Microsoft
Microsoft's Wednesday announcement dropped the release date for its next-generation Xbox console, with a separate announcement revealing a "slimmed down" version of the console for roughly half the price. The Xbox Series X, the flagship console for the upcoming generation at Microsoft, is priced at $499, while the newly revealed Xbox Series S is priced at $299.
The Xbox Series S is a "slimmer" unit lacking several features found on the full Series X to compensate for its lower price. According to a comparison on Microsoft's announcement, the Series S has downgraded hardware, such as a smaller CPU and GPU. The Series S will also come with less storage and will lack a Blu-Ray drive, requiring all games to be digitally purchased. Microsoft has stated that the Series S will still perform far better than the Xbox One, but at a lower resolution than the Series X.
To sweeten the deal, Microsoft also released a third announcement that unveiled a partnership with publishing giant Electronic Arts
Following Microsoft's lead, Sony announced that the PlayStation 5 will cost $499.99 and launch on November 12. Sony is also offer a $399.99 Digital Edition of its console, pulling the two rival consoles into a new consumer choice battle.
- https://news.xbox.com/en-us/2020/09/09/xbox-series-x-and-xbox-series-s-launching-november-10/
- https://news.xbox.com/en-us/2020/09/09/introducing-xbox-series-s/
- https://news.xbox.com/en-us/2020/09/09/get-ea-play-with-xbox-game-pass-at-no-additional-cost/
- https://www.pws.io/microsoft-bundles-xcloud-with-xbox-game-pass-for-next-gen-launch