In just a few days from now, Microsoft is releasing the Xbox Series X and S, the company's consoles that will transition Xbox fans to the next generation of gaming. Like its rival, the PS5, the Xbox Series X will feature the latest technology in console gaming. While the Xbox Series S won't have everything the Series X has, it is still a viable and affordable option to play next-generation Xbox games.
Now, for those players who are interested to know everything that Microsoft has planned for the Xbox Series X and Series S. This list includes all the known launch plans for the console, including where to get them, the library of games that will be available at launch, and other things that Microsoft has in store in preparation for the console's release.
Plans of Major Retailers for the Xbox Series X/S Launch
Like Sony's PS5, the Xbox Series X and S are currently sold out in most major retailers. Of course, the extremely high demand for the console and the slightly compromised production due to the coronavirus pandemic has affected the stocks available at launch. However, for those lucky players who were able to secure a pre-order or for those hoping to get one on the day itself, here is some helpful info that should ensure a problem-free purchase of the Xbox Series X or S on launch day.
Amazon - Unfortunately, it doesn't appear that Amazon will be able to accommodate those who want to purchase the Xbox Series X/S on launch day without a pre-order. However, for those who were able to secure a pre-order for either console, Amazon's page should be updated to indicate a delivery day of November 10th. At the moment, it is still unclear whether everyone who was able to pre-order will get the console on launch day, so it is best to check their orders at Amazon to see if a delivery date has been set.
Best Buy - Similar to Amazon, it appears that Best Buy won't have stocks of the Xbox Series X and S on launch day for those players who were not able to secure a pre-order. However, for those who were able to, it is important for players to remember to schedule an appointment with Best Buy for them to pick up their console. According to Best Buy, the retailer has sent out emails to all those who were able to pre-order, so players should check their inbox if they haven't done so. Additionally, the retailer confirmed that scheduling an appointment is not mandatory, but it is recommended to ensure the smoothest possible experience.
Walmart - Now, those who could not pre-order the Xbox Series X or S would be happy to know that Walmart will have stocks of both consoles on launch day. However, the retailer confirmed that those who do not have a pre-order would only be able to purchase either the Xbox Series X or S online. Moreover, due to the limited stocks, Walmart will only allot a specific time for players to make their purchase, at 12 PM EST on November 10. Of course, players should expect that the consoles will run out quickly, so it's best to come prepared.
Target - Luckily for Xbox fans, it appears that Target will also offer stocks of the Xbox Series X and S on launch day. However, similar to Walmart, players must head to Target's website and place an Order Pickup or Drive Up order online. Unfortunately, Target did not reveal a specific time on when it will start to accept online orders. However, it appears that players won't be able to shop up at Target and purchase the console, so it's best to be on the lookout and be vigilant when Target opens orders for the console online.
GameStop - Similar to most retailers, the Xbox Series X and S are also sold out at GameStop. At the moment, the store hasn't indicated whether or not it will have stocks of the new Xbox consoles at launch, so players must check its website regularly for updates. However, GameStop revealed that it would be accepting trade-ins of older Xbox consoles in exchange for a store credit that players can use to slash off the price for the Xbox Series X or S.
Where Else To Get Xbox Series X/S?
For those who are not in a hurry to get the Xbox Series X and S at the launch date, several retailers have also confirmed to have stocks of the consoles on Black Friday. In Best Buy's latest Black Friday ad, the retailer revealed that it would offer a limited stock of the Xbox Series X and Series S. However, it appears that Best Buy's Black Friday offer for both systems will only be limited online. For those who won't be able to get it on Black Friday, Best Buy reassured players that players could purchase them online as soon as stocks become available, but those looking to get them in-store would have to wait until next year.
As for other retailers, it is possible that they too would have stocks of the Xbox Series X and S on Black Friday, so players have to keep an eye out for any announcements. However, it is unlikely that the next-generation consoles would be available anytime soon, so for now, it appears that the internet is the best place to look for stocks of Microsoft's next-generation consoles.
Xbox Series X/S Launch Games
Now for those wondering which games to play on the Xbox Series X and S, here are all the confirmed games that will be available to the next-gen Microsoft consoles at launch. This list includes games made specifically for next-gen consoles and current-gen titles optimized for the Xbox Series X and S.
- Assassin's Creed Valhalla
- Fortnite
- Cuisine Royale
- NBA 2K21
- Dirt 5
- Borderlands 3
- Mortal Kombat 11
- Bright Memory
- Evergate
- Tetris Effect: Connected
- Manifold Garden
- Observer: System Redux
- The Falconeer
- Yes, Your Grace
- Watch Dogs Legion
- Yakuza: Like a Dragon
- No Man's Sky
- Dead by Daylight
- Call of Duty Black Ops: Cold War
Microsoft's Xbox Series X/S Celebration Event
Lastly, Microsoft is holding a special event to celebrate the release of the Xbox Series X and S on launch date at 11 AM PT / 2 PM ET. The event will be shown on the official Xbox YouTube, Twitch, and Facebook Gaming channels. The celebration will include Xbox Lets Play streams, charity drives, and some launch highlights. However, Microsoft made it clear that there won't be any new game announcements and Xbox's Phil Spencer said that "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."
The Xbox Series X and Series S are scheduled to release on November 10, 2020