Xbox Series S Revealed -- A $299 Next-Gen Console
Following a leak regarding both the Series S and Series X, Microsoft has confirmed a cheaper next-gen option is indeed on the way.
[Update: Microsoft has now confirmed the Xbox Series S will launch around in the world on November 10 at $299. Xbox Series X launches the same day for $499. Both will be available to pre-order beginning September 22. A "robot white" controller will also be available.]
Microsoft has finally officially announced the Xbox Series S, its long-rumored budget-priced next-gen gaming console that is coming this year. Xbox Series S will cost $299 in the US and comes housed inside what Microsoft calls the smallest Xbox ever. Xbox UK has also confirmed that the system will cost £250 there. In Australia, the system will cost $499AU.
Xbox Series S will release on the same day as the Xbox Series X, so customers will be able to choose between the two from day one.
In terms of design, Series S looks exactly like the leaked image that surfaced on September 7--it's a small, white rectangle with a minimalist design and no disc drive. The front features nothing more than a power button, USB port, and a sync button for the controller.
👀 Let’s make it official!
— Xbox (@Xbox) September 8, 2020
Xbox Series S | Next-gen performance in the ˢᵐᵃˡˡᵉˢᵗ Xbox ever. $299 (ERP).
Looking forward to sharing more! Soon. Promise. pic.twitter.com/8wIEpLPVEq
According to a report from Windows Central, the Xbox Series S and Xbox Series X will both release on November 10, with the Series X selling for $499. The Series X price and release date both remain unconfirmed, but given that the Series S information was correct, it seems like a safe bet.
Microsoft announced the Series S in reaction to leaks; it didn't hide the fact that it was planning to reveal the system at a later time (possibly after PS5 and Series X pricing had been announced, to further highlight the surprising $299 price). As such, so far it's only officially shared select details about the Series S--its technical specs have not been announced.
However, a leaked Xbox Series S trailer also made its way online, revealing some of the key details about the system. That trailer has now been released officially, and you can watch it above. It states that Series S comes with a custom 512 GB SSD to allow for fast load times and instant game switching and support for 1440p gaming at 120 FPS. In other words, it appears to largely be what the rumors suggested: a box that's every bit as capable as the Series X, but one that isn't intended for native 4K gaming.
Xbox Series S Features List
- All-digital
- 1440p at up to 120 FPS
- DirectX ray tracing
- Variable rate shading
- Variable refresh rate
- Ultra-low latency
- Custom 512 GB SSD
- 4K streaming media playback
- 4K upscaling for games
Thurrott reporter Brad Sams first unveiled the design of the Xbox Series S in the video below. Industry insider Daniel Ahmad subsequently backed up the report, saying this is the design we should expect before Microsoft confirmed it to be real.
Windows Central reports that both Xbox Series X and Series S will be available through Xbox's All Access subscription service, with the Series S being set at $25 USD a month and the Series X at $35 USD a month. Phil Spencer has previously said that All Access is "critical" to their next-gen strategy.
The Series S was one of gaming's worst-kept secrets for a long time, and leaked on Xbox accessory packaging well before the design was revealed. While there has been some speculation that Microsoft intentionally let the system leak, the company has said that this is not the case.
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