Xbox Series X to go on sale for $499

Microsoft has confirmed the launch date and price for the Xbox Series X. Their next-generation console will be released on November 10, 2020, and cost $499.

This news comes hot on the heels of Microsoft’s official reveal of the Xbox Series S. This digital-only version of Microsoft’s next-gen offering is set to go on sale on the same date, but be priced much lower at $299.

Pre-orders for both consoles are set to open on September 22, leaving very little time between that pre-order date, and the consoles’ launch.

The aspect of these consoles that everyone is talking about is the alternative to purchasing them both outright. Microsoft is offering both consoles at full price for anyone who wants to pay for them all at once, but there are also options for payment plans.

The payment plan is called Xbox All Access, and will allow consumers to get the new consoles, plus a subscription to Game Pass Ultimate and EA Play for the duration of the contract, for $35 a month for the Xbox Series X, and $25 per month for the Xbox Series S.

Microsoft UK has confirmed that the Xbox Series X will sell for £449, and the Xbox Series S will cost £249. They also confirmed that Xbox All Access will be coming to more regions in the future, with 12 to be included by the end of the year, and more added in 2021.

The countries participating in Xbox All Access this year are as follows.

• Australia – Telstra
• Canada – EB Games
• Denmark – Elgiganten
• Finland – Gigantti
• France – FNAC
• New Zealand – Spark
• Norway – Elkjøp
• Poland – Media Expert
• South Korea – SK Telecom
• Sweden – Elgiganten
• UK – GAME and Smyths Toys
• United States – Best Buy, GameStop, Target, Microsoft Store, and Walmart

Microsoft has also shed light on the lineup of launch games for these consoles, which has looked sorely lacking with the absence of Halo Infinite so far. Launching for the consoles on day one will be Dirt 5. Ubisoft has also brought forward the release date of Watch Dogs: Legion and Assassin’s Creed Valhalla for these next-gen consoles.

In addition, Microsoft has confirmed that the Xbox All Access subscriptions will last for 24 months. The details of whether consumers end up owning their console at the end of that agreement, or if they can upgrade or continue, remain to be clarified.