Editing Xbox Series X and Series S

{{short description|Home video game consoles developed by Microsoft}}
{{redirect2|Series X|Series S|other uses|X series (disambiguation)|and|S series (disambiguation)}}
{{redirect|Xbox Series|the series of video game consoles|Xbox}}
{{hatnote|"Xbox X" and "Xbox S" redirect here. Not to be confused with [[Xbox One X]], [[Xbox One S]], or [[Xbox 360 S]].}}
{{use American English|date=December 2019}}
{{use mdy dates|date=September 2020}}
{{Infobox information appliance
| name = {{Unbulleted list
| Xbox Series X/S
}}
| aka = {{Unbulleted list
| Project Scarlett
| Project Anaconda
| Project Lockhart (codenames)
}}
| logo = Xbox Series X S color.svg
| logo_size = 
| logo_upright = 
| image = <div style="white-space:nowrap">[[File:Xbox Series X 2.jpg|111px|frameless]][[File:Xbox Series S with controller.jpg|130px|frameless]]</div>
| caption = Left: Xbox Series X with controller <br /> Right: Xbox Series S with controller
| developer = [[Microsoft Gaming]]
| manufacturer = [[Flextronics|Flex]], [[Foxconn]]
| family = [[Xbox]]
| type = [[Home video game console]]s
| generation = [[Ninth generation of video game consoles|Ninth]]
| release date = {{Video game release|WW|{{Start date and age|November 10, 2020}}|CHN|June 10, 2021}}
| lifespan = 2020–present
| price = {{Unbulleted list
 | '''Series X / Series S:'''
 | {{USD|499|link=yes}} / {{USD|299|link=yes}}
 | {{GBP|449|link=yes}} / {{GBP|249|link=yes}}
 | {{Euro|499|link=yes}} / {{Euro|299|link=yes}}
 | {{AUD|749|link=yes}} / {{AUD|499|link=yes}}
 | {{CAD|599|link=yes}} / {{CAD|379|link=yes}}
 | {{JPY|49,980|link=yes}} / {{JPY|29,980|link=yes}}
 | {{INR|50,000|link=yes}} / {{INR|30,000|link=yes}}
 | Rls 25,000,000 / Rls 28,000,000
 }}
| discontinued = <!-- So that it is already known, do NOT use VGChartz as a source of information for sales and shipments of this console, only use sources that have information directly from Microsoft. -->
| units sold = 21+ million (as of July 2023)<ref name="Sales Jul 2023">{{cite web|url=https://gamingbolt.com/xbox-series-x-s-has-sold-21-million-units-xbox-one-at-58-million-as-per-microsoft-brazil-presentation|title=Xbox Series X/S Has Sold 21 Million Units, Xbox One at 58 Million, as Per Microsoft Brazil Presentation|publisher=Gaming Bolt|access-date=July 1, 2023|url-status=live|archive-date=June 30, 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230630182859/https://gamingbolt.com/xbox-series-x-s-has-sold-21-million-units-xbox-one-at-58-million-as-per-microsoft-brazil-presentation}}</ref>
| units shipped = 
| media = {{Unbulleted list
 | '''Series X:''' [[Ultra HD Blu-ray]], [[Blu-ray]], [[DVD]], [[Compact Disc|CD]], [[Digital distribution]]
 | '''Series S:''' [[Digital distribution]]
 }}
| os = [[Xbox system software#Xbox One and Xbox Series X/S software|Xbox system software]]
| power = Built-in power supply (both consoles)
| system-on-chip = 
| cpu = {{Unbulleted list
 | Custom [[AMD]] 8-core [[Zen 2]]
 | '''Series X: '''3.8 [[Hertz|GHz]], 3.6 GHz with [[Simultaneous multithreading|SMT]]
 | '''Series S: '''3.6 GHz, 3.4 GHz with SMT
 }}
| storage = {{Unbulleted list
 | [[Western Digital|WD]] SN530 [[NVM Express|NVMe]] [[Solid-state drive|SSD]] w/ custom ASIC supporting [[PCIe 4.0]] x2
 | '''Series X:''' 1 TB
 | '''Series S:''' 512 GB (Robot White) / 1 TB (Carbon Black)
 }}
| memory = {{Unbulleted list
 | [[GDDR6 SDRAM]]
 | '''Series X:''' 10&nbsp;GB/320-bit & 6&nbsp;GB/192-bit (16&nbsp;GB total)
 | '''Series S:''' 8&nbsp;GB/128-bit & 2&nbsp;GB/32-bit (10&nbsp;GB total)
 }}
| display = {{Unbulleted list
 | '''All models:''' [[720p]], [[1080p]], [[1440p]], [[4K resolution|4K]]
 | '''Series X:''' [[8K resolution|8K]]
 }}
| graphics = {{Unbulleted list
 | Custom [[AMD Radeon]] [[RDNA 2]] architecture
 | '''Series X:''' 52 CUs @ 1.825 [[Hertz|GHz]], 12.16 TFLOPS
 | '''Series S:''' 20 CUs @ 1.565 GHz, 4.01 TFLOPS
 }}
| sound = {{Unbulleted list
 | Custom Project Acoustics 3-D Audio
 | [[Dolby Atmos]]
 | [[DTS (sound system)#DTS:X|DTS:X]]
 | [[7.1 surround sound]]
 }}
| controllers = {{Unbulleted list
 | [[Xbox Wireless Controller]] (all revisions)
 | All previously released Xbox One-compatible controllers and accessories (except [[Kinect]])<ref name="No Kinect" />
 }}
| camera = 
| touchpad = 
| connectivity = {{Unbulleted list
 | [[Wi-Fi]] [[IEEE 802.11ac]]
 | [[Gigabit Ethernet]]
 | 3x [[USB 3.2]] Gen 1x1
 | [[HDMI 2.1]]
 }}
| currentfw = 10.0.25398.2923<ref>{{cite web|url=https://support.xbox.com/en-GB/help/hardware-network/settings-updates/whats-new-xbox-one-system-updates|title=What's new: Xbox system updates|publisher=[[Microsoft]]|access-date=December 25, 2020|archive-date=January 16, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210116044745/https://support.xbox.com/en-GB/help/hardware-network/settings-updates/whats-new-xbox-one-system-updates|url-status=live}}</ref>
| online service = [[Xbox network]], [[Xbox Game Pass]]
| dimensions = {{ubl|'''Series X:''' {{convert|15.1|x|15.1|x|30.1|cm|in|abbr=on}}|'''Series S:''' {{convert|15.1|x|6.5|x|27.5|cm|in|abbr=on|sigfig=2}}}}
| weight = {{Unbulleted list
 | '''Series X:''' {{convert|9.8|lb|kg}}
 | '''Series S:''' {{convert|4.25|lb|kg}}
 }}
| compatibility = [[List of backward-compatible games for Xbox One and Series X/S|All Xbox One games and select Xbox 360 and original Xbox games]]{{efn|Excluding [[Kinect]]-required games<ref name="No Kinect" />}}
| predecessor = [[Xbox One]]
| successor = 
| topgame = 
| related = 
| website = {{url|https://www.xbox.com/consoles|xbox.com}}
| memory card = [[Seagate Technology|Seagate]] or [[Western Digital]] PCIe 4.0 Storage Expansion Card (up to 2&nbsp;TB)
}}

The '''Xbox Series X''' and '''Xbox Series S''' are the fourth generation of [[home video game console|consoles]] in the [[Xbox#Consoles|Xbox series]]. Released on November 10, 2020, the higher-end Xbox Series X and lower-end Xbox Series S are part of the [[ninth generation of video game consoles]], which also includes [[Sony Interactive Entertainment|Sony]]'s [[PlayStation 5]], released the same month.<ref>{{Cite web|last=Rogers|first=Carter|title=Playstation 5, Xbox Series X Bring Sony-Microsoft Rivalry To A New Generation|url=https://www.npr.org/2020/11/12/933951775/playstation-5-xbox-series-x-bring-sony-microsoft-rivalry-to-a-new-generation|access-date=2020-11-13|website=NPR.org|language=en|archive-date=November 13, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201113014820/https://www.npr.org/2020/11/12/933951775/playstation-5-xbox-series-x-bring-sony-microsoft-rivalry-to-a-new-generation|url-status=live}}</ref> Both superseded the [[Xbox One]].

