It has been just a few years because the Xbox Sequence X and Sequence S launch, and whereas the console hasn’t damaged gross sales information, there’s a good quantity 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’ll be able to get them organized proper now.
Whether or not you ought to is one other query solely. Microsoft has been fairly open about the truth that the corporate envisions a future the place “each display screen is an Xbox.” PC gaming on Home windows—whether or not on gaming laptops or handhelds—is simply as vital to the corporate as the lounge console. You’ll be able to even stream Xbox video games via a Fireplace TV stick now. Nonetheless, there are many causes to purchase an Xbox Sequence X/S. It is probably the most handy method to arrange a Microsoft-centric gaming system to play out of your sofa. So, for those who’re , this is how you can 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 Completely different Concerning the New Xbox Consoles?
Much like the current PS5 Slim, there’s not a lot of a distinction on this mid-cycle refresh of the Xbox. The Sequence X and Sequence S have roughly the identical {hardware} beneath the hood. However there are a few small adjustments.
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 out there 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 video games.
The smaller Xbox Sequence S by no means had a disc drive, so there is not any drive to get rid of. 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 big AAA video games can get, this looks like a no brainer, although it is value noting that you would be able to simply enhance the storage of the present Xbox Sequence X or Sequence S with an enlargement card.
Lastly, Microsoft is releasing a particular, limited-edition model of the unique Xbox Sequence 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 lately changed the Xbox Recreation Cross for Console tier of its subscription service with a brand new providing referred to as Xbox Recreation Cross Normal. This consists of 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 could possibly be “as much as 12 months or extra,” which technically consists of all doable lengths of time, but it surely appears the common delay for brand new releases is probably going round a 12 months. This new tier prices $15 per thirty days, whereas Recreation Cross Final—which beforehand value $17 a month—has been bumped to $20 month-to-month.
