Microsoft has extended its discount on Xbox bundles through the holidays. Until Dec. 26, consumers looking for a new Xbox One console bundle can save $50 on any configuration they choose.
Microsoft had a great start to the holiday season, as Black Friday sales of Xbox bundles soared to new heights, partly in response to the $50 discount off any bundle deal the company was offering during the holiday season kickoff. Sales of Xbox consoles shot up 22 percent over last year, with total sales in the Xbox store increasing by 57 percent (including both Xbox One and Xbox 360). Overall, it marked the second-best Black Friday for the gaming system in 15 years.
The good news for Microsoft is also good news for consumers who haven't yet taken the plunge on a bundle, because as a result of the stellar Black Friday sales, Microsoft has announced that it will extend the $50 to bundle buyers throughout the holidays. Through Dec. 26, all Xbox One bundles are eligible for the deal. That includes the Xbox One Limited Edition Halo 5: Guardians bundle and the Xbox One Elite bundle as well as the Xbox One 1 TB Holiday bundle, which includes Gears of War: Ultimate Edition, Rare Replays and Ori and the Blind Forest. It also covers the Xbox One 500 GB Gears of War: Ultimate Edition, which was the most popular and most-purchased Xbox One bundle over the Black Friday weekend.
In addition to the instant Microsoft $50 discount, some big retailers upped the ante over Black Friday to offer additional deals of their own. Target was the best of the bunch, offering a $60 store gift card with the purchase of the Xbox One 500 GB Gears of War: Ultimate Edition bundle at $299, bringing the effective price down to just $239. Walmart offered buyers a $30 store gift card on the same package.
While currently, no big additional discounts on Xbox One bundles are being offered by any of the big retailers, savvy consumers may want to wait and see if the stores jump on the deal bandwagon now that Microsoft has extended its offer. Since the Microsoft discount is available through Christmas, it can't hurt to be patient and see if you can snag an even better deal before the big day.