In early 2019, rumors emerged of a fourth generation of Xbox consoles (codenamed "Scarlett") that consisted of a high-end model ("Anaconda") and a lower-end model ("Lockhart"). Microsoft teased Anaconda in June 2019 during [[E3 2019]] and unveiled it as the Xbox Series X during [[The Game Awards 2019|The Game Awards]] in December. On September 8, 2020, Microsoft unveiled the Xbox Series S. A slimmed version of the Xbox Series X has been leaked which lacks a disk drive and is rumored to release in November 2024.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Vjestica |first=Adam |title=Xbox Series X Slim: release date, price, rumors and features |url=https://www.theshortcut.com/p/xbox-series-x-slim-release-date |access-date=2023-10-21 |website=www.theshortcut.com |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last=Thompson |first=Michael |date=2023-09-26 |title=Consider the Next Xbox Series X a 'Slim' Not a 'Pro' |url=https://www.ign.com/articles/consider-the-next-xbox-series-x-a-slim-not-a-pro |access-date=2023-10-21 |website=IGN |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last=GameCentral |date=2023-09-19 |title=New Xbox Series X console with gyro controller and no disc drive leaked |url=https://metro.co.uk/2023/09/19/new-xbox-series-x-console-with-gyro-controller-and-no-disc-drive-shown-19520250/ |access-date=2023-10-21 |website=Metro |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |date=2023-09-19 |title=Xbox Series X/S Redesign And New Controller Coming In 2024, According To Leaked Plans |url=https://kotaku.com/xbox-series-x-s-upgrade-slim-controller-ps5-pro-leak-1850852160 |access-date=2023-10-21 |website=Kotaku |language=en}}</ref>

Like the Xbox One, the consoles use an [[AMD]] 64-bit [[x86-64]] [[Central processing unit|CPU]] and [[Graphics processing unit|GPU]]. Both models have [[solid-state drive]]s to reduce loading times, support for hardware-accelerated [[Ray tracing (graphics)|ray-tracing]] and [[spatial audio]], the ability to convert games to [[high-dynamic-range rendering]] using [[machine learning]] (Auto HDR), support for [[HDMI 2.1]] [[variable refresh rate]] and low-latency modes, and updated [[Xbox Wireless Controller|controllers]]. Xbox Series X was designed to nominally render games in 2160p ([[4K resolution]]) at 60 [[frames per second]] (FPS). The lower-end, digital-only Xbox Series S, which has reduced specifications and does not include an optical drive, was designed to nominally render games in [[1440p]] at 60 FPS, with support for 4K [[video scaling|upscaling]] and ray tracing.<ref name="wincentral series s" />

Xbox Series X/S are [[backwards-compatible]] with nearly all Xbox One-compatible games and accessories (including [[Xbox 360]] and [[original Xbox]] games that were [[List of backward-compatible games for Xbox One and Series X/S|made backward-compatible with Xbox One]]); the newer hardware gives games better performance and visuals. At launch, Microsoft encouraged a "soft" transition between generations, similar to [[PC gaming]], offering the "Smart Delivery" framework to allow publishers to provide upgraded versions of Xbox One titles with optimizations for Xbox Series X/S. Publishers are not required to use Smart Delivery and may publish Xbox Series X/S-exclusive titles if they choose. [[Electronic Arts]] is among the developers that do not use Smart Delivery.

Critics praised the Xbox Series X/S for the hardware improvements over Xbox One and Microsoft's emphasis on cross-generation releases, but believed that the games available at launch did not fully use the hardware capabilities. In June 2023, during an ID@Xbox presentation at the Best International Games (BIG) Festival in Brazil, Microsoft revealed that over 21 million Xbox Series consoles have been sold worldwide.<ref name="Sales Jul 2023" />

== History ==
Industry rumors of new Xbox hardware had started as early as June 2018, with Microsoft's [[Phil Spencer (business executive)|Phil Spencer]] confirming they were "deep into architecturing the next Xbox consoles" at that time.<ref name="verge firstnews" /> The hardware was believed to be a family of devices under the codename "Scarlett", including a low-cost version following a similar scheme as the [[Xbox One]] family of consoles, with major emphasis on game streaming and [[backward compatibility]].<ref name="verge firstnews">{{cite web | url = https://www.theverge.com/2018/6/12/17453174/microsoft-xbox-next-genreation-2020-release-date-rumors | title = Microsoft's next-generation Xbox reportedly arriving in 2020 | first = Tom | last = Warren | date = June 12, 2018 | access-date = September 11, 2020 | work = [[The Verge]] | archive-date = September 14, 2020 | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20200914195218/https://www.theverge.com/2018/6/12/17453174/microsoft-xbox-next-genreation-2020-release-date-rumors | url-status = live }}</ref><ref>{{cite web | url = https://www.theverge.com/2018/7/24/17606624/microsoft-xbox-scarlett-xcloud-game-streaming-service-rumors | title = Microsoft's next-generation Xbox will focus on 'XCloud' game streaming | first = Tom | last = Warren | date = July 24, 2018 | access-date = September 11, 2020 | work = [[The Verge]] | archive-date = October 18, 2020 | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20201018161617/https://www.theverge.com/2018/7/24/17606624/microsoft-xbox-scarlett-xcloud-game-streaming-service-rumors | url-status = live }}</ref> By March 2019, further industry rumors had led to speculation of two consoles within the Scarlett family under codenames "Anaconda" and the low-cost "Lockhart" version.<ref>{{cite web | url = https://www.vg247.com/2019/02/22/xbox-lockheart-anaconda-e3-2019-release-date/ | title = Rumour: next-gen Xbox 'Lockhart' and 'Anaconda' to be revealed at E3, released 2020 | first = Kirk | last = McLeand | date = February 22, 2019 | access-date = September 11, 2020 | work = [[VG247]] | archive-date = August 10, 2020 | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20200810051252/https://www.vg247.com/2019/02/22/xbox-lockheart-anaconda-e3-2019-release-date/ | url-status = live }}</ref>

