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Xbox Series X Smart Delivery Will Upgrade Your Games Along With Hardware

Xbox feature ensures you get the right version of your favorite game.

By Steven T. Wright on February 26, 2020 at 1:31PM PST

As part of a bundle of new details about the upcoming Xbox Series X, Microsoft has unveiled a brand-new feature called "Smart Delivery." The feature is designed to make sure that players are downloading the version of the game that corresponds to their Xbox in order to have the best possible experience.

Microsoft says that it's committed to using this feature on all its first-party games, including the upcoming Halo Infinite, which is also coming to Game Pass. This means that players will only have to purchase a given game once in order to play what Microsoft terms the "best available version" for the Xbox console they choose to play on--even if they upgrade to newer hardware later.

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Now Playing: Xbox Series X Cross-Buy Includes Halo Infinite & Cyberpunk 2077 - GS News Update

Smart Delivery will be available for all developers and publishers on the Xbox platform. The technology is intended for games that will release on Xbox One first and come to the upcoming Xbox Series X later.

It's unclear if publishers will have the option to decline to use Smart Delivery in lieu of selling two different copies of the same game for the Xbox One and Xbox Series X. CD Projekt Red has already announced that it will use Smart Delivery for their hotly-anticipated Cyberpunk 2077. We'll see if other publishers will follow suit.

Xbox Series X And Xbox One News

The blog post included details on all sorts of new features that the upcoming platform will have, including ray-tracing and Quick Resume, as well as its specific hardware specs. It also confirmed more details about Xbox Series X backwards compatibility.

Got a news tip or want to contact us directly? Email news@gamespot.com

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2883

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I dunno if I will by Xbox next Gen..

I feel seriously burned this gen by Microsoft.

(I always get both and don't own stock in either)

GamePass is cool but usually it's games I already owned.

***Bottom Line~ Exclusives like SeaOfTheve,,Crackdown3,,StateOfDecay2

we're terribly unfinished & in SOD case= terribly lame..

*Then again I am pretty DISGUSTED w/ Sony atm over what they are pulling over TheLastOfUs2

YouTube Striking people for having a non-positive opinion about their game...

As of now im just not buying TLOU2 but lets see how awful Sony gets and it will start to effect future sales.....

*For now= PS3+Xbox360 are why I bought a HDMI HUB & SUPER Surge Protector so I can keep all consoles hooked up... Backlog is my answer to garbage games that keep disappointing me...

Upvote • 4 years ago

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Activision + EA= THIS IS AGGRIVATED ASSAULT!

Upvote • 4 years ago

7085

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That's good and all, but I wonder wich Xbox console logo will figure in the upside box of retail versionof the game available in more than on ms platform :P

Upvote • 4 years ago

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I just used X box Smart delivery and it gave me the PS4 version of the game I ordered.

😉

-VIDEOGAME INSTIGATOR NINJA APPROVED-

3 • 5 years ago

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*Microsoft uses Smart Delivery*
"Players wont's have to pay twice for the best version of their game."

*Activision is confused*

3 • 5 years ago

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I'm sticking with my gut on this as read more and more about this console I have to say its shaping up to be the perfect console in every sense of the word here. I know Sony hasn't said anything about their console as of yet but with all the leaks that have come out if they are true it just doesn't sound good for Sony at this point. This feature should be standard on all consoles but I have a feeling that Sony will not have this feature at all as this doesn't sound remotely close to Backward Compatibility which in return is what Sony is probably going to say. The PS5 and PS4 from my understanding will share some of the same architecture but it doesn't mean it will have this level of tech in it unless they can patch it in some how. Sony may be having a difficult time building their console if the rumors are true, I mean with a parts shortage and virus that kinda has Asia and Japan on lock-down and all. But I'm willing to wait to see what happens with the PS5 at this point. However if Microsoft is competing at this level at this time I don't how long people will wait to hear from Sony.

Upvote • 5 years ago

1997

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@notafan: Lol sure. Fact is, Sony has the monopoly on exclusives. There is nothing being stated here that isn't already happening anyway. Automated patching and hardware ID on both platforms already determine which version of a game to run. Whether that's Xbox One X Enhanced, Xbox One, Ps Pro, or PS4. I mean, Come on. Let me re-term this article as "Hey guys, both consoles have been doing this for years. The marketing department got a hold of it and wanted to explain the obvious. Also, every game that comes out and has had a PS Pro or Xbox One X Patch you have not had to rebuy the game. That's hilarious that this is even a marketing thing at this point. makes me concerned that Microsoft STILL does not have a good game library. And that's all that counts.

Upvote • 5 years ago

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@Utnayan: I don't think "monopoly" of exclusives is the right term. Just call them exclusives ;)

Upvote • 4 years ago

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@Utnayan: Who cares about Exclusive I keep hearing that and it still doesn't matter to me. The time for Exclusives are almost gone in this day and age. Games are more expensive to make and they are going to get more expensive. The average gaming studio would now rather have it's games on all three console instead of one because they are losing money.So if you think that will hold Sony up if their console is on the weaker side of things this time around then I'm sorry for you man.

