Microsoft is emailing out links to buy an Xbox Series X bundle from its online store

Photo by Tom Warren / The Verge

You might want to check your email inbox if you are hunting for an Xbox Series X. We noted last fall that Microsoft occasionally contacted Microsoft Store customers, offering a limited supply of Xbox Series X bundles that are available to Microsoft customers in the US.

Image: The Verge

The bundles are available on a first-come, first-served basis, and the emails are addressed to Microsoft Store customers. Microsoft limits orders to one bundle per order or two bundles per 30-day period. The links to order a bundle are unique and tied to a Microsoft account, so they don't always guarantee that stock is available for purchase.

These Xbox Series X consoles are available on a first-come, first-served basis and will sell out quickly. The limit is one bundle per order, and two bundles per 30-day period. Since there is a limited supply available, receiving this email does not guarantee there will be consoles remaining when you try to purchase. If you attempt to purchase and see a message that the bundle is unavailable, that means we have sold out.

To purchase you must have a valid Microsoft account and sign in. Your unique link in this email is valid for your Microsoft account only, and the account must be associated with the email address that received this message.

Image: Microsoft.com

There is a downside to the offer, however, it requires purchasing a digital game and an extra controller. The price of a second controller is the same as it is in between the occasional sale. It feels like a rip-off, with only a few titles to choose from and prices that can be more than double what you would pay on Microsoft's own Xbox Store. Madden NFL 22, Far Cry 6, and Battlefield 2042 are available for $69.99, even though they can be purchased digitally for less than DropCatch DropCatch DropCatch DropCatch DropCatch DropCatch DropCatch DropCatch DropCatch DropCatch DropCatch DropCatch DropCatch DropCatch DropCatch DropCatch DropCatch DropCatch DropCatch DropCatch DropCatch DropCatch DropCatch DropCatch DropCatch DropCatch DropCatch DropCatch DropCatch DropCatch DropCatch DropCatch There is a cheaper option at $29.99, but it is on sale right now for $14.99.

One way to help consoles get directly to the people who want them is to send links to accounts for people who actually play. If you're lucky, recent sales of next-gen systems have come and gone quickly, so it's the easiest way to get a new console. Even if you are in the chosen few, it still comes with some extra costs.