Xbox Series X|S
Microsoft's fourth-generation Xbox console family, launched in 2020 as a two-tier lineup: the high-performance Series X and the affordable all-digital Series S.
Last updated October 14, 2026
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Overview
Xbox Series X|S is the fourth generation of Microsoft's Xbox video game console family, launched in November 2020. The lineup consists of two distinct models sold under a single brand umbrella: the Xbox Series X, a high-performance flagship console aimed at 4K gaming with a disc drive, and the Xbox Series S, a smaller, cheaper, all-digital console targeting 1440p gaming. Both consoles share the same architecture, CPU, and custom solid-state drive technology, allowing developers to target a common platform while offering consumers a choice between premium and budget entry points. The brand is owned and marketed by Microsoft Corporation through its Xbox division, headquartered in Redmond, Washington. The Series X|S succeeded the Xbox One family and competes directly with Sony's PlayStation 5 and, to a lesser extent, Nintendo's Switch. Microsoft positioned the Series S as the most affordable next-generation console on the market, while the Series X was positioned as the most powerful console of its generation at launch. Key brand features include backward compatibility with thousands of games from previous Xbox generations, the Xbox Game Pass subscription service, Smart Delivery (which automatically delivers the best version of a game for the user's console), and Quick Resume, which allows players to switch between multiple suspended games. The brand is closely tied to Microsoft's broader gaming ecosystem, including Xbox Game Pass Ultimate, cloud gaming, and PC gaming through the Xbox app on Windows. Since launch, the Xbox Series X|S has been sold worldwide, with particularly strong performance in North America and the United Kingdom. Microsoft has not disclosed exact unit sales figures for the consoles since 2015, instead focusing on engagement metrics such as Game Pass subscribers and monthly active users. The brand remains a central pillar of Microsoft's gaming strategy, alongside Xbox Game Studios, ZeniMax Media, and Activision Blizzard, which Microsoft acquired in 2023.
History
The Xbox Series X|S was first announced at The Game Awards in December 2019 under the codename "Project Scarlett." Microsoft officially unveiled the name and design of the Xbox Series X at The Game Awards 2019, and later revealed the Xbox Series S in September 2020. Both consoles launched on November 10, 2020, in select markets, with a global rollout in the following weeks. The development of the Series X|S was led by Microsoft's Xbox division under the leadership of Phil Spencer, who had been advocating for a more powerful and developer-friendly console after the mixed reception of the Xbox One. The team focused on backward compatibility, cross-generation play, and a unified development environment across console and PC. At launch, the Xbox Series X was priced at $499 and the Series S at $299. The Series S was positioned as the most affordable entry point into next-generation gaming, while the Series X targeted enthusiasts who wanted the best performance. Both consoles were critically acclaimed for their fast load times, Quick Resume feature, and quiet operation. In 2022, Microsoft expanded the brand with the Xbox Series S in a new carbon black color with double the storage, and later introduced a 1TB version of the Series S. In 2023, Microsoft acquired Activision Blizzard, significantly expanding its first-party game portfolio and strengthening the Xbox brand's content offerings. Throughout its lifecycle, the Xbox Series X|S has been supported by Microsoft's Game Pass subscription service, which offers hundreds of games for a monthly fee. The brand has also been integrated with Microsoft's cloud gaming efforts, allowing players to stream games to various devices. Despite strong critical reception, the consoles have trailed Sony's PlayStation 5 in global sales, though Microsoft has emphasized engagement and subscription growth over raw hardware sales.
- 2023
Microsoft acquired Activision Blizzard, expanding Xbox first-party content.
- 2022
Carbon Black Xbox Series S with 1TB storage released.
- 2020
Xbox Series X and Series S launched on November 10.
- 2019
Announced as Project Scarlett at The Game Awards.
Products and positioning
Premium and affordable next-generation gaming consoles with backward compatibility and subscription services.
Xbox Series X
Flagship console with 4K gaming, disc drive, 1TB SSD.
Xbox Series S
All-digital budget console targeting 1440p, 512GB or 1TB SSD.
Recent events
The Binding of Isaac: Repentance+ Online launches November 19 for Switch 2, PS5, and Xbox Series[3]
Reported:
Publisher Nicalis announced that The Binding of Isaac: Repentance+ Online will launch for Nintendo Switch 2, PlayStation 5, and Xbox Series X|S on November 19, with a physical version available on Switch 2.
