The Xbox One was launched in 2013, selling well over 40 million units since its release. You can choose from over 2000 titles, including 200 which are exclusive to Microsoft’s platforms (meaning they aren’t available on the PS4 or Nintendo Switch).
Xbox One games tend to be released in several channels. There are digital downloads, which install directly onto the console, and hard copies. Hard copies may include a physical disc, but this is becoming less common. Instead, gamers often pay for a case with a download code, and whatever extras the title in question comes with.
When it comes to digital downloads, there are a few options to try. You can head to Microsoft's Xbox Live platform via your console. This tends to be the starting point for most buyers, as it features the broadest possible selection and integrates with the Game Pass. You can browse the latest releases, find out which titles have been enhanced for the Xbox One X, and check out current offers as well.
Of course, Xbox Live is far from your only option. There's a vast array of video game merchants in the UK. Some offer more convenient ways to try the games you want, before shelling out big sums on your final purchase. For instance, Boomerang offers a monthly rental package which charges a flat fee and lets you download as many titles as you like. Games are mailed out on request, and you get to keep them for a certain time period.
Buyers can also decide whether to purchase pre-order, standard, or pre-owned versions of Xbox titles, and the prices paid will differ considerably depending on which option you choose. Those looking to make savings should wait a few months after the title has come out and wait until the price has been reduced. Buying pre-owned is the No. 1 way to buy games cheaply – you can often find older titles for under £10.
Upon its release, there was only one version of the Xbox One available. Microsoft has since developed 2 separate versions of the console – the Xbox One S and the Xbox One X. This can sometimes leave gamers confused about whether they can play particular games on their console. The simple fact: you can play any Xbox One game on any version of the console. Even if you have the less powerful Xbox One S, all 2000 titles are available to you.
The difference between the consoles if that some games have been enhanced to take advantage of the Xbox One X’s more powerful hardware. Owners of the X will be able to play selected games in 4K resolution (provided they have a 4K TV) and get better graphical and physical performance. Just look out for the black ‘Xbox One Enhanced Label’ to see which games have been optimised for the X.
A lot of Xbox users have owned or still own an Xbox 360 console. In that case, there's good news: almost all Xbox 360 titles are backwards compatible on later Xbox systems, so you can install and play them on your new console.
However, controllers like the older Kinect won't work on the Xbox One, so you'll need to buy a replacement racing wheel or flight stick if you want to get the full gaming experience. On the other hand, all of your achievements unlocked on the 360 will be present on the Xbox One.
You may also see listings for a Microsoft Game Pass when browsing the hotukdeals listings. This is a really useful purchase for many gamers, but it won't necessarily be a great buy for everyone.
The Game Pass provides access to a library of free games which changes on a monthly basis. It also lets you access newer games well before they’re available for everyone else. So it's an appealing buy for serious Xbox fans. Of course, nothing good in life comes for free. Members pay a monthly subscription fee (usually around £7.99 per month).
Then again, you'll often come across trial offers for the Game Pass, which give you a month's access for as little as £1 (or even nothing in some cases). This lets you get a feel for what's on offer. But remember, you'll need to manually cancel the trial before the month is out, or you'll be charged for the next month at the standard rate.
When you give it a try, you'll probably be impressed by the choice available, and you may well like prior access to current releases. But if you aren't going to make regular purchases or try the free titles on Xbox Live, the pass isn't essential. You can end up paying for a subscription that delivers very few benefits, so take that into account before buying.
The Xbox console series has benefited from some stellar gaming franchises, which continue to receive exciting editions on the X Box One and X. Here are a few standouts that have cult followings, and are exclusive to the Xbox family:
Halo – When the first Xbox console arrived in 2001, Halo was one of the most impressive launch titles. A 3D shooter, it demonstrated the cutting edge visuals of Microsoft's console and has been joined by numerous sequels. While there hasn't been another addition since 2017's Halo Wars 2, Microsoft has announced that Halo Infinite will be appearing soon – and should make full use of the Xbox One X's processing power.
