Xbox Series X|S Trails in Black Friday Sales Amidst Lack of Promotions
During Black Friday week, Xbox Series X|S sales lagged behind competitors, including the NEX Playground, due to the absence of promotional discounts.
During the Black Friday week ending November 29, 2025, the PlayStation 5 led U.S. console sales, accounting for 47% of units sold, followed by the Nintendo Switch 2 at 24%, and the NEX Playground at 14%. The Xbox Series X|S did not feature in the top three, with reports indicating it was outsold by the NEX Playground, a motion-sensing console designed for children.
Analysts attribute the Xbox's underperformance to the absence of promotional discounts during the Black Friday period. While competitors offered significant price reductions, Microsoft maintained the Xbox Series X's price at $650, following a recent price increase from its original $500 launch price in 2020.
This sales trend reflects a broader shift in Microsoft's gaming strategy, focusing more on software and subscription services. In October 2025, the company raised the monthly fee for its Xbox Game Pass Ultimate subscription by 50%, from $19.99 to $29.99, introducing expanded offerings such as access to over 75 first-day game releases annually and enhanced cloud streaming features.
Despite the decline in hardware sales, Microsoft is reportedly partnering with Foxconn to expand Xbox manufacturing by 4.8 million devices per year, aiming to address hardware supply challenges and prepare for anticipated game releases.