It has been a couple of years because the Xbox Sequence X and Sequence S launch, and whereas the console hasn’t damaged gross sales data, there’s a decent 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 may get them organized proper now.
Whether or not you ought to is one other query totally. Microsoft has been fairly open about the truth that the corporate envisions a future the place “each display 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 may even stream Xbox video games by means of a Fireplace TV stick now. Nonetheless, there are many causes to purchase an Xbox Sequence X/S. It is essentially the most handy solution to arrange a Microsoft-centric gaming system to play out of your sofa. So, for those who’re , here is tips on how to purchase one.
Up to date October 2024: We have up to date the language for the official launch day of the Xbox consoles.
Energy up with limitless entry to WIRED. Get best-in-class reporting that is too vital to disregard for simply $2.50 $1 per thirty days for 1 12 months. Consists of limitless digital entry and unique subscriber-only content material. Subscribe Right now.
What’s Totally different In regards to the New Xbox Consoles?
Just 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} below 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 obtainable 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 no drive to remove. As a substitute, for this refresh, Microsoft doubled the storage from 512 GB to 1 terabyte. The value has additionally gone up by $50 to $350. Given how large AAA video games can get, this looks as if a no brainer, although it is value noting that you may simply enhance the storage of the present Xbox Sequence X or Sequence S with an growth card.
Lastly, Microsoft is releasing a particular, limited-edition model of the unique Xbox Sequence X (which has a disc drive) with a singular “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 not too long ago changed the Xbox Sport Move for Console tier of its subscription service with a brand new providing known as Xbox Sport Move Commonplace. This contains 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 will have to attend for a while to play sure video games after launch. Microsoft’s FAQ says this may very well be “as much as 12 months or extra,” which technically contains all attainable lengths of time, however it appears the typical delay for brand new releases is probably going round a 12 months. This new tier prices $15 per thirty days, whereas Sport Move Final—which beforehand price $17 a month—has been bumped to $20 month-to-month.