Remothered: Red Nun's Legacy launches October 27[4]
Reported:
Stormind Games announced that Remothered: Red Nun's Legacy will launch for Nintendo Switch 2, PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X|S, and PC via Steam, Epic Games Store, and GOG on October 27.
The Alighieri Circle: Dante's Bloodline launches September 10[5]
Reported:
Developer ONE-O-ONE Games announced that The Alighieri Circle: Dante's Bloodline will launch for PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X|S, and PC via Steam, Epic Games Store, and GOG on September 10 for $19.99 / £19.50, with a Nintendo Switch 2 release later in 2026.
Honeycomb: The World Beyond launches September 6[6]
Reported:
Publisher Snail and developer Frozen Way Studio announced that the survival-sandbox game Honeycomb: The World Beyond will launch for PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X|S, and PC via Steam and Epic Games Store on September 6.
- Unconfirmed
Zero Hour announced for PS5 and Xbox Series X|S[7]
Reported:
Developer AttritoM7 Productions announced that the tactical first-person shooter Zero Hour will launch for PlayStation 5 and Xbox Series X|S this fall. The game is currently available for PC via Steam and Epic Games Store.
Mafia: The Omerta Collection launches for PS5, Xbox Series X|S and PC[8]
Publisher 2K Games and developer Hangar 13 released Mafia: The Omerta Collection, a bundle of four Mafia series games, for PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X|S and PC (Steam). The collection includes Mafia: The Old Country Definitive Edition, Mafia: Definitive Edition, Mafia II: Definitive Edition and Mafia III: Definitive Edition.
Kingdom Hearts IV announced for late 2027 release on Switch 2, PS5, Xbox Series, and PC[9]
Reported:
Square announced that Kingdom Hearts IV will launch for the Nintendo Switch 2, PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X|S, and PC via Steam, Epic Games Store, and Xbox on PC in late 2027, with a new trailer revealing a world based on Disney and Pixar's Coco.
2XKO launches January 20, 2026 for PS5, Xbox Series, and PC[10]
Reported:
Riot Games announced that the free-to-play fighting game 2XKO will leave Early Access and launch for PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X|S, and PC on January 20, 2026. The game first released in Early Access for PC in October 2025.
Microsoft announces planned Xbox Cloud Gaming availability on Xbox consoles[11]
Reported:
Microsoft announced that it plans to bring its Xbox Cloud Gaming service to Xbox Series X, Xbox Series S and Xbox One consoles in the second half of 2021, with another passage specifying the holiday shopping season. The service is intended to let players play games without installing them.
Xbox Series X release timing announced and corrected[12]
Reported:
Microsoft announced a Thanksgiving 2020 release date for Xbox Series X, but a later update said the date was a mistake and that the console was still coming in Holiday 2020.
Showing the 10 most recent.
Sources16 sources
- 1Xbox Official Sitexbox.com
- 2Xbox Series X and Series S - Wikipediaen.wikipedia.org
- 3《以撒的结合：忏悔+》在线版将于11月19日登陆Switch 2、PS5和Xbox Seriesvgchartz.com
- 4《Remothered: Red Nun's Legacy》将于10月27日发售vgchartz.com
- 5The Alighieri Circle: Dante's Bloodline launches September 10vgchartz.com
- 6《Honeycomb: The World Beyond》9月6日发售vgchartz.com
- 7《Zero Hour》宣布登陆PS5和Xbox Series X|Svgchartz.com
- 8《黑手党：缄默法则合集》登陆PS5、Xbox Series X|S和PCmoneycontrol.com
- 9《王国之心IV》宣布将于2027年末登陆Switch 2、PS5、Xbox Series和PCvgchartz.com
- 102XKO于2026年1月20日登陆PS5、Xbox Series和PCvgchartz.com
- 11微软宣布Xbox主机将推出Xbox Cloud Gamingnews.cnyes.com
- 12Xbox Series X 发售时间公布后更正tweaktown.com
- 13微软公布Xbox Series X硬件信息tech.sina.com.cn
- 14Xbox Series X Announces Price, Release Date, Specificationsibtimes.com
- 15Xbox Series X Launches Nov. 10 for $499, Pre-Orders Open Sept. 22pcmag.com
- 16Xbox Series X Launches on November 10th for $499, Microsoft Announces; Series X/S Pre-Orders Kick off on September 22ndwccftech.com
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