Xbox Sale Calendar 2026 — When the Big Discounts Hit
The Xbox sale calendar in 2026 includes four major global events and several themed promotions. Microsoft synchronizes sales across all regions, but Turkey and Argentina stores stack discounts on top of already-low base prices, which gives maximum value. Below are exact dates, average discount sizes, and a year-long buying strategy.
Major 2026 Sales
| Sale | 2026 Window | Length | Up to |
|---|---|---|---|
| Lunar New Year Sale | January 17-30 | 14 days | 75% off |
| Spring Sale | March 26 – April 8 | 14 days | 75% off |
| Ultimate Game Sale | July 23 – August 12 | 21 days | 90% off |
| Gamescom Sale | August 19-26 | 7 days | 60% off |
| Black Friday Sale | November 25 – December 1 | 7 days | 85% off |
| Countdown Sale | December 17-31 | 14 days | 80% off |
These are confirmed dates from Microsoft's 2026 schedule. The store also runs weekly "Deals With Gold / Deals Unlocked" with discounts up to 50%, but without a major focus.
Ultimate Game Sale — The Year's Main Event
Summer's Ultimate Game Sale remains the best window for buying games. In 2025 discounts went up to 90% and the catalog included over 3,500 titles. For 2026 Microsoft announced Ultimate Game Sale July 23 – August 12, giving three full weeks to shop. This is the right time for:
- 2024-year AAA releases, usually 50-60% off;
- classics 2-3 years old — up to 80% off;
- bundles (Game of the Year, Ultimate Edition) — often cheaper than base + DLC separately.
Combined with Turkey store, Ultimate Game Sale prices look like Cyberpunk 2077: Ultimate Edition at TRY 199 ($5.9), Forza Horizon 5 Premium at TRY 299 ($8.9).
Spring Sale and Lunar New Year
Lunar New Year Sale in late January is on the smaller side, up to 75% off, with focus on Asian games and 2-4-year-old titles. Spring Sale in late March is bigger: about 1,800 games participate, with discounts on CoD, FIFA/EA Sports FC, Forza, Halo. It's a good moment for last year's sports titles and big RPGs.
Black Friday and Countdown
Black Friday Sale lasts just one week (Monday after Thanksgiving through Sunday), with discounts up to 85%. This is the best time for subscriptions: Game Pass Ultimate, EA Play, and annual plans get 33-50% off in the US store. Turkey store offers smaller Black Friday subscription discounts (10-20%) because base pricing is already low.
Countdown Sale in the last two weeks of December is the impulse-buy window: catalog refreshes daily, discounts rotate, average 50-80% off.
Buying Strategy for the Year
- January-February: Lunar New Year Sale — grab 2-3-year-old titles.
- March-April: Spring Sale — sports games and last year's big releases.
- May-June: wait for Ultimate Game Sale, don't buy unless urgent.
- July-August: Ultimate Game Sale — main shopping window, save budget for this.
- September-October: regular "Deals Unlocked," small discounts only.
- November: Black Friday — subscriptions and hardware.
- December: Countdown Sale — finish your wishlist.
Where to Buy on Discount
Marix sells digital Xbox Game Pass Ultimate Turkey codes, AAA games, and TRY wallet vouchers at regional prices, which during Spring Sale and Ultimate Game Sale yield a final price 70-85% below US. Pay in RUB via SBP, receive the code by email in minutes.