Forza – One of the most popular racing franchises around, Forza lets you get behind the wheel of the world's fastest cars, across huge in-game maps. The Motorsport series focuses on track-based racing, while the Horizon sub-family lets you roam more freely and interact with other characters. The latest edition is Forza Horizon 4, released in 2018.
Gears of War – Created by Epic Games, Gears of War has been delivering post-apocalyptic sci-fi shooting action since 2006, and it just gets better. 2019 is set to see the release of Gears 5, where gameplay will focus more heavily on cooperative or split screen scenarios, potentially representing a game changer for multiplayer Xbox titles.
State of Decay – If you love zombie movies, you'll definitely get into the State of Decay series. Created by Undead Labs for Microsoft Studios, the games feature a life or death struggle with hordes of undead marauders. Based around survival and teamwork as much as combat, it offers an immersive balance of action and strategy. Check out the latest title, State of Decay 2, which arrived in 2018.
If you aren't sure how to choose your next Xbox gaming purchase, it's a good idea to focus your search based on different genres (styles of games). Here are the main options, with some standout titles to consider:
First person shooters – Probably the most well-represented genre on the Xbox, FPS games place you in the head of characters as they battle it out through multiple quests. Environments vary dramatically, from superhero settings to the ancient world, or sci-fi wastelands, but most are adult-oriented, so remember that when buying for youngsters. Standout franchises include Halo, Call of Duty, Far Cry, and Battlefield.
Multiplayer shooters – This is really a sub-genre of FPS shooters, but it deserves its own consideration, because not all FPS games have multiplayer available. In these games, players take on other players, often in team-based setups for in-game rewards. Fortnite is probably the most popular example, but other winners include Player Unknown's Battlegrounds and Call of Duty.
Football – The processing power of the Xbox One is ideally suited to creating realistic football experiences (although not too realistic – you can still win 10-0 if you want), and there are only really a couple of options here. FIFA continues to attract a huge following, with its official player names, trading cards, career mode and – of course – multiplayer action. Pro Evolution Soccer (PES) is the major alternative and does a pretty good job at recreating elite football.
Role playing games – RPGs let you follow epic quests and build characters along the way – and the Xbox has plenty to choose from. The Elder Scrolls Series conjures up a magical and vast world to explore, where you can battle dragons or live a peaceful farming lifestyle. It’s not just mythical worlds you can explore. You can also explore the depths of space with titles like Mass Effect.
Racing - As we mentioned earlier, the Forza Motorsport and Horizon series are fantastic racing games, but they aren't the only options for adrenaline junkies. Other highly rated racers include F1 2018, which ratchets up the realism and lets you challenge for the title, as well as DIRT Rally 2.0, which pits you against perilous rally tracks across the world.
Strategy – If you want to plot meticulous military strategies, or build civilisations, the Xbox offers ways to do so. Banner Saga combines imaginative fantasy visuals with engrossing world building, while low budget titles like Wargroove keep things simple with turn-based fighting. Kingdom: New Lands is a retro-flavoured gem, putting you in the role of a Queen as she seeks to protect her kingdom from a host of enemies.
Puzzle – If you want to give your brain cells a workout, the Xbox One offers plenty of excellent puzzlers. It’s a great genre for anyone looking to get the most bang for their buck – you’ll pick up most titles for less than a tenner. Highlights include the monochrome masterpiece Limbo, the mind-bending QUBE 2, and RiME, which mixes up adventure and puzzles.
Platformers – The Xbox One even has its fair share of retro-style platform games. These cute titles can often be perfect for younger players, but the finest of them have all-round appeal. For instance, don't miss the stunning Ori and the Blind Forest or the updated version of 90s classic Oddworld: Abe's Odyssey. And check out Rayman Legends, another reboot of a classic franchise.
Alternatively, you could just head for games that have attracted universal praise from the experts. This tends to be a fairly safe option, but always keep your own tastes in mind. Those who love a good FPS mightn’t enjoy the latest critically-acclaimed version of FIFA.
