Key Takeaways
1. Xbox Series X availability is declining due to reduced shipments by Microsoft, primarily affecting European markets.
2. Gamers in the UK and Poland face significant challenges in finding the Xbox Series X, with major retailers often out of stock.
3. The Xbox Series X Digital Edition is more accessible, as retailers prioritize disc-less systems in line with Microsoft’s focus on subscription services.
4. Xbox sales are struggling, particularly in Europe, with only 38,581 units sold in 2025 compared to over 328,000 PS5 units.
5. Retailers in South America are also experiencing stock shortages, leading to speculation that Microsoft may be redirecting production towards cloud services.
With Xbox sales on the decline, one would think it should be easy for gamers to find a console available. But, due to less demand, Microsoft seems to have cut back on shipments to numerous European nations. The shortages are mostly affecting the Xbox Series X instead of the Series S. Many gamers are taking to social media to express their frustration in finding the console in stock. While Microsoft hasn’t officially declared the end of the console’s lifecycle, some retailers are beginning to give up on seeing new shipments.
Stock Issues in the UK and Poland
In the UK, finding the Xbox Series X is a real challenge for gamers. Major shops like Argos have it listed, but it often isn’t available for either delivery or pickup in various areas. Similarly, Polish gamers have been facing a tough time since December, which Microsoft attributes to the high demand seen during the holidays. There is a silver lining in Germany, as the Series X is still widely available at MediaMarkt and other outlets.
Digital Edition Availability
At the moment, the Xbox Series X Digital Edition, which doesn’t have a disc drive, is easier to find. Even in the United States, many retailers are prioritizing these disc-less systems and bundles. This strategy aligns with Microsoft’s growing focus on subscription services and streaming platforms such as Xbox Game Pass. The Xbox Series S is widely available, although it does not offer the 4K functionality found in the Series X, PS5, and PS5 Pro.
Sales and Future Prospects
Regardless of whether Microsoft comments on it, the situation of Xbox sales looks quite dire. This is particularly evident in Europe, where recent data from VGChartz indicates only 38,581 units sold in 2025. Conversely, while PS5 sales have also decreased, Sony has still managed to sell over 328,000 consoles. With so many customers opting against the Series X, the extremely low supply is puzzling.
Retailers in South American nations like Brazil and Chile are also reporting a worrying lack of consoles in stock. Some gamers theorize that Microsoft may be focusing its production of Series X hardware primarily for its cloud services. The company maintains an interest in creating a new Xbox console in the future, but fans may have to wait quite a while for that to happen.
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