The dust is now settling on what was a hectic week of deals during Black Friday 2021. And one console has emerged as the best-selling console of this year's sales extravaganza... the Xbox Series S. Which some people seem to be surprised by.
But is it really that surprising that the Xbox Series S has dominated console sales figures? Possibly not. Here's why.
The Xbox Series S Is Black Friday's Best Selling Games Console
According to Business Insider, Adobe's Digital Economy Index has shown the Xbox Series S to be the most popular console of 2021's Black Friday period. The console, available from a wide range of retailers, has outstripped all of the competition.
However, is this unexpected? Well, no, and for a number of reasons.
1. The Xbox Series S Has Enjoyed Consistent Availability
Anyone who has been analysing current-gen console stock levels since they were released will have realized that the Series S has been available more often than it has been unavailable. Unlike the Series X, Sony's PS5, and even Nintendo's Switch OLED, the Series S has seemingly been overlooked.
Coming into Black Friday 2021, the Series S was in stock, with availability across numerous well-known Black Friday participant stores, including Amazon, Best Buy, and Walmart. So, it stands to reason that it is the best-selling console for Black Friday 2021. In a nutshell, there were no other consoles available.
These consistently buoyant stock levels have worked wonders for the Series S, clearly. This is why we suggested you should buy it on Black Friday.
BUY NOW AT AMAZON Xbox Series S
2. The Xbox Series S Represents a Viable Next Gen Option
People scoff at the notion that the Series S is a next gen console. But it IS a next gen console; just a base model as opposed to the gutsier Series X or PS5. This works in its favour.
For those who only want a device for digital gaming, the Xbox Series S perfect. If you only want to use the Series S to access Game Pass, then it is an excellent way to do so.
For casual gamers, this adds even more value, as you don't need to spend big on the Series X when the Series S plays the same games. It doesn't quite pack the same punch in terms of specs but, if you game casually, the frames per second and SSD capacity are likely to be less of a concern than hopping on Battlefield 2042 with your pals.
3. Microsoft Built the Xbox Series S for Game Pass
Well, maybe not just for Game Pass, but this could certainly be the focal point when you're buying the console, as mentioned above.
Game Pass is incredibly popular and has many benefits, including perks that subscribers can claim (one current perk being a subscription to Crunchyroll). The popularity of the platform could be responsible for the console's demand during Black Friday.
Plus, as it is a digital service, it makes sense that the digital only Series S should work in harmony with it. Like with the Series X, Game Pass gives Series S owners access to hundreds of past-generation titles; there are some genuine classics in the Game Pass games library.
So, for Game Pass access, and digital titles in general, the Series S is a great option.
There's Still Time to Buy an Xbox Series S
Even without the Black Friday and Cyber Monday sales (which knocked nothing off the Series S price), this console is available quite often. Perhaps it is time to consider adding it to your holiday gift wishlist. If not, there are plenty of alternatives available.