Amazon’s Black Friday Deal: Save 20% on the UPspec Gaming xScreen

We’ve all experienced those moments when we eagerly want to jump into a gaming session on our Xbox, only to find that someone else has taken control of the TV—Thanksgiving is a prime example. If you’re looking to transform your Xbox Series S into a portable gaming powerhouse, UPspec’s Gaming xScreen might just be the answer. This nifty little gadget equips your compact console with a sharp Full HD (1080p) display that delivers smooth gameplay at 60Hz.

Originally launched at a price point of $250, the xScreen was a bit of a stretch for many. Thankfully, an ongoing Black Friday sale on Amazon is making things more wallet-friendly, knocking the price down to $159.99, thanks to an additional 20% discount. No need to wait for Cyber Monday if you’re planning on squeezing in some gaming this weekend.

Why consider the UPspec Gaming xScreen? Well, it started as a Kickstarter dream back in 2021 and has since evolved into a fan-favorite accessory for the Xbox Series S. Its hallmark is the ability to morph your home console into a true go-anywhere device. Senior Editor Ben Wilson had high praises for it, calling it “perfect for portable gaming.”

Connecting the xScreen is a breeze. All you need to do is plug the built-in USB-A and HDMI connectors into your Series S, and voilà, your games appear on its monitor. This setup is perfect if all the TVs are occupied or if you need an extra screen for some co-op gaming fun in the same room.

Cables can be a hassle, but the xScreen keeps things simple. The only necessary connection is the Xbox AC adaptor for power. No extra cables mean less mess behind your console.

Now, let’s talk about the xScreen’s specs. It features a crisp 11.6-inch IPS display that offers vivid colors and clear images at a 1080p resolution and a steady 60Hz refresh rate. While you won’t get 60 frames per second gaming, titles such as Monster Hunter World or Elden Ring can be played at 30fps, with little to no input delay.

The design of the xScreen is both compact and thoughtful, seamlessly attaching to the back of the Xbox Series S without clashing with its design. It even has built-in speakers, so you can game without the need for headphones, although the sound quality from these speakers is decent but not outstanding. For a better auditory experience or to chat with friends online, plugging in a high-quality headset is always an option.

However, you should be aware of a few drawbacks before deciding to buy. Even though the xScreen is a fantastic addition, it blocks the extra USB and Ethernet ports on the Series S. This means if you’re keen on playing online, a consistent wireless connection is vital.

Additionally, this monitor doesn’t support 4K resolutions or frame rates above 60 FPS, so you’re not getting the full graphical capabilities of some games. Natural light can also be problematic, often causing glare on the screen, which might not be ideal if you’re planning to play darker games like STALKER 2 in a bright environment.

Despite these minor issues, the xScreen remains a high-quality accessory for any Xbox enthusiast, especially if you’re planning to game on the go, host LAN parties, or simply get in some gaming while the main TV is in use.

At $159.99 on Amazon, thanks to a special Black Friday discount, the xScreen is a tempting offer. There’s also a black version priced at $245.99, and you can get a separate display stand for $24.99 to keep your console steady when the screen is connected. Plus, if travel is part of your plan, consider a dedicated xScreen case for $29.99 to protect your setup on the move.

Beyond this deal, Black Friday brings a flurry of other offers. You’ll find big savings at Best Buy on a wide range of products, early price cuts at Walmart, great deals across multiple categories at Target, and enticing options at Dell, HP, Lenovo, Newegg, Razer, and Samsung. Amazon also keeps the excitement bubbling with rotating sales.

Curious about the timing? Technically, Black Friday kicks off on Nov. 29, 2024, but the sales frenzy starts well before that date as stores attempt to snag eager shoppers early. With supply often running thin, jumping on early sales is a smart move.

Cyber Monday is slated for Dec. 2, 2024. Although initially marked as the online version of Black Friday, the lines have blurred as the festivities from both events often overlap. If you miss out on a deal in the Black Friday rush, you might get another shot when Cyber Monday comes around. However, the best approach is to get ahead of the game and secure your deals in advance.