Microsoft confirmed '''Project Scarlett''' at its [[E3 2019]] press conference.<ref name=":2">{{Cite web |url=https://www.theverge.com/2019/6/8/18658147/microsoft-xbox-scarlet-teaser-e3-2019 |title=Microsoft hints at next-generation Xbox 'Scarlet' in E3 teasers |last=Warren |first=Tom |date=June 8, 2019 |website=The Verge|access-date=June 9, 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190609004254/https://www.theverge.com/2019/6/8/18658147/microsoft-xbox-scarlet-teaser-e3-2019|archive-date=June 9, 2019|url-status=live}}</ref> Microsoft said they wanted a "soft" transition from Xbox One to Scarlett, with Scarlett supporting backward compatibility with all games and most hardware supported on the Xbox One.<ref name=":3">{{Cite web |url=https://www.pcmag.com/news/368875/microsoft-teases-xbox-project-scarlett-tons-of-games-keanu |title=Microsoft Teases Xbox Project Scarlett, Tons of Games, Keanu |last=Greenwald |first=Will |website=PCmag.com |language=en |access-date=June 10, 2019 |archive-date=December 13, 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191213214714/https://www.pcmag.com/news/368875/microsoft-teases-xbox-project-scarlett-tons-of-games-keanu |url-status=live }}</ref> During a presentation at [[The Game Awards 2019]], Microsoft officially revealed the design of Scarlett and its branding, "Xbox Series X", as well as a late 2020 release date.<ref>{{Cite web |url=https://www.gamespot.com/articles/xbox-series-x-exclusive-details-meet-microsofts-ne/1100-6472190/ |title=Xbox Series X Exclusive Details: Meet Microsoft's Next-Gen Console |website=GameSpot |language=en-US |access-date=December 17, 2019 |archive-date=December 16, 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191216201012/https://www.gamespot.com/articles/xbox-series-x-exclusive-details-meet-microsofts-ne/1100-6472190/ |url-status=live }}</ref><ref name="verge series x">{{cite web |url=https://www.theverge.com/2019/12/12/21016575/microsoft-xbox-series-x-next-xbox-console |title=Microsoft's next Xbox is Xbox Series X, coming holiday 2020 |first=Tom |last=Warren |date=December 12, 2019 |access-date=December 12, 2019 |website=[[The Verge]]|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191213021743/https://www.theverge.com/2019/12/12/21016575/microsoft-xbox-series-x-next-xbox-console|archive-date=December 13, 2019|url-status=live}}</ref> After the event, a Microsoft spokesperson said Xbox Series X was a fourth generation of Xbox hardware, which will be branded simply "Xbox" with no subtitle.<ref name="xbox g4 naming">{{Cite web|last=Gilliam|first=Ryan|date=December 16, 2019|title=The next generation of Xbox is just called ... Xbox|url=https://www.polygon.com/xbox-scarlett/2019/12/16/21025133/xbox-series-x-name-scarlett|access-date=December 17, 2019|website=Polygon|language=en|archive-date=December 17, 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191217002059/https://www.polygon.com/xbox-scarlett/2019/12/16/21025133/xbox-series-x-name-scarlett|url-status=live}}</ref>

Microsoft planned to detail the hardware specifications and launch games for the Series X at the 2020 [[Game Developers Conference]] (GDC) and [[E3 2020]], but the events were cancelled due to the [[COVID-19 pandemic]]. Microsoft scheduled online presentations over the same days in March 2020,<ref>{{cite web|last=Carpenter|first=Nicole|date=March 10, 2020|title=New Xbox Series X details coming next week|url=https://www.polygon.com/xbox-scarlett/2020/3/10/21173114/xbox-series-x-microsoft-gdc-2020-game-stack-live|access-date=March 10, 2020|work=[[Polygon (website)|Polygon]]|archive-date=July 28, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200728194906/https://www.polygon.com/xbox-scarlett/2020/3/10/21173114/xbox-series-x-microsoft-gdc-2020-game-stack-live|url-status=live}}</ref> while the company planned to reschedule its E3 presentation.<ref>{{Cite web|last=March 2020|first=Vic Hood 12|title=What E3 2020's cancellation means for PS5 and Xbox Series X|url=https://www.techradar.com/news/what-e3-2020s-cancellation-means-for-ps5-and-xbox-series-x|access-date=March 13, 2020|website=TechRadar|date=March 12, 2020|language=en|archive-date=July 28, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200728195146/https://www.techradar.com/news/what-e3-2020s-cancellation-means-for-ps5-and-xbox-series-x|url-status=live}}</ref> Detailed specifications were presented by Microsoft, [[Digital Foundry]], and [[Austin Evans (YouTuber)|Austin Evans]] of Overclock Media on March 16, 2020.<ref name="xsx fullspecs">{{cite web|last=Tuttle|first=Will|date=March 16, 2020|title=Xbox Series X: A Closer Look at the Technology Powering the Next Generation|url=https://news.xbox.com/en-us/2020/03/16/xbox-series-x-tech/|access-date=March 16, 2020|work=Xbox Wire|publisher=[[Microsoft]]|archive-date=July 28, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200728200048/https://news.xbox.com/en-us/2020/03/16/xbox-series-x-tech/|url-status=live}}</ref><ref name="df fullspecs">{{cite web|last=Leadbetter|first=Richard|date=March 16, 2020|title=Inside Xbox Series X: the full specs|url=https://www.eurogamer.net/articles/digitalfoundry-2020-inside-xbox-series-x-full-specs|access-date=March 16, 2020|work=[[Eurogamer]]|archive-date=August 19, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200819083150/https://www.eurogamer.net/articles/digitalfoundry-2020-inside-xbox-series-x-full-specs|url-status=live}}</ref><ref name="df fullspecs2">{{cite web|last=Leadbetter|first=Richard|date=March 16, 2020|title=Xbox Series X: just how big is it – and how does it compare to Xbox One X?|url=https://www.eurogamer.net/articles/digitalfoundry-2020-just-how-big-is-xbox-series-x-really|access-date=March 16, 2020|work=[[Eurogamer]]|archive-date=March 16, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200316135856/https://www.eurogamer.net/articles/digitalfoundry-2020-just-how-big-is-xbox-series-x-really|url-status=live}}</ref> Starting in May and running until launch, Microsoft planned to have more digital events around the Xbox Series X and its games as part of an "Xbox 20/20" series.<ref>{{cite web|last=Skrebels|first=Joe|date=May 5, 2020|title=Xbox 20/20 Announced: Monthly Updates on Series X, New Games and More|url=https://www.ign.com/articles/xbox-2020-series-x-new-games|access-date=May 5, 2020|work=[[IGN]]|archive-date=May 5, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200505133558/https://www.ign.com/articles/xbox-2020-series-x-new-games|url-status=live}}</ref> This included an Xbox Games Showcase on July 23, 2020, featuring games principally from its first-party [[Xbox Game Studios]].<ref>{{cite web|last=Purslow|first=Matt|date=July 23, 2020|title=Xbox Games Showcase: Everything Announced at the Show|url=https://www.ign.com/articles/xbox-games-showcase-july-2020-recap-every-announcement-reveal|access-date=July 23, 2020|work=[[IGN]]|archive-date=July 23, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200723184637/https://www.ign.com/articles/xbox-games-showcase-july-2020-recap-every-announcement-reveal|url-status=live}}</ref>

On July 16, 2020, Microsoft announced that it had ended production of the Xbox One X and all-digital version of the Xbox One S in preparation for the new products.<ref>{{Cite web|last=Warren|first=Tom|date=July 16, 2020|title=Microsoft discontinues Xbox One X and Xbox One S digital edition ahead of Series X launch|url=https://www.theverge.com/2020/7/16/21327330/microsoft-xbox-one-x-s-digital-edition-discontinued|access-date=July 17, 2020|website=The Verge|language=en|archive-date=July 17, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200717071905/https://www.theverge.com/2020/7/16/21327330/microsoft-xbox-one-x-s-digital-edition-discontinued|url-status=live}}</ref>

