All You Need To Know About Xbox Series S and X Pre-Orders, Specs, Launch Titles and More

September 20, 2020Laurie Jones0 Comments

Filed UnderNews Xbox Series S Xbox Series X

The Next Generation of Games Consoles will begin from November 10th with the launch of the Xbox Series S and X in multiple territories.

Microsoft revealed they are launching with two systems – both with very different prices and specs – but the same launch titles, controllers and compatibility.

Here’s a look at everything we know so far about the two new consoles joining the Xbox Family from November 10th.

(This article will be continuously updated in the run up to launch so keep checking back – Updated as of 23/09/2020 – Added Bright Memory as a launch title)

Platforms

Microsoft will release two new consoles on November 10th 2020 – Xbox Series S and Xbox Series X

How much?

Xbox Series S will retail for $299.99/£249.99/$499AUS

Xbox Series X will retail for $499.99/£449.99/$749AUS

Microsoft are also adding both systems to Xbox All Access which will enable you to buy both consoles with no upfront cost.

Xbox Series S will cost you £20.99 per month over 24 months for the Console and 24 months of Game Pass Ultimate

Xbox Series X will cost you £28.99 per month over 24 months for the Console and 24 months of Game Pass Ultimate.

You can also trade in your older Xbox console for the new Series S l X as part of the All Access Program

What’s in the box?

The Xbox Series S includes the console, a Wireless Controller and a High Speed HDMI Cable.

The Xbox Series X includes the console, a Wireless Controller and a Ultra High Speed HDMI Cable

When/Where can I Pre-Order?

Pre-orders for both consoles open from September 22nd at 8am Local Time at participating retailers.

Territories include USA, Canada, UK, Australia, New Zealand, all of Europe, the Middle East and Africa.

Both consoles will launch in 36 countries on November 10th. 

How do these consoles compare?

Xbox Series X is the bigger and more powerful of the two consoles, offering true 4k gaming, 1TB SSD, 12 teraflops, up to 120 Frames Per Second, 8K HDR, and Xbox Velocity Architecture. It also comes with a 4K UHD Blu-Ray Player, making it a physical and digital console.

Xbox Series S is significantly smaller, offers HDR, up to 120 Frames Per Second, a 512GB SSD, and Xbox Velocity Architecture. There is no disc drive, meaning this is a digital only console.

Full Tech Specs for both systems are outlined below.

Xbox Series X

  • CPU: 8x Cores @ 3.8 GHz (3.66 GHz w/ SMT) Custom Zen 2 CPU
  • GPU: 12 TFLOPS, 52 CUs @ 1.825 GHz Custom RDNA 2 GPU
  • Die Size: 360.45 mm
  • Process: 7nm Enhanced
  • Memory: 16 GB GDDR6 w/ 320mb bus
  • Memory Bandwidth: 10GB @ 560 GB/s, 6GB @ 336 GB/s
  • Internal Storage: 1 TB Custom NVME SSD
  • I/O Throughput: 2.4 GB/s (Raw), 4.8 GB/s (Compressed, with custom hardware decompression block)
  • Expandable Storage: 1 TB Expansion Card (matches internal storage exactly)
  • External Storage: USB 3.2 External HDD Support
  • HDMI Features Auto Low Latency Mode, HDMI Variable Refresh Rate. AMD FreeSync
  • Optical Drive: 4K UHD Blu-Ray Drive
  • Performance Target: 4K @ 60 FPS, Up to 120 FPS
  • Sound Capabilities Dolby Digital 5.1, DTS 5.1, Dolby TrueHD with Atmos, Up to 7.1 L-PCM
  • Ports & Connectivity 1x HDMI 2.1 Port 3x USB 3.1 Gen 1 Ports, Wireless 802.11ac dual band, Ethernet 802.310/100/1000 Accessories radio Dedicated dual band, Xbox Wireless Radio
  • Dimensions 15.1 cm x 15.1 cm x 30.1cm
  • Weight 9.8lbs

Xbox Series S

  • CPU: 8x Cores @ 3.6 GHz (3.4 GHz w/ SMT) Custom Zen 2 CPU
  • GPU: 4 TFLOPS, 20 CUs @ 1.565 GHz
  • Die Size: 197.05 mm
  • Memory: 10 GB GDDR6 w/ 128mb bus
  • Memory Bandwidth: 8GB @ 224 GB/s, 2GB @ 56 GB/s
  • Internal Storage: 512GB Custom NVME SSD
  • I/O Throughput: 2.4 GB/s (Raw), 4.8 GB/s (Compressed, with custom hardware decompression block)
  • Expandable Storage: 1 TB Expansion Card (matches internal storage exactly)
  • External Storage: USB 3.1 External HDD Support
  • Performance Target: 1440p, Up to 120 FPS
  • HDMI Features Auto Low Latency Mode, HDMI Variable Refresh Rate, AMD FreeSync
  • Sound L-PCM, up to 7.1, DTS 5.1, Dolby Digital 5.1, Dolby TrueHD with Atmos
  • Ports & Connectivity 1x HDMI 2.1 3x USB 3.1 Gen 1 Ports, Wireless 802.11ac dual band, Ethernet 802.310/100/1000, Accessories radio Dedicated dual band Xbox Wireless radio
  • Dimensions 6.5cm x 15.1cm x 27.5cm
  • Weight 4.25lbs

What’s new about these systems?

