A new generation of gaming is knocking on our door. Microsoft has unleashed the most powerful gaming console ever created, the Xbox Series X. Officially revealed in December of 2019, Microsoft slowly started to pull the curtain back on the next-gen console’s hardware, software and services.
From detailed hardware specs to a first look at next-gen games, there is a lot to be excited about. Sometimes keeping track of all the news can be difficult and daunting. To make things easier, we have created a one stop shop for all the latest and greatest news on Xbox Series X.
Microsoft plans to acquire Activision Blizzard
In a deal that will cost $68.7 billion USD, Microsoft has announced its plans to purchase Activision Blizzard. When the transaction closes in 2023, Microsoft will become the world’s third-largest gaming company by revenue, behind Tencent and Sony. The planned acquisition includes iconic franchises from the Activision, Blizzard and King studios such as Warcraft, Diablo, Overwatch, Call of Duty and Candy Crush.
In addition, the deal will include global eSports activities through Major League Gaming. Current CEO Bobby Kotick will continue his role and once the deal closes, Activision Blizzard will report to Microsoft Gaming CEO Phil Spencer. Moreover, once the acquisition is complete, Activision Blizzard games will launch into Game Pass, which now has over 25 million subscribers.
Furthermore, in a blog post, Phil Spencer said that the acquisition will accelerate Xbox’s plans for Xbox Cloud Gaming. Interestingly, Phil Spencer commented that they will continue to support the communities where Activision Blizzard games are enjoyed. What does this mean for the mega popular franchises such as Call of Duty?
On Twitter, Phil Spencer said that he spoke with PlayStation about Call of Duty and said “I confirmed our intent to honor all existing agreements upon acquisition of Activision Blizzard and our desire to keep Call of Duty on PlayStation”. “Sony is an important part of our industry, and we value our relationship.” It appears, at this point in time, gamers can expect Call of Duty games on PlayStation for at least the next two years.
Halo Infinite release date and Xbox announcements from gamescom 2021
The wait to play Halo Infinite is almost over! This week at gamescom 2021, Xbox announced that Halo Infinite is launching December 8, 2021. It will be available on Xbox Series X|S, Xbox One and PC. In addition, two limited edition pieces of hardware to celebrate Halo’s 20th anniversary were announced. The Halo Infinite Limited Edition Xbox Series X Bundle and the Halo Infinite Limited Edition Elite Wireless Controller Series 2 will both launch on November 15, 2021. Click here for more details on Halo Infinite and the limited edition hardware.
In addition, Xbox showcased new footage and details on Forza 5 and showcased both of Forza Horizon 5’s cover cars. In other big Xbox news from gamescom 2021, Xbox Cloud Gaming is coming to Xbox One and Xbox Series X|S consoles this holiday. And a new Microsoft Flight Simulator update was announced. Click here to read about these and other exciting Xbox gamescom 2021 announcements.
Hot Xbox accessories
Xbox Wireless Controller
The arrival of the Xbox Series of consoles has also brought with it newly designed controllers. The new remotes refine the old design with enhanced ergonomics, a new hybrid D-pad, and textured grip. They also sport a new “Share button” which lets you easily capture and share screenshots, recordings and more. When it comes to multiplayer gaming you could always use an extra remote! Express your personal style with a host of colours including Robot White, Shock Blue, Carbon Black and Pulse Red.
Xbox Storage Expansion Card
The Xbox platform has a ton to play, from the rapidly growing Game Pass library to hot new releases you’re going to need more space. Enter the Seagate 1TB Storage Expansion Card for Xbox Series X and Series S with easy plug and play compatibility. The Expansion Card is the only hardware currently on the market that works with the “Xbox Velocity Architecture.” The hardware provides lightning-fast load times that are required with the Xbox Series line of consoles and next-gen games.
Xbox Wireless Headset
Designed with gamers in mind the Xbox Wireless Headset dials up your immersion with high quality audio. The headset is compatible with Windows Sonic, Dolby Atmos, and DTS Headphone:X sound technologies for multi-dimensional sound. The rechargeable lithium-ion battery offers up to 15 hours of runtime to keep you gaming even longer. Purchase the Xbox Wireless Headset here or check out Best Buy’s full range of gaming console headsets.
Xbox Series X unboxing and review
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Xbox fans, make sure to bookmark this page to keep up with the latest news on Xbox Series X and Xbox Series S at Best Buy. We’ll be updating this page regularly with the newest info.
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Where’s the pre Order for the controller??? I want and need it lol
You wanna to update the gpu drop?
Since my last comment I have been able to score an order for a Series X. I’m really excited for the games launching later this year! Microsoft has so much on the horizon that I’ll need an infinite amount of time to get through all the games. 😉
Plus that new limited edition Series X looks so cool, I’m tempted to cancel my current order and get that one instead!
https://www.bestbuy.ca/en-ca/product/xbox-series-x-1tb-halo-infinite-limited-edition-bundle/15679404
I’ve reached the point where I am ready to start looking for a Series X. I look forward to being able to play the games that take advantage of it. Thanks for the article, there is so much to be excited for!