The existence of the Xbox Series S had been guessed before E3 2019, based on a "Project Lockhart", a second, lower-end console that accompanied Scarlett.<ref>{{Cite web |url=https://www.theverge.com/2019/6/21/18700454/microsoft-xbox-scarlett-console-next-generation-rumors-lockhart |title=Microsoft is only launching one next-generation Xbox, not two |last=Warren |first=Tom |date=June 21, 2019 |website=The Verge |language=en |access-date=December 17, 2019 |archive-date=June 21, 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190621124028/https://www.theverge.com/2019/6/21/18700454/microsoft-xbox-scarlett-console-next-generation-rumors-lockhart |url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |url=https://www.theverge.com/2019/12/4/20995436/microsoft-next-xbox-new-project-scarlett-lockhart-anaconda-launch-details |title=Microsoft planning second next-gen Xbox that's cheaper and less powerful |last=Warren |first=Tom |date=December 4, 2019 |website=The Verge |language=en |access-date=December 17, 2019 |archive-date=July 28, 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200728193306/https://www.theverge.com/2019/12/4/20995436/microsoft-next-xbox-new-project-scarlett-lockhart-anaconda-launch-details |url-status=live }}</ref> Confirmation of the Xbox Series S naming was affirmed through early Xbox hardware accessories that some had been able to purchase.<ref>{{cite web | url = https://www.theverge.com/2020/6/26/21304112/microsoft-xbox-series-x-lockhart-leaked-document-specs-rumors | title = Leaked Microsoft document hints at second next-gen Xbox | first = Tom | last = Warren | date = June 26, 2020 | access-date = August 9, 2020 | work = [[The Verge]] | archive-date = June 26, 2020 | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20200626120222/https://www.theverge.com/2020/6/26/21304112/microsoft-xbox-series-x-lockhart-leaked-document-specs-rumors | url-status = live }}</ref><ref>{{cite web | url = https://www.theverge.com/2020/8/9/21361157/microsoft-xbox-series-s-console-leak-controller-packaging | title = Microsoft's new Xbox Series S console confirmed in leaked controller packaging | first = Tom | last = Warren | date = August 9, 2020 | access-date = August 9, 2020 | work = [[The Verge]] | archive-date = August 9, 2020 | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20200809233149/https://www.theverge.com/2020/8/9/21361157/microsoft-xbox-series-s-console-leak-controller-packaging | url-status = live }}</ref> Microsoft officially announced the Series S console on September 8, 2020, revealing that it would also be released alongside the Series X in November 2020.<ref name="wincentral series s" /> Microsoft pointed out that the Series S had been discreetly placed in the background of previous Xbox announcement videos featuring Phil Spencer during July 2020.<ref>{{cite web | url = https://www.gamespot.com/articles/xbox-series-s-is-so-small-phil-spencer-had-it-in-h/1100-6482096/?ftag=CAD-01-10abi2f | title = Xbox Series S Is So Small, Phil Spencer Had It In His Background And We All Missed It | first = Jeremy | last = Winslow | date = September 11, 2020 | access-date = September 11, 2020 | work = [[GameSpot]] | archive-date = September 12, 2020 | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20200912084818/https://www.gamespot.com/articles/xbox-series-s-is-so-small-phil-spencer-had-it-in-h/1100-6482096/?ftag=CAD-01-10abi2f | url-status = live }}</ref>

During [[Gamescom]] 2023, Spencer stated that Microsoft is not likely to produce a mid-generation revision of either the Series X or Series S, as it would likely cause issues with specifications for games between the first such units and mid-generation ones. Instead, he said that "that when we do hardware, it should have a reason to exist that is demonstrably different than what came before", and that likely their next hardware would be for the future tenth generation of consoles.<ref name="spencer Gamescom 2023">{{cite web | url = https://www.eurogamer.net/the-definitive-xbox-gamescom-interview | title = The definitive Xbox Gamescom interview | first = Tom | last = Phillips | date = August 23, 2023 | accessdate = August 24, 2023 | work = [[Eurogamer]] }}</ref>

== Hardware ==
When Microsoft's Xbox development team started work on the successor to the Xbox One consoles around 2016, they had already envisioned the need to have two console versions similar to their Xbox One X and Xbox One S models to meet the needs of different markets. By developing both units in concert, they would be able to make sure games developed would be able to be played on both systems without exception. As has been tradition with past Xbox projects, the consoles were given code names based on cities.<ref>{{cite video|url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fYtJWIxt3-M|title=Inside the Xbox Series S|date=September 9, 2020|publisher=[[Microsoft]]|access-date=September 10, 2020|via=[[YouTube]]|archive-date=September 9, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200909225506/https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fYtJWIxt3-M&app=desktop|url-status=live}}</ref> The Xbox Series S was named Project Lockhart, based on the city of [[Lockhart, Texas]], which Aaron Greenberg said was known as "the little city with the big heart".<ref>{{cite web|last=Makuch|first=Eddie|date=September 10, 2020|title=Xbox Series S: Here's Where The "Lockhart" Codename Came From|url=https://www.gamespot.com/articles/xbox-series-s-heres-where-the-lockhart-codename-ca/1100-6482056/|access-date=September 10, 2020|work=[[GameSpot]]|archive-date=September 11, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200911163748/https://www.gamespot.com/articles/xbox-series-s-heres-where-the-lockhart-codename-ca/1100-6482056/|url-status=live}}</ref>

For the high-end console, the Xbox Series X, Microsoft's primary goals were to: at least double the graphical performance of the [[Xbox One X]] as measured by its [[FLOPS|floating point operations per second]] (FLOPS), and to increase CPU performance four-fold compared to Xbox One X while maintaining the same acoustic performance from the Xbox One consoles.<ref name="eurogamer design">{{cite web|last=Leadbetter|first=Richard|date=March 28, 2020|title=Building Xbox Series X: why Microsoft redefined the console form factor|url=https://www.eurogamer.net/articles/digitalfoundry-2020-constructing-xbox-series-x-a-revolution-in-console-design|access-date=March 29, 2020|work=[[Eurogamer]]|archive-date=March 28, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200328232225/https://www.eurogamer.net/articles/digitalfoundry-2020-constructing-xbox-series-x-a-revolution-in-console-design|url-status=live}}</ref> As the engineers collected power requirements to meet these specifications, they saw these parts would draw a large amount of internal power (approximately 315&nbsp;[[watt|W]]) and would generate a significant amount of heat.<ref name="eurogamer design" />

This led to the decision to split the components onto two separate [[circuit board]]s; one would house the CPU/GPU, memory, and power regulators, and a second board would act as a [[Southbridge (computing)|Southbridge]] board for slower [[input/output]] (I/O) functions. The boards mounted on opposite sides of an aluminum chassis helped to create air channels for cooling. The remaining components—the [[heat sink]], the [[Electromagnetic shielding|electric shielding]], the [[power supply]], the [[optical drive]], and the [[cooling fan]]—were then arranged in a ''[[Tetris]]''-like fashion, according to principal designer Chris Kujawski, to achieve a compact form factor, resulting in the tower-like structure.<ref name="eurogamer design" /> To meet the acoustics factor, the system includes numerous sensors for controlling the speed of the fan, and the large open top was necessary to ensure good airflow through the system.<ref name="eurogamer design" /> While certain elements like the optical drive, air flow requirements, and heat sink size fixed certain dimensions in the overall form factor, they were satisfied they were able to end up with a square footprint for the unit.<ref name="eurogamer design" />

=== Xbox Series X ===
[[File:Xbox Series X logo.svg|thumb|upright|The Xbox Series X logo]]

