Microsoft
Pre-Order The Xbox Series X on Amazon Now
With the Xbox Series X set to launch on November 11 for $499, it’s time to take a look at everything you need to know about pre-order info, price, and how the Series X differs from the Series S.
First things first, so you don’t waste your time, if you’re after the Xbox Series S console, which retails for $299, be sure to hop over to our guide on pre-ordering the Xbox Series S. That guide will give you all the facts you need to know prior to hitting that all-important buy button. We’ll run you through the differences between the two further down, but if you’re set on the Series S, you’ll want to switch pages now.
With that out the way, everything you need to know about the Xbox Series X is broken down below.
When Will Xbox Series X Be Released?
Just to reiterate, both the Xbox Series X and the more affordable Xbox Series S are due for release on November 11, 2020.
Where Can I Pre-Order?
Microsoft
Pre-orders went live on September 22 at 8:00 am PDT/11:00 am EDT. If you’re already sold on the Xbox Series X, you can pre-order it from Amazon here or through that handy link at the top of the page.
I’ll always advise with console pre-orders to get in as early as possible. Games are different. With consoles, you’re going up against other people who want a launch box, meaning the demand is going to be off the charts.
There are also real-world factors to consider. Even though both Microsoft and Sony appear to be on top of distribution, with more people spending time at home you just know they’re going to want something to fill the time, like a new Xbox.
I’ve also got a quick note to parents thinking about Christmas. Get the console as early as possible. You do not want to leave it until December to try and get hold of one. You don’t want to be shopping in December if you can avoid it let alone shopping for this year’s must-have gift.
So play it safe, pre-order early and hide it away from them.
What Is Xbox All-Access?
The Xbox Series X pre-order info came alongside new details about Microsoft’s pay monthly All-Access service, which lets potential Xbox players spread the cost over 24 months like a mobile phone contract.
At $24 per month for the Xbox Series S and $34.99 per month for the Xbox Series X, this service also grants access to Gamepass Ultimate – Microsoft’s on-demand gaming service – and access to Xbox Live multiplayer gaming.
It’s worth noting, while the above offer is great value, the cost spread over the 24 months is going to work out more expensive than just purchasing the console outright. If you opt for an Xbox Series X, for example, the payment plan comes out at around $840.
If you plan on making use of two years of Gamepass Ultimate and don’t want to drop $499 in one go, it’s a killer deal. Just be sure to factor in the overall cost before you decide anything.
You’ll be able to grab the All-Access deal at BestBuy, Walmart, or Target.
How Much Does the Xbox Series X Cost?
The new Xbox Series X console is set to cost $499 at launch.
Xbox Series S and Series X Games Coming in 2020 and Beyond
One of the key features of the Xbox Series X and Xbox Series S is the ability to play games from every generation of Xbox, providing Microsoft has given them the green light.
Although it was announced Halo Infinite has been delayed into 2021, effectively meaning Microsoft doesn’t have a killer launch title to position alongside the new Xbox, there are still several games to keep you busy over the Christmas period until the Besthesda deal has been finalized and we get Starfield and The Elder Scrolls VI on Series S and X.
According to IGN, these are all the games set for release between now and the end of 2020.
- Assassin’s Creed Valhalla
- Chivalry 2
- Dirt 5
- Dragon Quest XI S: Echoes of an Elusive Age
- Forza Horizon 4
- Gears Tactics
- Haven
- Immortals: Fenyx Rising
- Lake
- Madden NFL 21
- Marvel’s Avengers
- NBA 2K21
- Observer (System Redux)
- Ori and the Will of the Wisps
- Outriders
- Paradise Lost
- Planet Coaster
- Recompile
- Scorn
- Tetris Effect: Connected
- Tell Me Why
- The Medium
- Watch Dogs Legion
- Yakuza: Like a Dragon
Xbox Series X and Xbox Series S – Which Is Right for You?
There’s no doubt going to be some confusion going into fall. The short version is one is smaller and has less stuff, the other costs a fair bit more but does more.
So, let’s jump into the nitty-gritty. The first main difference is the custom NVME SSD. On the Xbox Series S you get 512GB of available space, whereas on the Xbox Series X it’s a meaty 1TB.
SSDs speed everything up, and the new custom SSDs are set to launch games and the operating system a lot faster. I don’t want to say load times are a thing of the past until I’ve gone hands-on, but there will be a noticeable difference.
One issue with the Series S is how quickly that 512GB SSD is going to fill up. With Call of Duty Modern Warfare coming in at 100GB, it’s not designed to hold an endless stream of games. The 1TB still stands a chance of getting filled quickly, but at least you’ll be able to hold a decent library size.
The other main difference is the Series S doesn’t feature a disc drive like the Series X. If you’re a digital-only kind of gamer, that’s not a major issue. If you like being able to shop for both digital and physical games, however, you’re going to want to go with the Xbox Series X.
Which leads us to the next point: The Xbox Series X could be cheaper in the long run.
Digital game prices, outside of a sale, are expensive, and often end up costing more than physical games. Then when you factor in you can’t trade-in digital games to make some money back, it’s well worth considering biting the bullet and going Series X to save more over time.
Xbox Series X vs Xbox Series S Specs
For people looking to see what the new Xbox is capable of, below are all the specs you need to know.
Xbox Series X vs Xbox Series S Specs
Xbox Series X Specs
- CPU: 8-Core AMD Zen 2 CPU @ 3.8GHz 3.6GHz w/ SMT Enabled
- GPU: AMD RDNA 2 GPU 52 CUs @ 1.825GHz
- GPU Power: 12.15 TFLOPS
- System on a Chip (SOC): Custom 7nm Enhanced SOC
- RAM: 16GB GDDR6 RAM – 10GB @ 560 GB/s – 6GB @ 336 GB/s
- Performance Target: 4K @ 60 FPS, Up to 120 FPS
- Storage: 1TB PCle Gen 4 NVME SSD 2.4GB/sec uncompressed 4.8GB/sec compressed
- Expandable Storage: 1TB Expansion Card (matches internal storage exactly)
- Backward Compatibility: Select Xbox One, Xbox 360, and original Xbox games, and Xbox One accessories.
- Disc Drive: 4K UHD Blu-ray
- Display Out: HDMI 2.1
- MSRP: $499 USD
Xbox Series S Specs
- CPU: 8-Core AMD Zen 2 CPU @ 3.6GHz 3.4GHz w/ SMT Enabled
- GPU: AMD RDNA 2 GPU 20 CUS @ 1.565GHz
- GPU Power: 4 TFLOPS
- System on a Chip (SOC): Custom 7nm Enhanced SoC
- RAM: 10GB GDDR6 RAM – 8GB @ 224GB/s – 2GB @ 56GB/S
- Performance Target: 1440p @ 60 FPS, Up to 120 FPS
- Storage: 512GB PCle Gen 4 NVME SSD 2.4GB/sec uncompressed 4.8GB/sec compressed
- Expandable Storage: 1TB Expansion Card (matches internal storage exactly)
- Backward Compatibility: Select Xbox One, Xbox 360, and original Xbox games, and Xbox One accessories.
- Disc Drive: Digital Only
- Display Out: HDMI 2.1
- MSRP: $299 USD
See Also:
- Best PS5 Games Announced So Far
- PS5 Console: Everything You Need to Know
- 101 Best Gifts for 13-Year-Old Boys
- Xbox Series S: Everything You Need to Know