Everything You Need To Know About Xbox Series X|S: Price and More

Microsoft is ready to launch its two next-generation consoles: Xbox Series S and Xbox Series X. Whether you’re undecided on which model is calling your name, or if you’re still on the fence about going next-gen at all, here’s everything you need to know about the next consoles from Microsoft.

Models

Credit: Microsoft

Xbox Series S and Xbox Series X are the two confirmed next-gen consoles from Microsoft. Similar to current-gen’s Xbox One S and X, the S is a budget-friendly version while the X has all the horsepower you’d expect. Aside from having different specs, one of the biggest differences between the two consoles is the disc drive, as the Series X has one while the S doesn’t. If you’re a person who tends to use your console as your BluRay player, it’s something to bear in mind when making your choice between the two. 

Another major difference between the two models is their backwards compatibility. Though Xbox Game Pass (the subscription service which will allow you to download and play hundreds of games for a monthly fee) will be available for both consoles, there is one key difference between the two, as the Series S won’t be able to run 4K versions of any game, even current-gen releases. 

As Xbox puts it: “The Xbox Series S runs the Xbox One S version of backward compatible games while applying improved texture filtering, higher and more consistent frame rates, faster load times and Auto HDR.” Confused? Yeah, I don’t blame you. Basically, the Series S won’t be able to support full 4K, so Xbox games which utilise 4K will have a workaround for the budget console. 

Specs

Credit: Microsoft

The specs are pretty different for the two consoles, with the Xbox Series X really pushing the numbers for what console gaming can be. Here’s what the two Xbox consoles will be packing: 

Xbox Series X:

  • CPU- 8-Core AMD Zen 2 CPU @ 3.8GHz. 3.6GHz w/ SMT Enabled
  • GPU- AMD RDNA 2 GPU. 52 CUs @ 1.825GHz
  • GPU Power- 12.15 TFLOPS
  • System on a Chip (SoC)- Custom 7nm Enhanced SoC
  • RAM- 16 GB GDDR6 RAM. 10 GB @ 560GB/s. 6 GB @ 336GB/s.
  • Performance Target- 4K @ 60 FPS, Up to 120 FPS
  • Storage- 1 TB PCIe Gen 4 NVME SSD. 2.4GB/sec uncompressed. 4.8 GB/sec compressed
  • Expandable Storage- 1 TB Expansion Card (matches internal storage exactly)
  • Backward Compatibility- Thousands of Xbox One, and backward-compatible Xbox 360 and original Xbox games available at launch. Xbox One gaming accessories are backward-compatible as well.
  • Disc Drive- 4K UHD Blu-ray
  • Display Out- HDMI 2.1

Xbox Series S:

  • CPU- 8-Core AMD Zen 2 CPU @ 3.6GHz. 3.4GHz w/SMT Enabled
  • GPU- AMD RDNA 2 GPU. 20 CUs @ 1.565GHz
  • GPU Power- 4 TFLOPS
  • System on a Chip (SoC)- Custom 7nm Enhanced SoC
  • RAM- 10 GB GDDR6 RAM. 8 GB @ 224GB/s. 2 GB @ 56GB/s.
  • Performance Target- 1440p @ 60 FPS, Up to 120 FPS
  • Storage- 512 GB PCIe Gen 4 NVME SSD. 2.4GB/sec uncompressed. 4.8 GB/sec compressed
  • Expandable Storage- 1 TB Expansion Card (matches internal storage exactly)
  • Backward Compatibility- Thousands of digital Xbox One, and backward-compatible Xbox 360 and original Xbox games available at launch. Xbox One gaming accessories are backward-compatible as well.
  • Disc Drive- Digital Only
  • Display Out- HDMI 2.1

Games

Credit: Microsoft/343 Industries

Though the consoles are going to have pretty much all the upcoming 2020 releases you’d expect, including Cyberpunk 2077, Assassin’s Creed: Valhalla and Call of Duty: Black Ops Cold War, let’s take a look at the confirmed first-party Xbox Series X (and S) games.

