Xbox Series X/S Console Guide

The Xbox Series X/S is the next generation of Xbox games consoles created by Microsoft. The Xbox Series X and Series S come after the latest Xbox One X, released in November 2017. Like Sony’s PS5 the Xbox Series X/S is highly anticipated among the gaming community. This guide will tell you all you need to know about both the Xbox Series X and Series S consoles.

Release Date

The Xbox Series X/S was released on the 10th of November 2020.

Xbox Series X Restock

A combined effect of the global pandemic and exceptional demand for both the Xbox and PS5, there is a shortage of stock worldwide. If you want to purchase the Xbox Series X or Series S (there seems to be less demand for the Series S, and therefore more stock), here is a list of retailers that will have the Xbox when they are available and in stock. These are links to the Xbox Series X, however these retailers are also selling the Xbox Series S.

Where to Buy Xbox Series X US

Best Buy: Previously Available - Check for restock.
Amazon: Currently Unavailable - Check for restock.
Microsoft: Out of Stock -Check for updates.
Walmart: Unavailable - On back order.
Newegg: In stock, but above retail price.
Target: previously in stock - check for updates.

Where to Buy Xbox Series X UK

Amazon: Stock previously available - check for updates
Argos: Stock added sporadically - currently no stock.
Currys: Currently out of stock - check for updates
John Lewis: Currently out of stock - check for updates
Microsoft: Currently out of stock - check for updates
Smyths Toys: Currently out of stock - check for updates

Price

The Xbox Series X will cost $499 in the US and £449 in the UK.

The Xbox Series S (the lower spec version) will cost $299 (£249).

You can also pay for the Xbox Series X/S in monthly payments of $34.99 for the Series X, or $24.99 for the Series S. This gives you access to the console and Xbox Game Pass. The Ultimate version includes Xbox Live Gold as well. This is being called Xbox All Access.

Hardware

Microsoft has released a list of the hardware and specs for the Xbox Series X on their website here.

• CPU: 8x Cores @ 3.8 GHz (3.6 GHz w/ SMT) Custom Zen 2 CPU
• GPU: 12 TFLOPS, 52 CUs @ 1.825 GHz Custom RDNA 2 GPU
• Die Size: 360.45 mm2
• Process: 7nm Enhanced
• Memory: 16 GB GDDR6 w/ 320b 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
• Optical Drive: 4K UHD Blu-Ray Drive
• Performance Target: 4K @ 60 FPS, Up to 120 FPS

Appearance

The Xbox Series X’s appearance has been released, alongside the new controller.

Upcoming Titles

At their July Games Showcase, Xbox revealed 22 console launch exclusives, from eagerly anticipated fan favourites such as Halo Infinite and Fable among others. These are just some of the games that will be released on the console, not necessarily at launch. Below is a list of upcoming Xbox Series X titles.

• Assassins Creed Valhalla (release title)
• Avowed
• Crossfire
• Cyberpunk 2077 (released on the 10th December)
• Everwild
• Fable
• Forza Motorsport
• Gears 5 (release title)
• Gods & Monsters.
• Halo Infinite
• Hogwarts Legacy
• Orphan of the Machine.
• Outriders.
• Senua's Saga: Hellblade II.
• State of Decay 3

Note: Halo Infinite was initially a launch title, however its release has been postponed to 2021 by 343 Industries, in order to polish the game.

Backwards Compatibility

According to Xbox and Microsoft, the Xbox Series X will be able to play backwards compatible games.

One of the highlights is arguably their Smart Delivery which allows you to play games from previous generations for free. For example if you have already bought the latest Gears 5 for Xbox One, you will be able to download it for free on the new Xbox Series X once it is released. This feature will be especially useful around the transaction period where games are being released for the new and old consoles simultaneously, allowing you to wait before you make the jump to the next console.

With the generation of Xbox consoles there will be a bigger focus on Crossplay Content. Allowing Xbox Series X owners to play with gamers that are yet to update their Xbox One, or even play with PC users. Cross generation multiplayer has also been announced.

Xbox Series S

There had been rumors of a lower spec, lower price next generation Xbox, referred to previously as "Project Lockhart". It has now been revealed to be called the Xbox Series S. It will play the same games as the Xbox Series X, however there will be some notable differences:

• It will not feature a disc drive (download only)
• It will run games at 1440p natively instead of 4K, and upscale to 4K.
• It will cost significantly less - $299 as opposed to $499.
• Lower specs
• More info here.

Xbox Series X/S Unboxing

Here is an unboxing of the Xbox Series S and Series S from Unbox Therapy.

Other Next Generation Consoles

If you want to compare the Xbox Series X with the up and coming PS5, you will can find more information here.