With the improved architecture in the consoles, both Xbox Series S and X will have games optimised for each system, including improvements to visual fidelity, higher, steadier framerates up to 120FPS, quick resume, and faster loading times. Exclusive games are also confirmed for these systems in the coming months.

Both consoles also benefit from full backwards compatibility through to the original Xbox, can be used with your existing Xbox accessories, and also support Smart Delivery, meaning you only have to buy certain games once to get the best possible version of it.

Is there a new Controller?

Yes, and it offers some features, including a brand new ‘Share’ button, a USB-C port, grips on the triggers and bumpers, and a full circle D-Pad. Your existing controllers will still support both consoles, however.

What can I play on these consoles?

You can play your entire Xbox One catalogue of games on Xbox Series S l X, as well as previously confirmed backwards compatible games on Xbox 360 and the original Xbox.

Xbox GamePass Ultimate gives you access to over one hundred games with new releases being added every month. Titles include all first party Xbox titles (past, present, and future) such as Gears 5, Tell Me Why, and Battletoads. You’ll also get access to third party games like Wasteland 3, The Outer Worlds, and The Elder Scrolls Online. There will also be some major new titles added at launch (more below)

A series of third party games will also be available at launch of the new systems.

What are the launch titles for Xbox Series S and Xbox Series X?

Launch titles currently confirmed (as of 23/09/2020) are, as follows.

Announced Titles getting Enhancements/Upgrades  (As of 20/09/2020)

  • Marvel’s Avengers (Free Upgrade)
  • Control (Enhanced through Ultimate Edition)
  • Cyberpunk 2077 (Free Upgrade)
  • The Witcher 3 (Free Upgrade)
  • DOOM Eternal (Free Upgrade)
  • The Elder Scrolls Online (Free Upgrade)
  • Destiny 2 (Free Upgrade)
  • Madden 21 (Free Upgrade before Madden 22)
  • Fifa 21 (Free Upgrade before FIFA 22)
  • NBA 2K21 (Enhanced through Mamba Forever Edition)
  • Call of Duty Black Ops Cold War (Enhanced through Cross-Gen Bundle)
  • Borderlands 3 (Free Upgrade)
  • Dead by Daylight (Free Upgrade)
  • Tom Clancy’s Rainbow Six Siege (Free Upgrade)
  • Monster Boy and the Cursed Kingdom (Free Upgrade)
  • WRC 9 (Free Upgrade)

(Note – Due to the new architecture within the consoles, all games are expected to receive some improvements. However, the above titles are confirmed to have major patches which take further advantage of the new systems in unique ways)

EA Play will also be added to Xbox GamePass Ultimate – current assumptions are for launch day – which will include all titles currently available on EA Play – such as Anthem, Rocket Arena, and Battlefield V, as well as extended trials for their latest titles like Star Wars Squadrons, FIFA, NHL, and Madden 21, and UFC 4.

Launch Window Games Include

  • Outriders
  • Immortals Fenyx Rising (December 3rd)
  • Dragon Quest XI S: Echoes of an Elusive Age (December 4th / Available on GamePass)
  • Puyo Puyo Tetris 2 (December 8th)
  • The Medium (Available on GamePass)
  • The Ascent
  • 12 Minutes
  • Scorn (Available on GamePass)
  • Planet Coaster Console Edition
  • Halo Infinite (2021 / Available on GamePass)
  • Little Nightmares 2 (2021)
  • Far Cry 6 (February 18th 2021)
  • Riders Republic (February 25th 2021)
  • Resident Evil Village
  • Hogwarts Legacy

Anything else?

Xbox GamePass Ultimate Subscribers also have access to xCloud, which lets you play over one hundred titles on your Android phone. This also supports cloud saves, meaning you can take your progress with you on the go, and it supports games like Gears 5, Minecraft Dungeons, and Sea of Thieves.

This article will be continuously updated as we build up to launch and will include any new information as we get it.

Noticed anything we missed? Sound out below and let us know if you’re picking up an Xbox Series S or X at launch.

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