In this time of uncertainty with COVID-19, gamers are expecting more and more delays, not less. In fact, Cyberpunk 2077 recently confirmed that it would not be delayed again to quell fan fears. As such, Assassin's Creed Valhalla's latest move is a big surprise for fans of the franchise.
After some unfortunate leaks, Microsoft had to confirm the price and release date of the Xbox Series S. This budget, next-gen console packs a lot into a small box, with a price of $299 and a release date of November 10. Now, it has announced the Xbox Series X's price is the expected $499 and that it too will launch on November 10. Assassin's Creed Valhalla took the plunge shortly thereafter, announcing that it would be moving up its release date from November 17 to November 10 to correspond with the launch of the Xbox Series S/X.
While this is likely due to Microsoft's announcement (and prepared for ahead of time, most likely), it's worth mentioning that it's coming to all available platforms on November 10. This includes the aforementioned next-gen consoles, as well as PC, PS4, Stadia, and Xbox One, but it seems the PS5 is the only platform that Assassin's Creed Valhalla won't launch day-of for.
That's likely because the PS5 will be releasing after the fact. It's uncertain when Sony will make that announcement, but previously, insiders have suggested that the Xbox Series S/X would launch first, followed by PS5 roughly a week later. It remains to be seen if that is indeed true, but if Ubi is privy to the launch plans for the PS5, chances are it would have waited on this announcement until a specific date was yet.
This may just be a week change, but it's a week that fans don't have to worry about, and it pushes the game further away from several others releasing that very same week. For example, Call of Duty: Black Ops Cold War releases November 13 and Cyberpunk 2077 releases November 19. For those interested in CoD as well, that's at least a couple of days difference, and a 9 day difference between AC and Cyberpunk 2077 now.
Pre-orders for the Xbox Series S/X begin September 22, so while it has seemingly taken forever, it appears that next-gen is right around the corner. Assassin's Creed Valhalla seems ready to lead the charge, so it'll be interesting to see how November turns out.
Assassin's Creed Valhalla releases November 10 for PC, PS4, Stadia, Xbox One, and Xbox Series S/X. A PS5 version is also in development.