Xbox head Phil Spencer said that Microsoft was prioritizing high frame rates and faster load times over higher resolutions; the Series X achieves this via the better-matched capabilities of the CPU and [[graphics processing unit]].<ref>{{cite web|last=Olsen|first=Matthew|date=January 29, 2020|title=Phil Spencer Really, Really Wants to Push Frame Rates With the Xbox Series X|url=https://www.usgamer.net/articles/phil-spencer-still-prioritizing-frame-rate-and-feel-for-xbox-series-x|access-date=January 29, 2020|work=[[USGamer]]|archive-date=January 29, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200129195259/https://www.usgamer.net/articles/phil-spencer-still-prioritizing-frame-rate-and-feel-for-xbox-series-x|url-status=dead}}</ref> Compared to the Xbox One X, the CPU is about four times as powerful and the GPU is twice as powerful.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Henderson |first=Rik |date=2020-04-30 |title=Xbox Series X vs Xbox One X: What's the difference? |url=https://www.pocket-lint.com/xbox-series-x-vs-xbox-one-x-console-specs-compared-whats-the-difference/ |access-date=2023-05-02 |website=Pocket-lint |language=en |archive-date=May 2, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230502213514/https://www.pocket-lint.com/xbox-series-x-vs-xbox-one-x-console-specs-compared-whats-the-difference/ |url-status=live }}</ref>

The Xbox Series X is powered by a custom 7&nbsp;nm [[Advanced Micro Devices|AMD]] [[Zen 2]] CPU with eight cores running at a nominal 3.8&nbsp;GHz or, when [[simultaneous multithreading]] (SMT) is used, at 3.6&nbsp;GHz. One CPU core is dedicated to the underlying operating system.<ref name="df fullspecs" /> The integrated GPU is also a custom unit based on AMD's [[RDNA 2]] graphics architecture. It has a total of 56 compute units (CUs) with 3,584 cores, with 52 CUs and 3,328 cores enabled, and will run at a fixed 1.825&nbsp;GHz. This unit is capable of 12 [[FLOPS|teraflops]] of computational power.<ref name="XSXspec" /><ref name="df fullspecs" /> The unit ships with 16&nbsp;GB of [[GDDR6 SDRAM]], with 10&nbsp;GB running at 560&nbsp;GB/s primarily to be used with the graphics system and the other 6&nbsp;GB at 336&nbsp;GB/s to be used for the other computing functions. After accounting for the system software, about 13.5 GB of memory will be available for games and other applications, with the system software only drawing from the slower pool.<ref name="df fullspecs" /> The Xbox Series X is intended to render games at [[4K resolution]] at 60 frames per second, and can support up to 120 frames per second and can render up to [[8K resolution]].<ref name="df fullspecs" />

The Xbox Series X's console form is designed to be unobtrusive and minimalistic. It has a {{convert|15.1|x|15.1|cm|in|abbr=on}} footprint, is {{convert|30.1|cm|in|abbr=on}} high, and weighs {{convert|4.45|kg|lb|abbr=on}}.<ref name="df fullspecs2" /> Designed to sit vertically, it can also be used on its side. Its front has the main power button and an [[Ultra HD Blu-ray]] drive.<ref name="df fullspecs" /> The top of the unit is a single powerful fan. Spencer said that the console is as quiet as the Xbox One X.<ref name="gamespot series x">{{cite web |url=https://www.gamespot.com/articles/goodbye-project-scarlett-hello-xbox-series-x-exclu/1100-6472190/ |title=Goodbye, Project Scarlett, Hello Xbox Series X – Exclusive First Look And Interview |first=Peter |last=Brown |date=December 12, 2019 |access-date=December 12, 2019 |work=[[GameSpot]] | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20191213021815/https://www.gamespot.com/articles/goodbye-project-scarlett-hello-xbox-series-x-exclu/1100-6472190/ | archive-date = December 13, 2019 | url-status = live}}</ref> The Series X includes an HDMI 2.1 output, the storage expansion slot, three [[USB 3.2]] ports, and an [[Ethernet port]].<ref name=":5">{{Cite web |last=Warren |first=Tom |date=March 16, 2020 |title=Here's how Xbox Series X removable storage will work |url=https://www.theverge.com/2020/3/16/21181854/microsoft-xbox-series-x-expansion-cards-removable-storage-support-features |access-date=July 17, 2020 |website=[[The Verge]] |language=en |archive-date=March 16, 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200316210634/https://www.theverge.com/2020/3/16/21181854/microsoft-xbox-series-x-expansion-cards-removable-storage-support-features |url-status=live}}</ref><ref name="df fullspecs" /> The console does not include an infrared blaster or HDMI pass-through like the Xbox One line, supporting [[HDMI-CEC]] instead. An earlier leak had suggested a [[TOSLINK]] port for digital audio, but this was eliminated in the final design.<ref name="df fullspecs2" /><ref>{{cite web |url=https://arstechnica.com/gaming/2020/03/xbox-series-x-loses-xbox-ones-s-pdif-optical-audio-output/ |title=Another port bites the dust: Xbox Series X drops S/PDIF audio |first=Kyle |last=Orland |date=March 19, 2020 |access-date=March 19, 2020 |work=[[Ars Technica]] |archive-date=March 19, 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200319185446/https://arstechnica.com/gaming/2020/03/xbox-series-x-loses-xbox-ones-s-pdif-optical-audio-output/ |url-status=live }}</ref> The console has an IR receiver in its controller pairing button next to the front USB port.<ref name="windowscentral.com">{{Cite web|date=2020-10-22|title=Xbox One Media Remotes still work with the Xbox Series X and S|url=https://www.windowscentral.com/xbox-series-x-and-xbox-series-s-still-have-ir-receiver-will-work-xbox-one-media-remotes|access-date=2020-12-03|website=Windows Central|archive-date=November 1, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201101013629/https://www.windowscentral.com/xbox-series-x-and-xbox-series-s-still-have-ir-receiver-will-work-xbox-one-media-remotes|url-status=live}}</ref>

=== Xbox Series S ===
[[File:Xbox Series S.png|thumb|upright|The Xbox Series S logo]]

The Xbox Series S is comparable in its hardware to the Xbox Series X, similar to how the Xbox One S relates to the Xbox One X, but has less processing power. While it runs the same CPU with slightly slower clock frequencies, it uses a slower GPU, a custom RDNA2 with 20 CUs at 1.55&nbsp;GHz for 4 TFLOPS, compared to 12 TFLOPS of the Series X. It ships with 10&nbsp;GB of RAM, with 8&nbsp;GB running at 224&nbsp;GB/s primarily to be used with the graphics system and the other 2&nbsp;GB at 56&nbsp;GB/s to be used for the other computing functions, and a 512&nbsp;GB SSD storage unit with a raw input/output throughput of 2.4 GB/s.<ref name=":6">{{cite web|url=https://news.xbox.com/en-us/2020/09/09/introducing-xbox-series-s/|title=Introducing Xbox Series S, Delivering Next-Gen Performance in Our Smallest Xbox Ever, Available November 10 at $299|work=Xbox News|date=September 9, 2020|access-date=September 9, 2020|archive-date=September 9, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200909203059/https://news.xbox.com/en-us/2020/09/09/introducing-xbox-series-s/|url-status=live}}</ref> It does not include an optical drive, so all games and software must be obtained [[Digital distribution|digitally]] via [[Microsoft Store]]. It is intended to render games nominally at [[1440p]], with support for a 4K [[Video scaler|upscaler]], at 60 frames per second, although it can go as high at 120 frames per second at this resolution. It starts at $299.99.<ref name="wincentral series s" /> Selected games can support native 4K resolution output on the Series S, such as ''[[Ori and the Will of the Wisps]]''.<ref name="wc series s 4k native">{{cite web | url = https://www.windowscentral.com/does-xbox-series-s-support-4k-gaming | title = Does Xbox Series S support 4K gaming? | first = Zachary | last = Boddy | date = November 10, 2020 | access-date = December 7, 2020 | work = [[Windows Central]] | archive-date = November 10, 2020 | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20201110220541/https://www.windowscentral.com/does-xbox-series-s-support-4k-gaming | url-status = live }}</ref> Otherwise, the console has the same functions as the Xbox Series X, including ports, expansions, and game support.<ref name="wincentral series s">{{cite web | url = https://www.windowscentral.com/xbox-series-x-vs-xbox-series-s | title = Xbox Series X vs. Xbox Series S: Which next-gen console is for you? | first = Matt | last = Brown | date = September 8, 2020 | access-date = September 8, 2020 | work = Windows Central | archive-date = September 8, 2020 | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20200908233324/https://www.windowscentral.com/xbox-series-x-vs-xbox-series-s | url-status = live }}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.theverge.com/2020/9/9/21428792/microsoft-xbox-series-s-specs-cpu-teraflops-performance-gpu|title=Microsoft reveals Xbox Series S specs, promises four times the processing power of Xbox One|last=Warren|first=Tom|work=The Verge|date=September 9, 2020|access-date=September 9, 2020|archive-date=September 9, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200909192757/https://www.theverge.com/2020/9/9/21428792/microsoft-xbox-series-s-specs-cpu-teraflops-performance-gpu|url-status=live}}</ref>

