It’s almost unbelievable to think that it’s only been a year since the infamous stealth reveal of the Series X at last year’s Game Awards. This has truly been one of the most unique and tension filled lead ups to a Next Generation launch, but here we are. The XBOX Series X|S both launch globally tomorrow and the excitement could not be more palpable. Most people that were lucky enough to secure their hardware during the initial pre-orders are likely set with their choice of games, peripherals, etc., but for those hoping to secure a stray unit or two tomorrow I have a bit of a checklist that will hopefully ease you through the process. Let’s go:
HOW/WHERE to SECURE a CONSOLE
With retailers no longer offering units to walk-ins, potential buyers must face the online trenches once again. Here are the major retailers confirmed to be selling units online tomorrow and when they will start selling them:
- Wal-Mart: 12PM EST / 9AM PDT
- GameStop: No Specific time frame. Check ASAP.
- Best Buy: No Specific time frame given
- Target: Online + Contactless Drive in or Order Pickup
- Microsoft Store: 1AM (Time zone not disclosed, but is usually PMT)
- Amazon: No specific time frame. Check ASAP.
- Newegg: No specific time frame. Check ASAP.
- Sam’s Club: No specific time frame. Check ASAP.
ACCESSORIES
Whether you need a few extra controllers for your friends and/or siblings, want a fancy new media remote, or just really need a charging stand; Here are some of the best picks for launch day:
- Shock Blue Wireless Controller: $64.99 MSRP
- Robot White Wireless Controller: $64.99 MSRP
- Elite Series 2 Controller: $179.99 MSRP (Currently $165.05)
- Rechargeable Battery + USB-C Cable: $24.99 MSRP
- PDP Media Remote (Goes in & Out of Stock Often): $19.99 MSRP
- Steel Series Arctis 1 Wireless Headset: $99.99 MSRP
- Xbox Adaptive Controller: $99.99 MSRP
- Carbon Black Universal Charging Stand: $34.99 MSRP
- Seagate 1TB Storage Expansion NVMe SSD: $219.99 MSRP
*Do keep in mind that Microsoft has confirmed legacy support for the full suite of Xbox One accessories with the exception of the Kinect. All your existing peripherals will come with you into the Next Generation!
GAMES
This is why you’re even getting a shiny new console, right? You want to experience not only new games but all the ones you might have missed with the best fidelity and performance features possible. Here are some standout titles that pique your interest on D-Day (Click the Box for the direct link!):
Now here’s a table of more 1st & third party titles that are coming and will be available and Enhanced:
| Game Title | Resolution | Framerate | Cross-Generation Play | Xbox Series X Upgrade |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Apex Legends | 2K | 60fps | Yes* | Yes |
| Assassin’s Creed Valhalla | 4K | 60fps | Yes* | Yes* |
| Borderlands 3 | 4K | 60fps | Yes* | Yes* |
| Bright Memory 1.0 | TBA | TBA | Yes | Yes |
| Cuisine Royale | TBA | TBA | Yes* | Yes* |
| Dead by Daylight | 4K | 60fps | Yes* | Yes* |
| Devil May Cry 5: Special Edition | 4K (with options for Ray Tracing on/off) | up to 120fps (Ray Tracing disabled), 30fps (Ray Tracing enabled) | No | Post Launch |
| Destiny 2: Beyond Light | 4K | 60fps | Yes* | Yes* |
| DiRT 5 | 4K (in Fidelity mode) | up to 120fps (in Performance mode) | Yes* | Yes* |
| Enlisted | 4K | 60fps | TBA | TBA |
| Evergate | 4K | 60fps | TBA | TBA |
| Fortnite | TBA | TBA | Yes, cross-play and cross-generation play with cross-progression | Yes |
| Forza Horizon 4 | 4K | 60fps | Yes* | Yes* |
| Gears 5 | 4K | 60fps | Yes* | Yes* |
| Gears Tactics | 4K | 60fps | Yes* | Yes* |
| Grounded | 4K | 60fps | Yes* | Yes* |
| Just Dance 2021 | TBA | TBA | TBA | TBA |
| King Oddball | 4K | 60-120fps | Yes* | Yes* |
| Maneater | 4K | 60fps | Yes* | Yes* |
| Manifold Garden | 4K | 60fps | Yes* | Yes* |
| Mortal Kombat 11 Ultimate | 4K (Dynamic) | TBA | Yes*, for specific modes | Yes* |
| NBA 2K21 | TBA | TBA | No | Yes, for owners of the Mamba Forever Edition |
| No Man’s Sky | 4K | 60fps | Yes | Yes |
| Observer: System Redux | 4K | TBA | TBA | N/A |
| Ori and the Will of the Wisps | 4K | 60-120fps | Yes* | Yes* |
| Planet Coaster: Console Edition | 4K | TBA | Yes* | Yes* |
| Rogue Company | 4K | 120fps | Yes* | Yes* |
| Sea of Thieves | TBA | TBA | Yes* | Yes* |
| Tetris Effect: Connected | 4K | 60fps | Yes* | Yes* |
| The Touryst | 4K | 60fps | Yes* | Yes* |
| The Falconeer | 4K | 120fps | Yes* | Yes* |
| The Sims 4 | N/A | N/A | Yes | Yes |
| Star Wars: Squadrons | 4K | 120fps | Yes* | Yes* |
| War Thunder | TBA | TBA | Yes* | Yes* |
| Warhammer: Chaosbane Slayer Edition | 4K | 60fps | N/A | No |
| Watch Dogs Legion | 4K | 30fps | Yes* | Yes* |
| WRC 9 FIA World Rally Championship | TBA | TBA | Yes* | Yes* |
| Yakuza: Like a Dragon | 1440p native, 4K in Resolution mode | 60fps native, 30fps in Resolution mode | Yes* | Yes* |
| Yes, Your Grace | TBA | TBA | Yes* | Yes* |
This is just a small smattering of high profile pickups, but it’s time to address the real Elephant in the Room:
GAMEPASS
I have experienced first hand the exponential growth and value that Microsoft’s titular service has become in less than half the time of the competition. Dollar for dollar, GamePass is an exceptional value for gamers of all kinds. Whether you are playing primarily on console, PC, or a mix of both, GamePass has an extremely solid collection for you to browse and experience whenever, and now, wherever you are. Here are the key points of value that GamePass will offer you:
- Includes Xbox Live Gold
- Exclusive Member Discounts
- Day 1 Access for all 1st Party Titles
- Includes EA Play starting Nov. 10th, Launch Day
- Play on PC, Console, and/or Android Mobile via xCloud (iOS service provided via Remote Play)
- Free Perks ranging from in-game content, premium access to services such as Spotify (Disney + 30 day access was recently added. Just in time for the new season of The Mandalorian!)
What’s more, the service isn’t that much more expensive than traditional Xbox Live Gold services. In fact, for the amount of full games you have access to at any given time you will save far more than you will pay for the entirety of your time subscribing to the service. Peep the payment plans below (Click for the official page):
ALL ACCESS
I don’t Microsoft and the Media have spoken about this super consumer friendly service enough. This is especially true considering the very real nature of our Economic climate. At 0% APR and NO upfront cost, you can have a Series X, S, or even Xbox One S delivered to your home with a VERY reasonable monthly payment plan.
CLICK HERE for ALL ACCESS DETAILS
Console launches are always fun and exciting. The Series X & S are no different. It feels like the lead up to this moment has been even more grueling and strenuous due to the peculiarities and challenges brought upon by the current state of the world. I can’t wait to receive my own Series X and ring in this brand new generation of gaming in style! Good luck and have fun!