It has been a couple of years because the Xbox Series X and Series S launch, and whereas the console hasn’t damaged gross sales information, there’s a respectable number within the wild. It is about time for a refresh, and Microsoft is delivering new all-digital variations of its consoles (say goodbye to the optical drive). You may order them right now.
Whether or not you ought to is one other query totally. Microsoft has been fairly open about the truth that the corporate envisions a future the place “every screen is an Xbox.” PC gaming on Home windows—whether or not on gaming laptops or handhelds—is simply as necessary to the corporate as the lounge console. You may even stream Xbox video games by a Fire TV stick now. Nonetheless, there are many causes to purchase an Xbox Sequence X/S. It is probably the most handy technique to arrange a Microsoft-centric gaming system to play out of your sofa. So, for those who’re , this is the way to purchase one.
Up to date October 2024: We have up to date the language for the official launch day of the Xbox consoles.
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What’s Totally different In regards to the New Xbox Consoles?
Just like the recent PS5 Slim, there’s not a lot of a distinction on this mid-cycle refresh of the Xbox. The Series X and Series S have kind of the identical {hardware} beneath the hood. However there are a few small modifications.
The Xbox Sequence X loses the disc drive and will get a white coat of paint. As an unapologetic Xbox Sequence S-owner, I just like the white look extra, so it is good to see it obtainable on the extra highly effective {hardware}. This “all-digital” Xbox Sequence X begins at $450, about $50 lower than its predecessor, an honest trade-off for those who by no means purchased bodily copies of Xbox games.
The smaller Xbox Sequence S by no means had a disc drive, so there isn’t any drive to remove. As a substitute, for this refresh, Microsoft doubled the storage from 512 GB to 1 TB. The worth has additionally gone up by $50 to $350. Given how large AAA video games can get, this looks like a no brainer, although it is value noting which you can simply increase the storage of the current Xbox Sequence X or Sequence S with an expansion card.
Lastly, Microsoft is releasing a particular, limited-edition version of the original Xbox Series X (which has a disc drive) with a novel “Galaxy Black” paint job. This one has a space-like sample of white and inexperienced dots with a beneficiant 2 TB of storage. This mannequin prices $600 and ships when the opposite upgraded consoles drop in mid-October.
Microsoft additionally just lately changed the Xbox Game Pass for Console tier of its subscription service with a brand new providing referred to as Xbox Recreation Go Normal. This contains the identical library of console video games in addition to on-line console multiplayer service. The catch is you will not get entry to day-one releases. You may have to attend for a while to play sure video games after launch. Microsoft’s FAQ says this might be “as much as 12 months or extra,” which technically contains all attainable lengths of time, but it surely appears the common delay for brand spanking new releases is probably going round a 12 months. This new tier prices $15 per 30 days, whereas Game Pass Ultimate—which beforehand price $17 a month—has been bumped to $20 month-to-month.