Microsoft designed the Series S to easily fit inside of a small bag or backpack for portability and travel usage.<ref name="design">{{cite web|last=Tuttle|first=Will|date=September 23, 2020|url=https://news.xbox.com/en-us/2020/09/23/designing-the-next-generation-of-consoles-xbox-series-x-and-xbox-series-s/|title=Xbox Series X and Xbox Series S: Designing the Next Generation of Consoles|website=Xbox.com|access-date=October 15, 2020|archive-date=October 6, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201006200446/https://news.xbox.com/en-us/2020/09/23/designing-the-next-generation-of-consoles-xbox-series-x-and-xbox-series-s/|url-status=live}}</ref> The Series S unit is about 60% smaller by volume than the Series X, measuring {{convert|275|x|151|x|63.5|mm|in}} in its vertical orientation. In this orientation, its large side surface features the major exhaust port for active air cooling, similar to the top surface of the Series X; additional vents are then located on the top of the Series S. Like the Series X, the front of the Series S features one USB port and a controller pairing button with an integrated IR receiver. The rear of the console includes the power connector, one HDMI port, two additional USB ports, and an Ethernet port. Like the Series X, the Series S can also be placed horizontally with the exhaust port facing upward to maintain airflow. The Series S launched in a matte white case along with a matching controller, distinguishing it from the matte black that the Series X uses.<ref>{{cite web | url = https://www.theverge.com/2020/9/10/21430298/microsoft-xbox-series-s-hands-on-photos-price | title = Microsoft's new Xbox Series S is surprisingly small in size and price | first = Tom | last = Warren | date = September 10, 2020 | access-date = September 10, 2020 | work = [[The Verge]] | archive-date = September 10, 2020 | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20200910160351/https://www.theverge.com/2020/9/10/21430298/microsoft-xbox-series-s-hands-on-photos-price | url-status = live }}</ref><ref name="windowscentral.com" />

=== Common features ===
==== Xbox Velocity Architecture ====
[[File:Xbox Velocity Architecture logo.svg|thumb|right|The Xbox Velocity Architecture logo]]
Both consoles use a new storage solution, the Xbox Velocity Architecture, that includes hardware and software components to improve transfer speeds within the console, reduce the size of digital downloads, and give developers more flexibility.<ref name="ign velocity" /> Central to this is the internal storage, a custom [[NVM Express]] (NVMe) [[solid-state drive|SSD]]. On the Series X, this is a 1&nbsp;TB SSD (802&nbsp;GB available)<ref name="gradar_nov.4.2020">{{cite web | url = https://www.gamesradar.com/uk/xbox-series-s-reportedly-has-364gb-storage-for-games-and-apps/ | title = Xbox Series S reportedly has 364&nbsp;GB storage for games and apps | first = Heather | last = Wald | date = November 4, 2020 | access-date = November 7, 2020 | work = [[GamesRadar+]] | archive-date = November 28, 2020 | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20201128172235/https://www.gamesradar.com/uk/xbox-series-s-reportedly-has-364gb-storage-for-games-and-apps/ | url-status = live }}</ref> with a raw input/output throughput of 2.4&nbsp;GB/s. An on-board compression/decompression block includes both the industry standard [[zlib]] decompression algorithm and a proprietary BCPack algorithm geared for [[Texture mapping|game textures]], and it gives a combined throughput as high as 4.8&nbsp;GB/s.<ref name="df fullspecs" /><ref name="ign velocity" /> Within the software, a new DirectStorage [[API]] within [[DirectX]] allows developers to fine-tune priority to input/output aspects with other processing threads. The software provides sampler feedback streaming that aids in loading multiple textures in segments to deal with [[Level of detail (computer graphics)|level of detail]] rendering, rather than having to read these textures as a whole before using them.<ref name="ign velocity">{{cite web |url=https://www.ign.com/articles/xbox-series-x-velocity-architecture-explained-loading-times-file-sizes |title=Xbox Series X Velocity Architecture Should Mean Smaller Game File Sizes, Less Loading, and More |first=Joe |last=Skrebels |date=July 14, 2020 |access-date=July 14, 2020 |work=[[IGN]] |archive-date=July 15, 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200715102807/https://www.ign.com/articles/xbox-series-x-velocity-architecture-explained-loading-times-file-sizes |url-status=live }}</ref> The Series S includes a 512&nbsp;GB SSD (364&nbsp;GB available)<ref name="gradar_nov.4.2020" /> with similar custom hardware and software specifications.<ref name=":6" /> All SSD storage on the architecture use a [[PCI Express 4.0]] x2 link.<ref name=":5" />

Developers at [[The Coalition (company)|The Coalition]] found that, without any changes to their code, ''[[Gears 5]]'' loaded four times faster on Xbox Series X than Xbox One X due to the higher throughput on memory and storage and that they would be able to increase this further once they incorporated the new DirectStorage API routines.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.windowscentral.com/xbox-series-x-what-do-game-devs-think |title=Xbox Series X: What do game developers say about next-gen? We asked several for their thoughts. |first=Jez |last=Corden |date=April 22, 2020 |access-date=April 23, 2020 |work=Windows Central |archive-date=May 18, 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200518051030/https://www.windowscentral.com/xbox-series-x-what-do-game-devs-think |url-status=live }}</ref>

The consoles support external storage through a proprietary SSD [[Memory card|expansion card]] inserted into the back of the console, which was manufactured exclusively by [[Seagate Technology]] on launch and limited to a 1&nbsp;TB size when first released.<ref>{{cite web | url = https://www.pcmag.com/news/seagate-launches-xbox-series-x-storage-expansion-card-website | title = Seagate Teases Super-Fast Xbox Series X Storage Expansion Card | first = Matthew | last = Humphries | date = July 21, 2020 | access-date = July 13, 2020 | work = [[PC Magazine]] | archive-date = July 21, 2020 | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20200721231319/https://www.pcmag.com/news/seagate-launches-xbox-series-x-storage-expansion-card-website | url-status = live }}</ref> Later versions included 512&nbsp;GB and 2&nbsp;TB versions and were released at the end of 2021,<ref>{{cite web | url = https://www.eurogamer.net/articles/2021-10-21-microsoft-announces-new-2tb-and-512gb-seagate-storage-expansion-cards-for-xbox-series-x-and-s | title = Microsoft announces new 2&nbsp;TB and 512&nbsp;GB Seagate storage expansion cards for Xbox Series X and S | first = Wesley | last = Yin-Poole | date = October 21, 2021 | access-date = October 21, 2021 | work = [[Eurogamer]] | archive-date = October 21, 2021 | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20211021141733/https://www.eurogamer.net/articles/2021-10-21-microsoft-announces-new-2tb-and-512gb-seagate-storage-expansion-cards-for-xbox-series-x-and-s | url-status = live }}</ref> while expansion cards manufactured by [[Western Digital]] were released in June 2023.<ref>{{cite web |last1=Warren |first1=Tom |title=Western Digital announces Xbox expandable storage cards, starting at $79.99 |url=https://www.theverge.com/2023/6/6/23750797/western-digital-xbox-storage-expansion-card-price-release-date |website=The Verge |date=6 June 2023 |access-date=July 1, 2023 |archive-date=June 16, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230616003249/https://www.theverge.com/2023/6/6/23750797/western-digital-xbox-storage-expansion-card-price-release-date |url-status=live }}</ref> As with the Xbox One, the consoles will also support external USB storage, but only [[#Backward compatibility|backward compatible games]] (which can also be transferred directly from an Xbox One console) will be able to run directly from external USB storage. Xbox Series X- and S-native games must be stored on the internal SSD or an expansion card in order to be played, but they can be moved to a USB storage device to make room for other games.<ref name=":5" /><ref name="df fullspecs" />