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Edited By Utnayan

@notafan: Um, exclusives is why Microsoft lost their ass this gen. And it will be the same next gen unless MS starts making some good 1st party games. I own all consoles. Sony has a stranglehold on the most popular IP’s. Naughty Dog, guerilla games, games like God of War, Last of us, Uncharted, Horizon zero dawn, bloodborne, insert game here. These are all 1st party exclusives. MS saw this and acquired ninja theory and a few others but what about their popular IP’s? Halo 5 was a disaster. GoW 5 wasn’t on par with others in the series either. 1st party titles will CONTINUE to make all the difference my friend. Don’t worry, I’ll own a series X and a Ps5.

Upvote • 5 years ago

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@Utnayan: Mattrick was why they lost this gen (you know what I mean), at least at the start.

Upvote • 4 years ago

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@Utnayan: It's not the singular reason MS lost this gen, although it contributed. The worst thing that happened was all the negative press the Xbox One received before it launched. Then it spent nine months to a year at a higher price than the PS4. These two massively affected it's potential, then the lack of exclusives mid gen really cut off it's growth potential. Xbox One didn't struggle with exclusives the first two years it was out.

Also, tell me one home console that allowed you to buy a game on the prior gen system and get the next gen version with it. For instance, if you bought Assassins Creed 4 black flag on 360, you didn't get the Xbox One version of the game. If you wanted the 'next gen' graphics and whatever else was part of that version, you'd have to buy the Xbox One version. You used the One X or PS4 Pro as an example of something already being done, but those are considered the same Gen as their weaker counter parts.

So that's the point of the article. If you buy the Xbox One version of Halo Infinite, or any exclusive that will be on the Series X, you automatically own the Series X version of the game as well. If Sony announces the same thing, it will be a new standard, but until then, this is something that hasn't been seen in the Home Console market before.

Upvote • 5 years ago

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@thelostscribe: Sony already did it from PS3 to PS4 it was called cross buy. And sometimes included ps Vita if the game released there. Nothing new just a new name.

Upvote • 4 years ago

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@pcps4xb: Except there was an additional fee to upgrade to the PS4 version. It also appeared to be for a very limited amount of titles. So they did something similar first, but not the same thing.

Upvote • 4 years ago

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@thelostscribe: no, it was the same. Just look up crossbuy on PS website. Definitely less games, MS will be making cross gen games for around 2 years so I don't deny that.

Upvote • 4 years ago

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What a difference Xbox is from 2013 to now. Pro-consumer every step of the way. Can't wait till Series X.

2 • 5 years ago

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@Shantmaster_K: This was a pretty lol read. Thank you

Upvote • 5 years ago

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@imajinn: explain to me why it's so funny? I'd love to hear all the bad things they are doing.

Upvote • 5 years ago

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@Shantmaster_K: Theres a whole article on here pointing out some of the bad things they are doing. Ads like mobile etc. Thus me saying thanks for the lol. Sure all of them are doing some things right but they all are doing non pro consumer things too. Have to spill the bad with the good.

Upvote • 5 years ago

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can they add the ability to use the older version of a game on the newer console as an example alot of games have trouble using 4k on xbox one x and it effects the fps (the games ran great untill they were patched with 4k) let people choose if they want performance (1080p and better fps etc) or better picture quality (4k)

Upvote • 5 years ago

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@alaannn: There are a few titles you do that on now actually but not that many of them that are wide spread.

Upvote • 5 years ago

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great idea for digital bought games, im sure people will have issue that you cant get that with physical. and there is good reason why you wont. the whole sell/resale of them physical disc

Upvote • 5 years ago

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@tsunami2311: It's the same deal with physical discs because, anyway, you still have to install it on the drive and you have to keep the disc inserted to play the game (for DRM purposes). So, for example, If you buy the physical disc of Cyberpunk for XBox One, later you can download the XBSX enhanced version without additional cost but you have to insert the disc to prove that you own the game and, later, to play it.

Upvote • 4 years ago

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I feel like I'm in a dream. Phil Spencer must truly be the MS savior, because what a difference a generation makes.

XBOX continues to be pro-consumer and make all the right moves. They can have my money if this continues to look as good as it does.

Upvote • 5 years ago

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@sabredj: im glad MS gamers are liking this. As a Sony gamer, i must say i hope they do something similar. Let’s learn from each other‘s mistakes, whilst prioritizing each other‘s triumphs. That to me is the healthiest of competitive scenarios.

4 • 5 years ago

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Edited By SParent180

@G-Corleone: I'd be both disappointed and surprised if Sony doesn't have a similar feature. Even before this announcement this just seemed like the direction this generation of consoles would go. If the PS5 doesn't have this feature than that's another advantage for the Series X, at least for people that already own an Xbox one.

