The next generation of consoles is here, with the launch of the Xbox Series X ($499) and its little sister, the Xbox Series S ($299).
Microsoft is staking the claim of “most powerful next-generation console” with the Xbox Series X, along with the stats to back it up: Custom AMD 8-core Zen 2 3.8 GHZ CPU, 16 GB GDDR6 RAM, 1 TB SSD storage, Dolby Atmos 3D Audio, and support for up to 8K resolution and 120 frames per second. The Series X also includes an Ultra HD Blu-ray player.
The significantly cheaper Series S has slightly less impressive stats, including half the storage, 10 GB RAM, 4K resolution, and no physical disc drive, relying entirely on digital media.
Digital-only may not be a bad option given the growing popularity of Microsoft’s Netflix-like gaming subscription service, Xbox Game Pass. Xbox Game Pass includes over 100 new and older Xbox and PC games, as well as access to EA Play and its library of EA games, for $14.99/month.
The big new launch title is Assassin’s Creed: Valhalla, but Xbox Series X/S is also getting optimized versions of Gears 5, Hal: the Master Chief Collection, Forza Horizon 4, and Watch Dogs: Legion.
More than 40 games will be playable on the Xbox Series X/S, including 30 that feature free upgrades if you already own the last-gen version. Xbox Series X/S is also backwards compatible with the past four generations of Xbox games.
On launch day, Microsoft hosted an all-day livestream celebrating the new console (video above). The Xbox Series X and Series S are available now at retailers and the Microsoft Store.