The DirectStorage API was released in March 2022 for Windows-based computers for [[graphics card]]s that support DirectX 12 and NVMe SSDs, though games must be programmed to take advantage of the DirectStorage API.<ref>{{cite web | url = https://www.pcgamesn.com/directstorage-pc-support | title = Xbox Series X DirectStorage feature is coming to PC, will support all DX12 GPUs | first = Theo | last = Binns | date = April 21, 2021 | access-date = April 21, 2021 | work = [[PCGamesN]] | archive-date = April 21, 2021 | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20210421164341/https://www.pcgamesn.com/directstorage-pc-support | url-status = live }}</ref><ref>{{cite web | url = https://www.theverge.com/2022/3/14/22978223/microsoft-directstorage-api-xbox-velocity-windows-pc-nvme-load-times | title = Microsoft releases DirectStorage: 'a new era of fast load times and detailed worlds in PC games' | first = Sean | last = Hollister | date = March 14, 2022 | accessdate = March 14, 2022 | work = [[The Verge]] | archive-date = March 14, 2022 | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20220314235134/https://www.theverge.com/2022/3/14/22978223/microsoft-directstorage-api-xbox-velocity-windows-pc-nvme-load-times | url-status = live }}</ref> DirectStorage was planned to be a built-in feature along with Auto HDR for [[Windows 11]] at release in late 2021,<ref>{{cite web | url = https://www.polygon.com/22548822/windows-11-xbox-game-pass-pc-auto-hdr-directstorage | title = Xbox Game Pass is built into Windows 11 | first = Samit | last = Sarkar | date = June 24, 2021 | access-date = June 24, 2021 | work = [[Polygon (website)|Polygon]] | archive-date = June 24, 2021 | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20210624163435/https://www.polygon.com/22548822/windows-11-xbox-game-pass-pc-auto-hdr-directstorage | url-status = live }}</ref> as well as offered within Windows 10.<ref>{{cite web | url = https://www.pcgamesn.com/windows-10-direct-storage-api-support | title = Windows 10 gaming PCs will get the NVMe SSD-enhancing DirectStorage API after all | first = Theo | last = Binns | date = July 19, 2021 | access-date = July 19, 2021 | work = [[PCGamesN]] | archive-date = July 19, 2021 | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20210719162952/https://www.pcgamesn.com/windows-10-direct-storage-api-support | url-status = live }}</ref>

==== Video and audio rendering technologies ====
Both the Series X and Series S support real-time [[Ray tracing (graphics)|ray-tracing]] and support the new features of the [[HDMI 2.1]] standard including [[variable refresh rate]] (VRR) and Auto Low Latency Mode (ALLM) that are currently being incorporated into newer televisions.<ref name="df fullspecs" /><ref name="verge series x" /><ref name="verge series x feb 2020">{{cite web|last=Warren|first=Tom|date=February 24, 2020|title=Microsoft reveals more Xbox Series X specs, confirms 12 teraflops GPU|url=https://www.theverge.com/2020/2/24/21150578/microsoft-xbox-series-x-specs-performance-12-teraflops-gpu-details-features|access-date=February 24, 2020|work=[[The Verge]]|archive-date=February 24, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200224151432/https://www.theverge.com/2020/2/24/21150578/microsoft-xbox-series-x-specs-performance-12-teraflops-gpu-details-features|url-status=live}}</ref> The console will have dedicated audio hardware acceleration.<ref>{{cite web|last=Nunneley|first=Stephany|date=February 19, 2020|title=Xbox Series X to have dedicated audio hardware acceleration|url=https://www.vg247.com/2020/02/19/xbox-series-x-dedicated-audio-hardware-acceleration/|access-date=February 19, 2020|work=[[VG247]]|archive-date=February 20, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200220152648/https://www.vg247.com/2020/02/19/xbox-series-x-dedicated-audio-hardware-acceleration/|url-status=live}}</ref> A feature called "audio ray tracing" will use the graphics ray tracing processors to process spatial audio in the same manner to improve the audio immersion for the player.<ref name="verge x feb 2020 2">{{cite web|last=Warren|first=Tom|date=February 26, 2020|title=Microsoft's Xbox Series X will be able to resume games even after a reboot|url=https://www.theverge.com/2020/2/26/21154897/microsoft-xbox-series-x-resume-games-reboot-features-ray-tracing-audio|access-date=February 26, 2020|work=[[The Verge]]|archive-date=February 26, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200226234325/https://www.theverge.com/2020/2/26/21154897/microsoft-xbox-series-x-resume-games-reboot-features-ray-tracing-audio|url-status=live}}</ref>

Another goal for Microsoft was to reduce the effects of input latency to improve responsiveness, adding support for HDMI 2.1 Auto Low Latency Mode and Variable Refresh Rate features, and "dynamic latency input" technology—a new input pathway that allows developers to incorporate potential controller lag into their games.<ref name="verge series x" /><ref name=":0" />

AMD's [[FidelityFX Super Resolution]], an image upscaling technology competitor to [[Nvidia]]'s [[deep learning super sampling]] (DLSS) to enable higher resolutions and framerates, was added to the Xbox Series X/S in June 2021.<ref>{{cite web | url = https://www.ign.com/articles/xbox-series-x-s-amd-fidelity-fx-super-resolution-support-confirmed | title = Xbox Series X: New AMD Tech Could Improve Framerate and Resolution Even More | first = Taylor | last = Lyles | date = June 5, 2021 | access-date = June 5, 2021 | work = [[IGN]] | archive-date = June 4, 2021 | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20210604234521/https://www.ign.com/articles/xbox-series-x-s-amd-fidelity-fx-super-resolution-support-confirmed | url-status = live }}</ref>

Both consoles support [[Dolby Vision]] and [[Dolby Atmos]] technologies.<ref>{{cite web | url = https://www.vg247.com/2020/09/11/xbox-series-x-s-dolby-vision-atmos-support/ | title = Xbox Series X/S to support Dolby Vision and Dolby Atmos | first = Sherif | last = Saed | date = September 11, 2020 | access-date = September 11, 2020 | work = [[VG247]] | archive-date = September 26, 2020 | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20200926153744/https://www.vg247.com/2020/09/11/xbox-series-x-s-dolby-vision-atmos-support/ | url-status = live }}</ref> Dolby Vision was initially limited to streaming apps at launch, but was released for games in September 2021.<ref>{{cite web | url = https://www.polygon.com/22697096/dolby-vision-xbox-series-x-s-hdr-games | title = Dolby Vision gaming goes live on Xbox Series X | first = Samit | last = Sarkar | date = September 28, 2021 | access-date = September 28, 2021 | work = [[Polygon (website)|Polygon]] | archive-date = September 28, 2021 | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20210928123509/https://www.polygon.com/22697096/dolby-vision-xbox-series-x-s-hdr-games | url-status = live }}</ref>

