The Xbox Series X and Xbox Series S are right around the corner. Check out my Xbox Series X unboxing video. And, unlike other generation changes, companies are doing their best to support both current-gen and next-gen hardware. Fortunately for consumers, many companies are offering free upgrades for games purchased on Xbox One for when consumers move on to Xbox Series X or Xbox Series S via Smart Delivery.

These upgrades apply to both physical and digital media. Buy certain games on Xbox One, and carry those games forward to Xbox Series X or Xbox Series S. If you purchased games physically, however, you will need the Xbox Series X with the disc drive – you cannot upgrade a physical version to a digital version for use on Xbox Series S. With that bit of housekeeping out of the way, here are our Top Xbox One games that upgrade to Xbox Series X and Xbox Series S for free!

Xbox One gamesDirt 5

Platforms: Xbox One, Xbox Series X and Xbox Series S
Developer: Codemasters
Publisher: Codemasters
Genre: Racing
Modes: Single player, Multiplayer
ESRB Rating: E (Everyone)

When it comes to off road racing, Dirt has topped out the competition year in and year out. Racing through the wilderness has never been so authentic, and with years upon years of experience to build on, Dirt 5 is one of the best Xbox One games the series has ever seen.

Dirt 5 uses dynamic weather and seasons which will impact how your races might play out. Spread across multiple countries – USA, Brazil, Morocco, China, Italy, and Norway – there are plenty of unique racing tracks for you to explore and enjoy. And with a free upgrade available, you can take your game from Xbox One to Xbox Series X or Xbox Series S at no additional charge! That’s a pretty great bonus if you ask me!

Get Dirt 5 for Xbox One, Xbox Series X and Xbox Series S

Xbox One gamesAssassin’s Creed Valhalla

Platforms: Xbox One, Xbox Series X and Xbox Series S
Developer: Ubisoft Montreal
Publisher: Ubisoft
Genre: Action-role playing
Modes: Single player
ESRB Rating: M (Mature)

Assassin’s Creed Valhalla is the latest in the long run of Assassin’s Creed titles, and transports players to the world of Vikings. Assassin’s Creed Valhalla is set in East Anglia in the year 873 CE. This English governed region of the world has been torn apart by war, and various groups are moving in on the region to claim territory and begin a new life.

As one of the games two playable heroes – one male and one female – players will make their stake on this land. Valhalla builds upon the RPG mechanics introduced in Assassin’s Creed Origins and Assassin’s Creed Odyssey, and adds even more with village progression mechanics and more.

Those familiar with the past few Assassin’s Creed titles will be right at home here. Although Assassin’s Creed Valhalla is launching alongside the Xbox Series X and Xbox Series S, those not ready to enter the next generation can still buy on Xbox One, and carry over their game to the new generation whenever they are ready, at no additional charge!

Buy Assassin’s Creed Valhalla for Xbox One, Xbox Series X and Xbox Series S

Xbox One gamesCall of Duty: Black Ops Cold War

Platforms: Xbox One, Xbox Series X and Xbox Series S
Developer: Treyarch, Raven Software, High Moon Studios, Beenox and Sledgehammer Games
Publisher: Activision
Genre: First Person Shooter
Modes: Single player, Multiplayer
ESRB Rating: M (Mature)

Call of Duty: Black Ops Cold War is looking to build on the release and success of Call of Duty: Black Ops, and it ultimately succeeds. Set in the 1980s, players will experience the key moments of the Cold War, but in a new, conspiracy theory laced story arch. Familiar, fan-favourite characters from Black Ops make an appearance here, but ultimately they take a back seat to the 1980s pop culture driven story, which is the highlight of this experience.

While cross play across all consoles is a definite highlight here, it’s the cold war era weapons and equipment that will make this next Call of Duty experience feel unique. Whether tackling the new content available in Warzone, new cooperative gameplay in Zombies, or just playing regular matches online with friends, there is plenty to get excited about with this latest release. Via Smart Delivery, those that purchase Call of Duty: Black Ops Cold War will have the ability to upgrade their Xbox One copy for free to Xbox Series X or Xbox Series S, even if that purchase is made well past launch!

