Welcome Home Series X|S

We’re finally here. Both the XBOX Series X and S are out in the wild, being delivered to those lucky enough to pre-order and being crammed into eager consumer’s digital carts. It’s been when helluva’ year, but let’s bask in this moment of happiness for as long as we can (This is a BIG week for gaming!). To really kick things off, Microsoft is holding a launch day event that will be streamed live.

There will be announcements, guest speakers, a wealth of gameplay footage, and maybe even some surprises! Here are a few words from Phil Spencer:

“Think of our livestream celebration as a companion to your gaming plans for the day.  We’ll host “Let’s Play” segments with the creators, showcase special launch highlights from around the globe and harness the power of gaming to raise vital funds for great causes. This will be a moment of play, not press releases, as next generation consoles begin to land in the hands of players around the world. Instead of big announcements, we will mark the beginning of a new era by gaming alongside one another. We will take this moment to have some fun and look forward to having you join us.”

The show will be streaming TODAY starting at 11:00 am PST/2:00 pm EST.

It’s an awesome time to be invested in the gaming industry and you’d be kidding yourself if you think the massive strides that were made to recover from 2013 haven’t impacted the Xbox brand AND the industry as a whole. That’s neither here nor there now. It’s time to enjoy the present and be excited for the future! 

Time to Fight the Bots again

The official playstation blog has confirmed that there will be NO PS5 units available for in-store purchases at the time of the console’s launch on November 12th. This flies in the face of outlets like Gamestop, Target, Best Buy, etc. that were telling consumers that they would have said units in stock for walk-ins. Presumably this was a very difficult decision made primarily in response to the current pandemic. It’s amicable of Sony to make this decision for its fanbase, but I’m sure there are many that are disappointed since this would have been there last chance to score a unit at launch.

Those who have already pre-ordered their units can still follow safety protocols and pick their consoles up the day of at least. Health and safety is more important however, and having to wait a month or two for a $500 plastic box won’t be the end of the world.

Next-Gen is Upon Us. Are You ready?

We are merely days away from the highly anticipated launch of the Xbox Series X|S and just 10 for the titular Playstation 5. New consoles also mean new games and there is a mountain’s worth of new content coming to sink your teeth into. Let’s start breaking down some of the standout games (-and even electronics!) coming in November: 

Nov 6th.

Bakugan: Champions of Vestroia :Nintendo Switch

Dirt 5: XBOX(Smart Delivery Upgrade on Nov. 10th for Series X|S), PS4(Upgrade available for PS5 at launch)

Need for Speed Hot Pursuit Remastered: XBOX, PS4, Steam (Nov. 13th for Nintendo Switch)

 

Nov 10th. 

(XBOX Series X|S Launch Day)

Assassin’s Creed Valhalla: XBOX, PS4, Epic Game Store ( Series X and PS5 receive free upgrades. Gold & Ultimate Editions also available) 

The Falconeer: XBOX Series X|S, Steam

Bright Memory: XBOX Series X|S (Digital Only)

Gears Tactics: XBOX Series X|S

Yakuza – Like a Dragon: XBOX, Series X|S, PS4

Tetris Effect – Connected: XBOX Series X|S  (Digital Only)

Observer – System Redux: XBOX Series X|S, Win 10 (Also coming to PS5 on the 12th.) 

Destiny 2 – Beyond Light: XBOX Series X|S, Steam, PS4 (Xbox One & PS4 owners receive performance upgrade when moving to Series X|S or PS5)

XIII Remake: XBOX Series X|S, PS4, Nintendo Switch (Limited Edition also available.)

Sakuna of Rice and Ruin: Nintendo Switch, PS4, Steam 

Fuser: XBOX, PS4, PC, Nintendo Switch

 

Nov. 12th 

(PS5 Launch Day)

Marvel’s SpiderMan – Miles Morales: PS4, PS5, Ultimate Edition (PS5 Only)

Demon’s Souls Remastered: PS5

Sackboy – A Big Adventure: PS5, PS4, Special Edition (PS4 Only)

The Pathless: PS4, PS5 (Comes with PS4 Version), Epic Games Store, Apple Arcade

BugSnax: PS4, PS5, Epic Games Store (15% off)

Godfall: PS5, Ascended Edition (PS5), Epic Games Store

 

Nov. 13th

Call of Duty Black Ops – Cold War: XBOX1, Series X|S, PS4, PS5, PC

Game & Watch Super Mario Bros. Handheld

Apple iPhone 12

 

Nov. 17th

Mortal Kombat 11 – Ultimate: Xbox Series X|S, PS4, PS5

 

Nov. 19th

Monster Truck Championship: XBOX, PS4, Nintendo Switch 

 

Nov. 20th

Katamari Damacy Reroll: XBOX, PS4, Nintendo Switch

Hyrule Warriors – Age of Calamity: Nintendo Switch 

 

Nov. 24th

Just Dance 2021: XBOX, PS4, PS5, Nintendo Switch

Pokemon Sword & Shield – The Crown Tundra DLC: Nintendo Switch 

There are even MORE games than this coming, but these are the standouts and what are sure to be the big hitters. How about you? Anything you’re super excited for that isn’t on the list? Let me know in the comments! 

 

 

Your Move, Sony

 Microsoft and Sony have been engaged in what is irrefutably the longest game of chicken the gaming industry has ever seen. Neither side has been willing to play their hand and announce pricing and launch date(s) first. That is, until last night. Tech enthusiast Brad Sams fundamentally broke the internet by unveiling not only the physical design of the Xbox Series S, but its price point as well. Shortly after, Windows Central Gaming confirmed via Twitter not only the information for the Series S, the Series X as well!

Series S: $299.99

Series X: $499.99

Both launching November 10th, 2020. Continue reading “Your Move, Sony”