Xbox One X Pre-Order Tips

Xbox One X pre-orders are live but Microsoft’s new console is extremely hard to find right now due to stock shortages in the United States and around the world.

Earlier this month, Microsoft finally put its powerful PS4 Pro competitor, the Xbox One X, on sale for the first time. The $500 console comes in two forms, a regular model and a special Project Scorpio model, the latter a tribute to the console’s code name.

Xbox One X pre-orders started out exactly how we expected they would. Microsoft’s new console sold out within a few hours and those who missed out are now left scrambling ahead of its release date in early November, just ahead of the holiday shopping season.

If you’re still looking for an Xbox One X you’ll want to keep an eye out for new stock. And if you were lucky enough to put in an Xbox One X pre-order, you’ll want to stay on top of your order as the year progresses.

Our quick guide to Xbox One X pre-orders will take you through some tips to help you accomplish one or both of these important tasks.

Track Xbox One X Stock

If you missed out on an Xbox One X pre-order and you really want one delivered on release day in November, there’s no need to panic. Yet.

The Xbox One X is currently sold out at most retailers including Amazon and Best Buy but that doesn’t mean it will stay that way. In fact, we’ve already seen new stock appear at retailers in the United States. Most recently, GameStop.

There’s no guarantee retailers like Amazon and Best Buy will resume Xbox One X pre-orders but there’s always a chance new stock will trickle in as the year goes on. And if it does, you’ll want to be ready.

You can track Xbox One X stock at popular retailers and setup alerts that tell you when a certain retailer has pre-orders available. We’ve put together a guide that will take you through this process. It’s a little more in-depth than clicking a “Notify Me” button at Amazon or Best Buy.

If You See It, Order It

If you see the Xbox One X in stock and you want it in November, order it.

Most retailers in the United States won’t charge you until your order ships which means you’ll have several months to decide if you want to keep your Xbox One X pre-order or send it back into the pool for someone else.

Use a Credit Card That Won’t Expire

If you’re able to put in a pre-order make sure you place the order on a credit card that doesn’t expire before the Xbox One X release date. If it expires, your retailer will attempt to charge you and it will fail. This could result in a lost pre-order and a long wait for a new console.

Track Your Xbox One X Pre-Order

If you currently have an Xbox One X pre-order make sure you track your order in the buildup to the release date in November.

It’s a good idea to periodically check in on your order to make sure things are progressing normally. If you weren’t given a ship date when you ordered you’ll want to pay extra attention to your order to make sure you get release date delivery.

If you’re planning to move between now and the console’s release date you’ll want to make sure you change your address a few days before it ships. You might also want to verify the address change with your retailer’s customer service to ensure that it’s correct.

Check for In-Store Pickup

If you weren’t able to get in-store pickup when you first place your order you might check your order to see if you can now switch your order from delivery.

We’re starting to see some retailers like Best Buy allow customers to change from delivery to in-store pickup. If you’d prefer to walk in and out of the store with your console in your hands on release day, this is the way to go.

Plan for the Midnight Xbox One X Release

If you want to start playing Xbox One X ASAP you’ll want to take advantage of the Xbox One X’s midnight release at select retailers.

Best Buy’s confirmed plans to hold midnight releases at select stores and this will be the quickest way to get the console into your hands and into your home.

Before you commit to going to a store at midnight you’ll want to first confirm your local store’s hours. Some stores might not stay open late. You’ll also want to make sure you’ve select the right store for in-store pickup. You can’t go to any random Best Buy or GameStop to pickup your console.

Avoid Paying Premiums

If you really want a console on release day you might be tempted to buy a pre-order at a reseller like eBay or Craigslist. Avoid these if you can.

Xbox One X’s are already going for $700+ on eBay. Don’t fall victim to these offers. Again, we expect to see retailers offer additional stock ahead of the console’s release so you should be able to get the regular model or the Scorpio for $500 plus additional fees.

If you don’t manage to find a pre-order ahead of the Xbox One X’s release date you’ll want to remain patient and wait for more stock to emerge. We expect some retailers to have Xbox One X units in stock for Black Friday specials.

Retailers, like GameStop, will also be offering Xbox One X trade-in deals. GameStop’s trade-in offer stretches from the Xbox One X’s launch on November 7 through November 19.

If you trade-in a Nintendo Switch or a PS4 Pro, you’ll get $200 toward an Xbox One X. If you trade-in a Xbox One S or PS4 (Original or Slim), you’ll get $150. And if you trade-in an Xbox One Original, you can get $100.

Don’t rush to overpay for the Xbox One X. Waiting has its benefits.

Better Looking Xbox Games on HDTVs with Super-Sampling

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Microsoft continues to emphasize the enhanced visuals that Xbox One X buyers get with a 4K television, but the company has not done a great job of telling people about super-sampling. With super-sampling, you get better looking games without a 4K television. Read: Xbox One S 4K Guide: Features, Problems & Which TVs to Buy Super-sampling improves how the space around in-game characters looks, according to Microsoft. That is, characters look like they’re part of their environment instead of being on top of it. Because super-sampling works with high-definition televisions, there’s no need to spend money on an expensive 4K television when you’re not sure how much 4K gaming you will do on the system.

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