Purchase Call of Duty: Black Ops Cold War for Xbox One, Xbox Series X and Xbox Series S

Xbox One gamesGears Tactics

Platforms: Xbox One, Xbox Series X and Xbox Series S
Developer: Splash Damage, The Coalition
Publisher: Microsoft Games Studio
Genre: Turn Based Strategy
Modes: Single player, Multiplayer
ESRB Rating: M (Mature)

Gears Tactics is the next evolution of the turn-based tactical shooter game. Set in the Gears of War universe, Gears Tactics takes place 12 years before the events of the original Gears of War. For a franchise made famous by its brutal, fast-paced gameplay, it suits the turn-based genre surprisingly well.

Gears Tactics also strikes a perfect balance of difficulty, giving everyone from casuals to die-hards a setting that matches their needs. As a result, all of this combines with a very engaging storyline to keep you enthralled for hours on end. For those that have been enjoying Gears Tactics on Xbox One, Smart Delivery will allow the transfer of this game to Xbox Series X or Xbox Series S at no additional charge!

Get Gears Tactics for Xbox One, Xbox Series X and Xbox Series S

Yakuza: Like a Dragon

Platforms: Xbox One, Xbox Series X and Xbox Series S
Developer: Ryu Ga Gotoku Studio
Publisher: SEGA
Genre: Turn Based, Adventure
Modes: Single player
ESRB Rating: M (Mature)

Although Yakuza: Like a Dragon launched in January of 2020 in Japan, the game is getting an exclusive Xbox North America release on November 10th. Still, for those who are not ready to upgrade to Xbox Series X or Series S yet, they can purchase on Xbox One and carry over that game to the new generation of Xbox consoles via Smart Delivery.

Fans of Yakuza will get a brand new protagonist this time around. Ichiban Kasuga has just been released from prison after 18 years behind bars, and players will get to walk through his first steps post prison, alongside other playable characters.

Unlike other Yakuza titles which have featured real-time battle systems, Like a Dragon will instead focus on more strategic, turn-based combat. Although this is a departure from the norm that Yakuza fans are used to, most everything else will remain familiar. There will still be loads of side quests and mini games to engage with, including a brand new kart racing mini game! For Yakuza fans, or those looking to break into the series, Like a Dragon will be a key launch title this November, while still playable on Xbox One.

Buy Yakuza: Like a Dragon for Xbox One, Xbox Series X and Xbox Series S

Top Xbox One games that upgrade to Xbox Series X and Series S for free

There you have it! With Smart Delivery, dozens of Xbox One games will automatically upgrade to Xbox Series X and Xbox Series S at no additional charge. However, for those who might not be getting an Xbox Series X or Xbox Series S right away, the knowledge that these Xbox One games offer free upgrades is very comforting.

Play these games now if you want to, and don’t worry when you get your Xbox Series X or Xbox Series S. These games, and many others, will transfer over smoothly, allowing you to continue or replay your favourite titles!

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Jon Scarr
Jon is the Gaming Editor and is based in Toronto. He is a proud Canadian who has a serious passion for gaming. He is a veteran of the video game and tech industry with over 20 years experience. You can often find Jon streaming the latest games on his YouTube channel. Jon loves to talk about gaming and tech, come say hi and join the conversation with Jon on Threads @4ScarrsGaming and @4Scarrsgaming on Instagram.

1 COMMENT

  1. This is a great service! It’s amazing that they are willing to offer free upgrades for games that are releasing for both the Xbox One and the Xbox Series X & S.

    I wish that Nintendo would do something like this. I have purchased a number of games for both the Wii U and the Switch. I would have really liked to get free upgrades, or at least cheaper upgrades, for those games.

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