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@G-Corleone: I agree with you completely. I'm a fan of both and I'm lucky enough to own a One X and a PS4 Pro.

I just want Sony to step it up with their pro consumerism. I know the leader each generation has traditionally been less so, because they are the leader, but some of Sony's decisions this generation has left me scratching my head.

I love the PlayStation product, they do great work, but now let's give your customers the same consideration that MS is finally doing these last couple of years.

Upvote • 5 years ago

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Edited By G-Corleone

This is a feature? Really? Like, isnt this supposed to be blatantly obvious? I have the impression the industry keeps giving nametags to things that must be obvious (looking at you Apple) XD

3 • 5 years ago

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@G-Corleone said:

This is a feature? Really? Like, isnt this supposed to be blatantly obvious?

Isn't*

Upvote • 5 years ago

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Edited By MigGui

@G-Corleone: it should be obvious but it isn’t even the standard. If you got a game for x360 and then wanted to play it on x1, you’d need to buy it again (or play it with x360 graphics if it was backwards compatible). Same with PS3 and PS4, or 3DS and Switch.

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Edited By PCPS4XB

@MigGui: if it wasnt then it's 3rd party. Sony had Cross Buy between Vita, PS3 and PS4 as long as it was released on those devices.

Upvote • 4 years ago

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@G-Corleone: this article doesn't make it clear, but you get the version for the console you are playing on at the time. With cyberpunk it means you won't have to buy the series X version for ray tracing, 8k, etc if you already got it on the Xbox one.

This is essentially the same as PC's do but consoles have never done this.

2 • 5 years ago

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@dps1985: Yes they have. They did it with both half gen releases from XBox One to Xbox One X and PS4 to PS Pro - and they were patched games that offered them to run on their step ups. This is the same thing. This is a larger step up is all. This is NOT a big deal.

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@Utnayan: Please list an Xbox 360 game that was also released on the Xbox One, with superior graphics and resolution, that received a patch and made the 360 version look exactly like the Xbox One version.

One X and PS4 Pro are not a new generation of consoles. So the feature announced is a first for next gen console support.

Upvote • 5 years ago

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@thelostscribe: I think as soon as Xbox one released there were no more 1st party games being released on 360. But I do remember purchasing resogun and playing it across Vita and PS4

Upvote • 4 years ago

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@dps1985: thank you very much for clarifying :)

Upvote • 5 years ago

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Not having to buy the same game again when you buy the new Xbox is very nice. The ball is in your court now Sony...

3 • 5 years ago

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@dvdjedi: When did you ever have to rebuy the same game again with Sony this generation? The games are patched and updated to work with new consoles. Kidding me?

Upvote • 5 years ago

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@Utnayan: I hope this is a joke, if you're talking PS3 - PS4

Borderlands Handsome Collection

Burnout Paradise Remastered

Call of Duty MW Remastered

Dark Souls Remastered

Dragons Crown Pro

Dragons Dogma Dark Arisen

Elder Scrolls V Skyrim Special Edition

The Last of US Remastered

Uncharted Nathan Drake Collection

Valkyria Chronicles Remastered

God of War 3 Remastered

Grand Theft Auto V

Heavy Rain/Beyond Two Souls

Bioshock Collection

L.A. Noire

Tomb Raider Definitive Edition

Assassins Creed Ezio Collection

Catherine Full Body

Resident Evil 5

Batman Return to Arkham

Sleeping Dogs Definitive

Is that enough?

2 • 5 years ago

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@SebTheGreat: you conveniently left out Xbox remasters like gears of war and halo collection.

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Edited By Utnayan

@SebTheGreat: THIS generation. Step up isn't anything new at this point if you purchased an Xbox One and migrated to the X. Nor was it an issue when you migrated from the PS4 to the Pro. This is treated the exact same way. They will play on each system, and whether they get upgraded is up to the publisher. Its been this way now for the last 4 years. So marketing it as if this is new is misleading. They are treating these systems as step ups - just like they did with the Pro and X. This is the second generation of this. Not the first. And it is most DEFINITELY NOT exclusive to MS. This is a given at this point. The fact they are actually marketing this as a paid for ad of which has been already known for 4 years is comical at best, and reaching for bullet point marketing lingo at worst. Instead of touting this and trying to push everyone to Azure, make good solid 1st party games so people buy the damn thing instead of using it as a Netflix box with Atmos and 4k capability. I sure hope they come out with some decent games this next gen, because I latched onto game pass ultimate for 3 years for 80 bucks with that contract prepay deal.

Also the PS3 > PS4 could not do this because they weren't an on x86 Architecture. That's old news now. Anything going forward will have this feature on both consoles and have for the last 4 years.

Upvote • 5 years ago

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@Utnayan: You're fighting this pretty hard, but until Sony says they are doing the same thing with PS5, this is a new step, because the One X and PS4 Pro are not next gen systems. They are the same family of current gen consoles.

Upvote • 5 years ago

Use your keyboard!

ESC

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