Xbox 360 Console prices have gamers nostalgic for gaming's 'peak' era

Back in the Xbox 360 era, console gaming wasn't as complicated as it is today, and it was certainly a lot cheaper, during a time when GTA was still more vibrant than ever.

Today, it’s fair to say that console gaming is getting out of hand when it comes to prices. For example, we’ve never seen a console generation get increasingly more expensive the older it gets than right now.

Typically, the closer the likes of PlayStation, Xbox and Nintendo get to the next generation, consoles will drop in price because the manufacturer knows that gamers will be more inclined to save their money for the next generation.

Seeing as Xbox is a focus of discussion in this article, let’s use the Xbox Series X as a prime example. When this current-gen console first launched in November 2020, its RRP was £449.99/$499.99. Nearly six years later, it jumped to £499.99/$649.99. Worst still, there’s going to be another price hike on 1 August 2026.

READ MORE: Xbox Ends Production On Series X Console Amid Price Hike Struggles

If only Xbox console prices would return to what they used to be

“The 360 era was peak in more ways than one,” said Redditor Super_Cold8789, sharing an image of an Xbox 360 console and GTA IV that costs just £159.99. Though the small print says that items are sold separately.

To put things into even more perspective, if you were to purchase an Xbox Series X and GTA VI separately this coming November, it could potentially cost you around £700/$900, which is just mind-boggling. Back in 2008, you’d be looking at around £200/$250.

“That £160 price tag is the reason my parents got me a console at all. It was literally an impulse purchase because they were getting my sibling a bike from Toys R Us, and wanted to get me something too,” NfinityBL recalled.

“Regardless of what side you choose in the console wars, the Xbox 360 was 100% Xbox's peak, and you can definitely argue the 360 was the winner of that era of consoles,” explained usptac45.

“Man, remember when consoles got cheaper as they aged?” replied BusinessYou1657.

“The 360 and PS3 were pretty much neck-to-neck in terms of sales for most of their respective lifespans. The 360 was the first console to have party chat, which set the standard for gaming communications for years to come. Both consoles had great exclusives, but Xbox definitely had the early edge in that regard.”

What Can You Really Buy for £160 These Days?

If you shop around for a bargain, you should be able to get a couple of AAA new releases. You might be able to buy a lower-end Pro Controller or perhaps even a collector’s edition. The latter of which might be especially difficult for a new release. You will, however, be able to purchase a boxed Xbox Slim 250GB console for £140, and a £8 copy of GTA IV, which is just shy of the console from 2008.

As for buying a brand new Xbox Series X or PlayStation 5 with GTA VI for £200/$250, you’ve got a better chance of randomly encountering Count Binface in a dark alley for him to then slap you across the face with a soggy kipper.

Speaking of GTA VI, that will be released on November 19 2026.