What you need to know
- The Xbox Insider Twitter just announced the brand new Console Purchase Pilot.
- It'll enable certain Xbox One users to register for a shot at reserving an Xbox Series X | S console.
- The Console Purchase Pilot is limited to certain U.S. Xbox Insiders.
If you're one of the many, many gamers who has been doggedly refreshing retailer website listings for Xbox Series X & S consoles, it looks like Microsoft is finally aiming to throw a bone your way. With its new Console Purchase Pilot, U.S.-based Xbox Insiders can hop on their Xbox One to register for the pilot, which will give them a shot at reserving the right to purchase a next-gen Xbox console when they become available.
Considering that the distribution of all consoles — be they Microsoft's, Sony's, or even Nintendo's aging Switch — has been beleaguered by rampant demand and little supply over the past year, it's good to see Microsoft doing something about the issue beyond just randomly administering small batches of consoles to retailers at odd hours so scalping bots can gobble them up.
Here's the Xbox Insider Twitter's official announcement:
Today we're introducing the Console Purchase Pilot, allowing US #XboxInsiders on Xbox One to register for a chance to reserve an Xbox Series X|S console. Check the Xbox Insider Hub on Xbox One for details. Limited space is available and not all who register will be selected. pic.twitter.com/MBkQmbSDWcToday we're introducing the Console Purchase Pilot, allowing US #XboxInsiders on Xbox One to register for a chance to reserve an Xbox Series X|S console. Check the Xbox Insider Hub on Xbox One for details. Limited space is available and not all who register will be selected. pic.twitter.com/MBkQmbSDWc— Xbox Insider (@xboxinsider) May 11, 2021May 11, 2021
As mentioned in the tweet, this is for U.S. Insiders only. Given that it's a pilot, expect a good trial run on Microsoft's part to result in the program extending to other regions so that everyone can get their Xbox Series X & S fix. And remember, registering doesn't guarantee results; it just means you may be selected for the pilot and then, after that, could potentially have a shot at the consoles that doesn't involve you having to make a Phil Spencer-shaped summoning circle in MS Paint in from of Walmart.com's Xbox section.
Good luck, gamers!
