The original Xbox One is no longer available new from the online U.S. Microsoft Store. As spotted by Console Deals, the listing has been straight up removed from the U.S. store, leaving only refurbished models available for $199. The original console release appears to be on the way out in the UK as well, with the current listing returning an "out of stock" message.
The move comes a year after Microsoft introduced the Xbox One S, more svelte refresh of the Xbox One, updated with HDR support and a UHD Blu-ray player. Even after its introduction, the original Xbox One remained on sale as a cheaper alternative. But with the One S offering much more bang for your buck and the impending launch of Xbox One X, it makes sense that Microsoft would shift towards making One S the de facto entry-level Xbox.
Filling in at the high end will be the Xbox One X, which just opened up for preorders this past weekend. With 6 teraflops of power, Microsoft is positioning the One X as a premium console for gamers that want the best-looking console experience for their games. Since preorders opened, Microsoft says the response to Xbox One X has been overwhelming, noting it is the fastest-selling Xbox preorder ever.
If you're on the lookout for an original model, you can still grab a refurbished unit from Microsoft, and retailers are sure to have sporadic units floating around. But as the original Xbox One and its turbulent history ride into the sunset, One S and One X are positioned to carry the torch forward with a better outlook.
