On October 15, 2024, Microsoft plans to launch two new Xbox Series X consoles and one new Xbox Series S console, which will include an Xbox Series X that will only be available digitally.
Microsoft announced the simultaneous introduction of the All-Digital Xbox Series X, the Special Edition 2TB Xbox Series X, and the 1TB Xbox Series S in Robot White (which was previously only available in Carbon Black) on Xbox Wire. The consoles are now available for presale.
The 1TB SSD hard drive that comes with the All-Digital Xbox Series X, which is exclusively offered in Robot White, costs $449.99. This is $50 less than the original Xbox Series X, which came with a disc drive installed. In contrast, the Robot White 1TB Xbox Series S is priced at $349.99, which is the same as the previously released Carbon Black model.
The Xbox Series X Special Edition comes in black with white and green accents. It costs $599.99 because it has a 2TB hard drive and a disc drive. The directional pad is also covered in the speckled design, although the controller’s front is black while its back is green.
These console variations are only alternatives to Microsoft’s current products, perhaps aimed at first-time purchasers, and do not carry any additional power or capabilities. But with video game sizes continuing to climb, more hard drive space is becoming more and more important.
The launch of these three new Xbox consoles coincides with declining sales of the Xbox Series X and S, which trail the PlayStation 5 in comparison as both console sets approach their fourth birthday, and severe doubts from Microsoft’s diehard supporters regarding the company’s commitment to the console business.
Xbox CEO Phil Spencer explained Microsoft’s choice to launch Indiana Jones and the Great Circle, a forthcoming first-party game, on the PS5 at Gamescom 2024. He also hinted that future Xbox games will cross platforms.
The Xbox Series X is “a quiet, tiny, laser-targeted games machine that should make 4K/60fps gaming the beautiful new norm,” according to our 8/10 launch review, even though it “still lacks as many must-play games as the competition.”
Although there were concerns about the Xbox Series S’s 512GB of base storage even at the time of our review, we still gave it a 7/10. We stated, “With its 1440p resolution and cramped storage capacity, the Xbox Series S has its place and may shine as your second console, but it is hard to suggest as your primary gaming platform.”
