Video-game consoles are a welcome holiday gift, even more so with the enhanced entertainment capabilities of the Microsoft Xbox One, Nintendo Wii U, and Sony PlayStation 4. If you’ve been holding out for a good bargain, this may be the perfect time to pounce—especially if you’re looking for an Xbox One, which is seeing significant discounts for the holidays. Here are some of the best deals we’ve spotted.
Some retailers sweeten their deals by including accessories, subscriptions to online services, and games at discounted prices with the consoles; others offer gift cards when you purchase a console bundle. Bear in mind that time frames on these deals vary; some may be valid only on Black Friday. And finally, make sure to check with your local retailers for specifics, so you don’t miss out on savings.
Microsoft Xbox One deals
The Xbox One has the biggest discount this season: Its price has been temporarily slashed to $50—so the price tag is now $450 with the Kinect motion sensing camera, and $350 without. The discount also applies to all bundle deals, meaning you can snag a console and games at the discounted price. Some stores are offering the console for even less on Black Friday.
Xbox One console: $350; $330 at Kohl’s
Xbox One with Kinect: $450; $430 at Toys"R"Us
Xbox One Assassin’s Creed Unity bundle: $350; $330 at Best Buy, Dell, GameStop, Toys"R"Us, Target, and Walmart
- Xbox One 500GB console with controller
- Assassin’s Creed Unity
- Assassin’s Creed IV: Black Flag
Xbox One with Kinect Assassin’s Creed Unity bundle: $450, $430 at Best Buy and GameStop
- Xbox One 500GB console with controller
- Kinect sensor
- Assassin’s Creed Unity
- Assassin’s Creed IV: Black Flag
Xbox One Special Edition Sunset Overdrive Bundle - $350
- White 500GB Xbox One console with white controller
- Sunset Overdrive
Xbox One Limited Edition Call of Duty: Advanced Warfare Bundle, $450
- Custom 1TB Xbox One console with custom controller
- Call of Duty: Advanced Warfare
Xbox One Halbo The Master Chief Collection Bundle, $330; Walmart exclusive
- Xbox One 500GB console with controller
- Halo The Master Chief Collection
Check our Holiday Planning & Gift Guide for suggestions of top-rated gifts and expert shopping advice from Consumer Reports. And for more on gaming, check our guide to top video-game consoles, tech toys, and kid tablets.
Sony PlayStation 4 deals
While the PS4 won’t have a price drop this season, you can still get a deal on the console along with two free games: It’s available in two different holiday bundles, with one for grownups and one aimed at kids. A Destiny bundle is also available.
PS4 Grand Theft Auto V Black Friday Bundle, $400
- PlayStation 4 500GB console with controller
- Grand Theft Auto V
- The Last of Us Remastered (download voucher)
PlayStation 4 with Lego Batman 3 and Little Big Planet 3, $400
- PlayStation 4 500GB console with controller
- LEGO Batman 3: Beyond Gotham
Little Big Planet 3 (download voucher)
PlayStation 4 Destiny Bundle - $400
- White PlayStation 4 500GB Console with white controller
- Destiny
Nintendo Wii U deals
As with the PlayStation 4, Nintendo hasn't announced a price cut for the Wii U. And no specific holiday bundles have been announced, but several bundles are currently available. Check Nintendo's holiday deals page for additional bargains.
Wii U Mario Kart 8 Bundle, $300; WalMart exclusive
- Wii U 32GB console with GamePad
- Mario Kart 8
- Nintendo Land
Wii U Super Mario 3D World bundle, $300
- Wii U 32GB console with GamePad
- Mario Kart 8
- Nintendo Land
Wii U New Super Mario Bros U bundle, $300
- Wii U 32GB console with GamePad
- New Super Mario Bros U
- Super Luigi U
Wii U Skylanders SWAP Force bundle, $300
- Wii U 8GB console with GamePad
- Skylanders SWAP Force
- 3 Skylanders Figures
—Matt Ferretti
Copyright © 2005-2014 Consumers Union of U.S., Inc. No reproduction, in whole or in part, without written permission. Consumer Reports has no relationship with any advertisers on this site.
Get a daily look at what’s developing in science and technology throughout the world.