That being said, you'll always find a good rundown of reviews at Metacritic's Xbox One listings. Be sure to filter for both press ratings and user ratings, as they can differ. What journalists rank as a classic can be a failure when it hits the mass market – and not all writers are totally impartial when giving out ratings. So compare what they say with the actual experience of players.
Aside from that, handy resources include Games Radar, Trusted Reviews, and Gamespot – all of which have a solid track record at rating the latest titles.
A fair number of Xbox titles involve levels themes that may not be appropriate for younger audiences. It's worth noting here that every game released in the UK has a PEGI rating. This gives you a reliable indication of whether the title you're thinking of purchasing is suitable for people aged 3, 7, 12, 16, or 18. You should also find the PEGI rating in the hotukdeals listing.
Looking for a title for your kids? Here’s a list of the top titles to get you started:
LEGO Marvel Superheroes – As you'd expect from a LEGO sponsored title, Marvel Superheroes is addictive, well-made, and totally suitable for young players. It's all about trying out superhero moves and customising characters, in a wacky LEGO New York setting.
Just Dance 2018 – Just Dance is the fun, kid-friendly title for anyone who likes to get down. This innovative title syncs up to most smartphones via its own app. With the app installed, players can record their dance moves to hundreds of tracks. The more moves they get right, the higher their score.
Zoo Tycoon – Educational and captivating, Zoo Tycoon lets kids create their very own zoo park. Giving useful feedback about animal conservation and featuring a beautiful interface, this sandbox title also comes with a fun multiplayer feature, letting youngsters cooperate as they learn about the natural world.
Minecraft – Finally, you've probably heard of Minecraft if you're looking after a young gamer. The Xbox One has its own edition which hooks up to global multiplayer servers and provides the whole, unique, Minecraft experience. You’ll find great Minecraft deals at our hotukdeals listings.
When it comes to purchasing your console, why not build a games collection from Day 1 by choosing an Xbox One bundle. Xbox consoles come in a huge variety of bundles, which feature the console, one or more controllers, documentation, and your choice of games.
Examples of popular bundles include the Minecraft Creators Box, which tends to come with the game and a trove of 1,000 Minecoins to get you started. Buying the Forza Horizon bundle means you get your console with one of the finest racing games around out of the box. There are loads of different bundles available, including widely popular titles like Fortnite, Battlefield V, FIFA, and Rocket League.
Be sure to watch out for bundles featuring multiple titles. You could grab up to 4 big games with your console, potentially resulting in big savings.
The Xbox One and its different variants have a massive gaming library. In fact, Wikipedia lists almost 2,000 different commercial releases for the console – and many of them are unmissable gaming experiences. So how can you try as many as possible for the lowest price?
To start with, serious gamers will want to invest in a Game Pass. That way, they can play betas, as well as a monthly selection of free titles. Member discounts for the newest releases are also available.
If you're a newcomer to the Xbox One, it also makes sense to look at bundles featuring games that you or your family would like to play. That way, you can get a head start when building a collection.
Or you might not want to build a collection at all. The most cost-effective way to try Xbox games is often to trade in titles when you're done with them or buy pre-owned versions of others. Merchants like GAME or Cash Converters are good places to look for the top titles at affordable second-hand prices.
However, if you're just searching for major release, hotukdeals should be the first place to look. Our Xbox game listings bring together discounts from all of the UK's biggest gaming merchants, including Very, Amazon, Gamestop, Smyths, Tesco, and eBay. When a game comes out, you'll find unbeatable prices, but check for pre-orders, too. They can often be the most sensible way to save money and pick up added extras for the games you love.
Finally, time your purchases to make savings. games regularly dip in price come Black Friday in November, or summer's Amazon Prime Day. FIFA offers may appear as major football events approach (and at the start of each season), while titles in general become cheaper as they age. So if you wait a few months, you can cut the cost of enjoying Xbox games.
Whether it’s gritty FPS games, RPGs set in far-off fantasy worlds, or family-friendly games that everyone can enjoy, hotukdeals has you covered. If you’re looking to purchase new games without breaking the bank, the hotukdeals Xbox One games listing should be the first place you look.