  • Halo Infinite. Release date 2021. “When all hope is lost and humanity’s fate hangs in the balance, the Master Chief is ready to confront the most ruthless foe he’s ever faced. Begin anew and step inside the armour of humanity’s greatest hero to experience an epic adventure and finally explore the scale of the Halo ring itself.”
  • Fable. Release date unknown. “Fable returns with a new beginning for the legendary franchise. Explore a land of fantastical creatures and wondrous places. Developed by Playground Games for Xbox Series X and Windows 10.”
  • State of Decay 3. Release date unknown. “Watch the official announce trailer for State of Decay 3 and see what’s in store for the next evolution in State of Decay.”
  • S.T.A.L.K.E.R 2. Release date unknown. “The Chernobyl Exclusion Zone is a unique, dangerous and ever-changing environment. It promises a lot — the artifacts of unbelievable value can be yours if you dare to claim them. The price you may pay, on the other hand, is no less than your own life. One of the biggest open-worlds to date, filled with radiation, mutants and anomalies, is yours to explore. All the choices across the way not only define your own epic story, but influence the future itself. Be mindful about what you see, do and plan, as you will have to find your way through the Zone or be forever lost to it.”
  • Forza Motorsport. Release date unknown. “Witness the power of Xbox Series X through Forza Motorsport. Automotive entertainment is reimagined for a new generation.”
  • Everwild. Release date unknown. “Introducing EVERWILD, a brand new IP from Rare. Unique and unforgettable experiences await in a natural and magical world.”
  • Avowed. Release date unknown. “An epic, first-person RPG set in the fantasy world of Eora.” From Obsidian Entertainment.”
  • As Dusk Falls. Release date unknown. “As Dusk Falls is an original interactive drama from INTERIOR/NIGHT that explores the entangled lives of two families across thirty years. Starting with a robbery-gone-wrong in small town Arizona, the choices you make will have a powerful impact on this epic story of sacrifice, betrayal, and resilience.”
  • Tetris Effect: Connected. Release date: Holiday 2020. “Tetris Effect: Connected is the original Tetris Effect with all-new co-op and competitive online and local multiplayer modes! This is Tetris® like you’ve never seen it, or heard it, or felt it before—an incredibly addictive, unique, and breathtakingly gorgeous reinvention of one of the most popular puzzle games of all time.”
  • The Gunk. Release date unknown. “From the creators of SteamWorld, embark on an all-new adventure in a vast and alien world where you’ll encounter terrifying enemies and challenging puzzles on your quest to unravel the mystery of a forgotten planet, while saving it in the process.”
  • The Medium. Release date Holiday 2020. “The Medium is a next-gen psychological horror game, featuring a ‘dual’ soundtrack by Akira Yamaoka and Arkadiusz Reikowski. Become a medium living in two worlds: the real and the spirit one. Haunted by a vision of a child’s murder, you travel to an abandoned hotel resort, which years ago became the stage of an unthinkable tragedy. There you begin your search for difficult answers.”
  • Warhammer 40,000: Darktide. Release date 2021. “From the developers of the best-selling and award-winning franchise Vermintide, Warhammer 40,000: Darktide is a visceral 4-player co-op action game set in the hive city of Tertium. Fight together with your friends against hordes of enemies in this new Warhammer: 40,000 experience.”
  • CrossfireX. Release date 2020. “A sprawling global conflict rages between the Global Risk and Black List mercenary factions in an immersive and cinematic single player experience from Smilegate Entertainment and Remedy. Where will the fight take you?“
  • Senua’s Saga: Hellblade 2. Release date unknown. “Senua’s Saga: Hellblade II – the next entry in the Hellblade franchise from developer Ninja Theory. “
  • Scorn. Release date unknown. “Scorn is set in a nightmarish universe of odd forms and sombre tapestry. It is designed around the idea of “being thrown into the world”. Isolated and lost inside this dream-like world, you will explore different interconnected regions in a non-linear fashion. Every location contains its own theme, puzzles and characters that are integral in creating a cohesive world.”

Release Date & Price

Credit: Microsoft

Both Xbox Series X and Xbox Series S are due to launch 10 November 2020. The Series X will retail for $499 USD, or £449 GBP. The Series S will retail for $299 USD, or £249 GBP.

Featured Image Credit: Microsoft