2023 offers rather than the lacklustre 2024 event. Back in 2023, the Xbox Series X saw prices drop to as low as £359.99 at major retailers including Amazon, Smyths Toys, Currys, and Game, while the Xbox Series S hit a rock-bottom price of £189.99.
While the newly refreshed 1TB Xbox Series S and the all-digital 1TB Series X consoles might see only modest price cuts, they're more likely to appear in bundles with games and accessories. The standard Xbox Series X, however, could potentially return to that attractive £359.99 price point. The recently launched Xbox ROG Ally handheld, a collaboration between Microsoft and Asus, is unlikely to see any discounts given its October 2025 release.
Expert Guidance for Savvy Shoppers
As The Independent's tech critic with nearly a decade of experience covering gaming deals, Steve Hogarty and the IndyBest team are curating the most worthwhile offers. Their dedicated Black Friday shopping guides focus on tried-and-tested products, helping consumers navigate the overwhelming number of promotions. Gamers looking for consoles, games, controllers, or potential reductions to Xbox Game Pass membership can rely on their expert analysis to identify genuine bargains.
The team also maintains a live blog with continuous updates on the latest offers and news throughout the Black Friday period, ensuring UK gamers have access to the most current and reliable shopping information.
