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The short answer is no at launch: the Xbox One was not cheaper than the PlayStation 4 in the U.S. Microsoft’s original Xbox One bundle launched at $499.99 and included Kinect, while Sony’s PS4 launched at $399.99 with the camera sold separately.
That said, the answer changes if you are buying used, shopping by model, or comparing bundles instead of bare consoles. In many secondhand markets, Xbox One hardware tends to show up for less, but the real price depends on the exact revision, storage size, controller count, and condition.
If you are trying to decide which system is the better deal, the sticker price is only part of it. A cheaper console that has a bad disc drive, noisy fan, missing controller, or account problem can cost more in the end than a cleaner unit that was listed higher.
Why the launch prices were not the same
The biggest reason the original launch numbers looked different is that Microsoft and Sony packaged their consoles differently. Microsoft launched the Xbox One as a bundle with Kinect, which pushed the entry price up. Sony launched the PS4 lower and left the PlayStation Camera as an optional extra.
| Console | Launch price or bundle | What it means for buyers |
|---|---|---|
| Xbox One | $499.99 launch bundle with Kinect | Higher upfront price, but more included in the box |
| PlayStation 4 | $399.99 launch price | Lower launch price, with camera and extras sold separately |
| Xbox One S | Later revision | Used-market value depends on storage, condition, and accessories |
| PS4 Slim / PS4 Pro | Later revisions | Slim models often sit in a different price range than launch PS4 units; Pro units usually cost more |
You can verify the original launch pricing in Microsoft’s Xbox One launch details and Sony’s PS4 launch FAQ.
What the used market usually looks like now
On local listings and in resale shops, the Xbox One often appears cheaper than the PS4. That pattern is common, but it is not a rule. Region, demand, included games, the condition of the console, and whether the seller includes the original controller can all move the price more than the logo on the front.
Community reports usually line up with that pattern: Xbox One systems and multi-platform games often show up a little cheaper in some areas, while PS4 units can hold their value better when they are clean, tested, and complete. Treat that as a market trend, not a nationwide average.
The revision matters too. A battered launch-day console is not a better buy just because the asking price is low. In practice, a cleaner Xbox One S or PS4 Slim can be the smarter deal than a cheaper launch model that is already showing hardware wear.
What to test before buying a used console
If you only have a few minutes to inspect the system, check the basics in this order:
- Power on: Make sure the console starts normally and does not shut itself off.
- Video output: Confirm the HDMI picture appears on a TV and stays stable.
- Disc drive: If the system includes a disc drive, test a game or movie disc.
- Fan noise: Listen for grinding, rattling, or unusually loud spinning.
- Controller pairing: Confirm the controller syncs, charges, and stays connected.
- Account reset: Ask the seller to sign out and factory reset the console before money changes hands.
Microsoft says to remove personal info before selling or gifting an Xbox, so a reset is not just good practice—it is the right way to transfer the system. On the PlayStation side, Sony’s Safe Mode tools can help with display or storage problems, including rebuilding the database, restoring defaults, changing resolution, or reinstalling system software. Just remember that some recovery options can erase data.
If you are shopping for a used Xbox and want to avoid online-access surprises, it is also worth doing an Xbox console ban check before you buy. A cheap console is not much of a bargain if it cannot reach Xbox services the way you expect.
When the cheaper console is not the better deal
The lowest price makes sense only when the rest of the package lines up. If one console includes a working controller, power cable, and clean output while the other is missing parts or acting flaky, the seemingly cheaper option may end up costing more after repairs or replacements.
That is especially true if you already own accessories from the other side of the fence. If you are comparing bundles and controllers as part of the deal, controller compatibility can matter too. For example, a PS4 pad is not the same thing as a PS5 pad, and the details matter if you are trying to reuse what you already own. See our notes on PS4 controllers work on PS5 and PS5 controller work on a PS4 if that is part of your buying decision.
If a PS4 gives you display trouble after setup, the next step is usually built-in troubleshooting rather than assuming the motherboard is dead. When those checks do not help, PlayStation support is the official route for hardware or account issues.
So which one should you buy?
If your only goal is spending less money today, the Xbox One is often the cheaper used buy. If you are comparing launch prices historically, the PS4 was cheaper at release. Either way, the better deal is the console that is clean, complete, and working properly—not the one with the lowest number on the tag.
For most buyers, the safest rule is simple: compare the exact model, check the accessories, test the hardware, and only then decide. A well-kept PS4 can be the better value than a neglected Xbox One, and a complete Xbox One bundle can beat a stripped-down PS4 if the price gap is large enough.
Frequently asked questions
Was the Xbox One cheaper than the PS4 at launch?
No. The PS4 launched lower in the U.S. at $399.99, while the original Xbox One launched at $499.99 in a bundle with Kinect.
Why do people say the Xbox One is cheaper?
They are usually talking about the used market. In many places, Xbox One consoles and games show up for less than comparable PS4 listings, but that depends on local supply, condition, and the exact model.
Is the cheapest console always the best deal?
Not usually. Missing cables, bad discs, overheating, account problems, or a dead controller can erase any savings very quickly.
Should I buy a launch model or a later revision?
If the price is close, later revisions such as the Xbox One S, PS4 Slim, or PS4 Pro often make more sense because they are easier to live with and usually show up in better condition than old launch units.