Time is inching closer and closer to the release of the next generation of consoles, the Xbox Series X/S and PlayStation 5, and both Microsoft and Sony have been taking advantage of hands-on previews to help further advertise them and encourage potential buyers to invest in them. One lucky NYC first responder even had the opportunity to try out an Xbox Series X for himself.
Usually, the launch of a new console would be accompanied by big launch parties all around the world but, with the coronavirus pandemic very much discouraging large public gatherings and already responsible for the cancellation of a number of events, any potential launch parties seem like an impossibility.
However, Microsoft at least are prepared to offer an alternative. Earlier today, the official Xbox Twitter account for Australia and New Zealand posted a short video clip shot at Lake Wakatipu, Queenstown and simply wrote that people tune in on November 9th, the day before the launch of the Xbox Series X and Xbox Series S.
While nothing's explicitly stated, it's safe to assume that Microsoft is holding a digital event to celebrate the console's launch. The aforementioned Twitter account even added, in response to comments, that anyone can tune in from anywhere in the world and it will be completely virtual.
It's unlikely that this will be the only event, though. Earlier this month, Xbox Mexico put out a similar announcement for a special Xbox Series X celebration, so we can probably expect more of these launch events to take place in other regions. At the time of writing, no events for the United States or the United Kingdom have been announced.
As for what can be expected at these digital events, it's unlikely to expect any new game announcements or updates, so don't go in expecting something massive like a new Halo Infinite release date. Launch events are usually places for people to gather and bond over mutual excitement over whatever is being launched, so we're more likely to hear further reiteration of the new console's key features.
The new Xbox has certainly been winning people over thanks to Microsoft's Game Pass subscription offering a massive library of games at an affordable price, the Smart Delivery feature that offers free next gen upgrades of Xbox One games, and a Quick Resume feature that allows players to jump in and out of games almost instantaneously without fear of losing progress.
One disappointing thing, though, is that some pre-orders, which were already difficult to get on their own, may not even arrive in time for the console's launch date and some retailers are having to cancel Xbox Series X pre-orders due to not being able to meet demand.
Sony hasn't announced any similar launch events for the PS5 yet, though fans have learned a few more vital pieces of info about the console as of late, such as a proper glance at its UI and its various new features.
The Xbox Series X/S will launch on November 10th.
Source: IGN