Xbox Series X – Forza Horizon 5 Bundle – Includes Forza

The Verdict

If you’re shopping for a Series X and Forza Horizon 5 is on your radar, this bundle is the smartest way to buy both. Let’s be clear about what you’re getting: a $499 console plus a game that normally costs $99 for the Premium Edition. You’re effectively getting the game’s full package at a discount, and the console itself remains the most powerful mainstream option on the market.

What’s actually in the box

The bundle includes the Xbox Series X console, one wireless controller (the standard black model – no fancy Forza-themed paint job, unfortunately), and a download code for Forza Horizon 5 Premium Edition. You won’t find a disc inside. That’s worth knowing if you’re the type who trades games or buys used. The Premium Edition is the complete package: the base game, both expansions (Hot Wheels and Rally Adventure), the VIP membership (double credits, weekly cars), and the Car Pass that adds 42 cars over time. That’s a $99 value folded into the console price.

Performance: where this bundle earns its keep

The Series X outputs native 4K at a locked 60fps in Forza’s Performance mode, and it’s genuinely transformative. Mexico’s open world loads in about four seconds from the dashboard – no splash screens, no staring at a loading bar. The console’s 12 teraflop GPU handles the draw distances and weather effects without a stutter. If you have a 120Hz display, you can drop to 1440p and get double the frame rate, which makes a visible difference in high-speed races.

The 1TB NVMe SSD is fast, but it’s not spacious. Forza Horizon 5 takes about 130GB with all expansions installed. Add Call of Duty or a couple of Game Pass titles and you’re looking at your storage breathing hard. Microsoft sells a 1TB expansion card for $199 – a price that still stings. Factor that into your budget if you know you’ll go deep on multiple games.

What buyers consistently praise

The Amazon reviews at 4.7 stars over 235 ratings keep circling the same themes. One buyer put it plainly: “Came with the code for the full premium version, not just the base game. I thought it was a typo but no – everything unlocked.” Another noted the value angle: “Bought this instead of a PS5 because of the Game Pass ultimate deal, but the Forza bundle made it a no-brainer.” Several reviewers mentioned the console running cool and quiet even during extended sessions – that’s a real advantage over the previous generation.

Where it falls short

The lack of a physical disc is the biggest sticking point for a segment of buyers. If you’re a collector or reseller, this bundle forces you to go all-digital. The download code also means you can’t lend the game to a friend. Quick Resume – the feature that suspends multiple games – occasionally conflicts with Forza’s online connectivity, kicking you back to the title screen. It’s minor, but it happens.

There’s also the controller situation: you get one, and it’s the standard version. No rechargeable battery pack included; you’ll burn through AA batteries or buy a play-and-charge kit separately.

Who should buy this

• Xbox newcomers who want the best console and a flagship racing game in one purchase
• Racing fans who haven’t played Forza Horizon 5 and want the complete edition without a la carte pricing
• Game Pass subscribers – this console pairs perfectly with the service, and the Forza code is a bonus on top

Skip it if you’re a physical media loyalist, already own Forza Horizon 5, or your gaming diet is mostly shooters and RPGs where the storage limit will bite faster.

Three questions shoppers ask

Q: Is the Forza code for the base game or Premium Edition? A: Premium Edition. You get both expansions, VIP, and the Car Pass. Several reviewers confirmed this wasn’t a bait-and-switch.

Q: Can I play this bundle on a 1080p TV? A: Yes. The console scales down resolution automatically, and you’ll still get 60fps. You just won’t see the full 4K benefit until you upgrade your display.

Q: Does this come with a disc for the game? A: No. It’s a download code printed on a card inside the box. You’ll need a Microsoft account and internet connection to redeem it.

The Verdict

Buy it if you want the most powerful console available and the full Forza Horizon 5 experience in one box. The bundle effectively discounts the game’s premium version, and the Series X hardware remains a beast for its price.

Skip it if you already own the game or you’re committed to physical media – the all-digital approach won’t serve you well.

Rating: 4.6/5 – A top-tier console bundled with the definitive version of a fantastic game. The storage limitations and digital-only format keep it from a perfect score, but for most buyers, this is the best way to enter the current Xbox generation.

Where to Buy

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Last updated: 2026-08-06. Ratings and prices current as of review date. Verify on Amazon before purchasing.