I would love to have it but I am waiting for the next-gen upgrade for cyberpunk 2077 to come before I am getting my hands on it. There are some great games available to play but I have decided to wait to wait for the cyberpunk 2077 next-gen upgrade to release before I get my xbox series x. Hopefully there will be great deals available at that time too.
When are there going to be more stock have had my name on pre-order notification for ever?
will there be xbox series x consoles available in store on nov 10 É
No, they will be for sale online only.
will there be stock in store for people that would line up on lauch day with no preorders
Highly doubtful
Does the full price of $599 have to be paid today or can partial payment be made followed by the remaining balance on launch day
full price
good
Hi Jon, have Best Buy confirmed logistics around launch day? More specifically, are pre orders shipping to clients and arriving on launch day or are they to be collected in store on the 10th of Nov? Thanks for keeping us up to date!
I’m wondering the same thing
also wondering this, i know ps5’s some people got a ship date of nov 12 and delivery date of 19-21
There are no in-store pickup pre-orders. All pre-orders are shipped to the address you have on file in your account.
If the reason that we have to buy series s or x is for Halo Infinite and apparently that has again been delayed (it was supposed to be released holiday 2020-between October and December) then why would we pay all that money for a console we dont really need yet…why not wait until Halo Infinite is released and the price of the console comes down? This is stupid.
wont come down for atleast 2-3 years so ur gunna be waiting awhile
sorry xbox games go down price fast and why pay for get game pass for month at $20 you have the game the mp is free any way Just sp if its like geaars game on hardest setting beat it in 2.5 hrs short so Just wait day release get pass month beat sp thats it the mp you get free
Sadly only E B will be offering the finance options. That boggles my mind as that place is on their last breath. Surprised that Best Buy Canada was not the preferred retailer for the finance options.
I think the source also has financing available, I could be wrong though.
I see its mentioned to have your address updated online. Does this mean you can only pre-order online?
The logistics are still being worked out. Please keep an eye on this page for further updates leading up to September 22.
Is the 599$ and 379$ in CAD, because I thought it was 499$ USD and 299$ USD.
Hi Jaiden,
Yes these are the Canadian prices.
I’ll be getting a Series X on launch, but I’m glad they are releasing an option for TVs that don’t have 4K support. That way you aren’t paying for features you will not be using. With all the games available through Game Pass this holiday season is gonna be fun!
agree i wish they explained this better before pre order even gamers i know that had no clue they thought is was like ps5 same console Just pure digital no disk drive but same guts , so friend pre ordered it he was mad and cancelled it after realized it was not a digital only version but non 4k version . x box name alone is very bad look up how many people ordered a x box x thinking they got series x the great example is sales of x box x on pre order day went up 400% imagine all cancellations and returns but worse its sad kids or adults so happy got one to find out because x box named the systems near identical
Thought I should throw out a new comment since the article has now been updated with the pricing and release dates.
The Xbox Series S sounds like a great entry point for those who don’t necessarily need the most powerful system, but I don’t think it will work for those who want to upgrade from their current Xbox One systems. The lack of an optical drive is really a non-starter for me since I would lose the ability to play all of my physical discs if I also get rid of my Xbox One, and my Xbox is also my bluray/dvd player.
The pricing for the Xbox Series X is actually quite appealing. The $499.99 USD price would actually convert to over $650 CAD, so pricing the system at $599.99 CAD actually makes the system cheaper in Canada than it is in the US. It is still somewhat out of my budget at the moment, but I now have a target to aim for in saving for the new system.
November 10th is coming quickly, and you better get a jump on your pre-order as soon as they go live if you want to get your console at launch!
Enjoy gaming everyone!
100%! Well said Ian, I like to utilize my xBox as a bit of a media center as well as gaming system. Not sure how many others there are with this idea/intent.
I plan on doing the same thing with the PS5 if I manage to get my hands on it! How fast do you think both consoles will sellout?
so when will the preorder open in stores
september 22nd
In-store pre-ordering has not been confirmed yet. Stay tuned to this page for further updates.
Good to see cheaper options being offered from the start. I bet the XBox Series S will sell out almost immediately and be one of the most sought after gifts this. I wonder what Sony will do in response. Begun the Console Wars have.
sony: i’ts over xbox, i have the high ground !
I have always gone with Xbox because of the Halo franchise, and Halo Infinite looks like it will be fun to play when it comes out.
When it comes to power, honestly I couldn’t care less. I don’t care how powerful a system is, or how realistic the graphics can be. Usually I prefer cartoon-y graphics over realistic ones anyway, but I understand that power is important to a lot of people.
Just like PS5 the Xbox Series X will have a lot of great games for fans to enjoy.
Thanks for the info Jon, I’ll be keeping an eye out for more Xbox Series X news as we get closer to launch!
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