=== Comparison ===
The following table is a comparison of the major components of the fourth generation of Xbox consoles.<ref>{{cite web | url = https://news.xbox.com/en-us/2020/09/09/introducing-xbox-series-s/ | title = Introducing Xbox Series S, Delivering Next-Gen Performance in Our Smallest Xbox Ever, Available November 10 at $299 | first = Liz | last = Harmen | date = September 9, 2020 | access-date = September 9, 2020 | work = [[Microsoft]] | archive-date = September 9, 2020 | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20200909203059/https://news.xbox.com/en-us/2020/09/09/introducing-xbox-series-s/ | url-status = live }}</ref>

{| class="wikitable"
!colspan=2 | Component
!Series X<ref name="XSXspec">{{cite web | url = https://www.xbox.com/en-US/consoles/xbox-series-x#specs | title = Xbox Series X – Specification | access-date = September 14, 2020 | publisher = [[Microsoft]] | archive-date = September 13, 2020 | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20200913193828/https://www.xbox.com/en-US/consoles/xbox-series-x#specs | url-status = live }}</ref>
!colspan="2" | Series S<ref>{{cite web | url = https://www.xbox.com/en-US/consoles/xbox-series-s#specs | title = Xbox Series S – Specification | access-date = September 14, 2020 | publisher = [[Microsoft]] | archive-date = September 13, 2020 | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20200913171846/https://www.xbox.com/en-US/consoles/xbox-series-s#specs | url-status = live }}</ref>
|-
! rowspan=2 | Processors
!CPU
| Custom AMD [[Zen 2]]<br />8 Cores @ 3.8&nbsp;GHz (3.66&nbsp;GHz with SMT)
| colspan="2" | Custom AMD Zen 2<br />8 Cores @ 3.6&nbsp;GHz (3.4&nbsp;GHz with SMT)
|-
!GPU
| Custom [[RDNA 2]]<br />52 CUs @ 1.825&nbsp;GHz<br />12 TFLOPS
| colspan="2" | Custom RDNA 2<br />20 CUs @ 1.565&nbsp;GHz<br />4 TFLOPS
|-
!colspan=2 | Memory
| 16&nbsp;GB GDDR6<br />10 GB with 320-bit bus (560&nbsp;GB/s) and 6&nbsp;GB with 192-bit bus (336&nbsp;GB/s)
| colspan="2" | 10&nbsp;GB GDDR6<br />8 GB with 128-bit bus (224&nbsp;GB/s) and 2&nbsp;GB with 32-bit bus (56&nbsp;GB/s)
|-
! rowspan=3 | Storage
!Internal
| colspan="2" | 1&nbsp;TB [[PCI Express|PCIe]] Gen 4 custom [[NVM Express|NVMe]] [[solid-state drive|SSD]]<br />2.4 GB/s raw, 4.8 GB/s compressed
| 512&nbsp;GB PCIe Gen 4 custom NVMe SSD<br />2.4 GB/s raw, 4.8 GB/s compressed
|-
!Expandable
| colspan="3" style="text-align:center;" | 0.5–2 TB expansion card (rear)
|-
!External
| colspan="3" style="text-align:center;" | USB 3.1 external HDD support
|-
! colspan="2" style="text-align:center;" | Optical drive
| [[Ultra HD Blu-ray]]
| colspan="2"{{N/A|None}}
|-
! colspan=2 | Performance target
| [[4K resolution]] at 60 FPS, up to 120 FPS
| colspan="2" | [[1440p]] at 60 FPS, up to 120 FPS
|-
!rowspan=2 | Dimensions
!Size
| {{convert|301|x|151|x|151|mm|in|abbr=on|sigfig=2|disp=br()}}
| colspan="2" | {{convert|275|x|151|x|65|mm|in|abbr=on|sigfig=2|disp=br()}}
|-
!Weight
| {{convert|4.45|kg|lb}}
| colspan="2" | {{convert|1.93|kg|lb}}
|-
!colspan=2 | Model
| 1882<!--Image of rear label via https://www.ifixit.com/Teardown/Xbox+Series+X+Teardown/138451 step 2-->
| 1883
| 1881<!--Image of rear label: https://cdn.mobilesyrup.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/11/back-series-s-1-scaled.jpg-->
|-
!colspan=2 | Price
| US$499/€499/£449/A$749/C$599
| US$349/€349/£299/A$549/C$449
| US$299/€299/£249/A$499/C$379
|}

=== Xbox Wireless Controller ===
{{See also|Xbox Wireless Controller#Third revision (2020)}}
[[File:Xbox Wireless Controller, Model 1914 'Shock Blue'.jpg|thumb|right|alt=Front view of the Xbox Series X and Series S wireless controller, showing the additional share button and revised cosmetics.|An Xbox Series X/S controller in "Shock Blue"]]
The Series X and Series S ship with an updated version of the [[Xbox Wireless Controller]] intended to fit a larger range of hand sizes. They include same key buttons as the past controllers: two analog joysticks that can be depressed, a [[D-pad|circle pad]], four action buttons, two system buttons ("View" and "Menu"), the main Xbox home button, two grip triggers (left and right), and two shoulder buttons (left and right). The new controller adds a "Share" button alongside the "View" and "Menu" buttons; pressing "Share" once takes a screenshot, while holding the button begins a Game DVR recording.<ref>{{cite web | url = https://www.gamespot.com/articles/xbox-series-x-and-s-make-it-much-easier-to-take-screenshots-and-videos/1100-6482417/ | title = Xbox Series X And S Make It Much Easier To Take Screenshots And Videos | first = Darrys | last = Bonthuys | date = September 21, 2020 | access-date = September 21, 2020 | work = [[GameSpot]] | archive-date = September 22, 2020 | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20200922091210/https://www.gamespot.com/articles/xbox-series-x-and-s-make-it-much-easier-to-take-screenshots-and-videos/1100-6482417/ | url-status = live }}</ref><ref name="controller redesign" />

Microsoft found that by aiming the size to fit an eight-year-old's hands, they were able to make the design fit a larger section of the population; it thus features more sculpted grips, and has reduced and rounded trigger buttons.<ref name="controller redesign">{{cite web |url=https://news.xbox.com/en-us/2020/03/16/xbox-series-x-controller/ |title=Xbox Series X: Making Gaming's Best Controller Even Better |first=Will |last=Tuttle |date=March 16, 2020 |access-date=March 16, 2020 |work=Xbox Wire |publisher=[[Microsoft]] |archive-date=July 29, 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200729010607/https://news.xbox.com/en-us/2020/03/16/xbox-series-x-controller/ |url-status=live }}</ref> The D-pad is a new concave design that senior console designer Ryan Whitaker said was a means to merge the normal D-pad style on the standard Xbox One controller and the version on the Elite variant to accommodate a range of playstyles.<ref name="controller redesign" /> Small tactile dot patterns have been added to the buttons to help players orient fingers on the controls.<ref name="controller redesign" /> The controller continues to use two [[AA battery|AA batteries]], though a rechargeable battery pack is available as an accessory. Microsoft found from focus group studies that players were split nearly 50/50 on the use of batteries versus recharging and thus gave the controller the option to use either.<ref name="eurogamer design" />

The controller uses the same wireless protocol introduced by the Xbox One and is backward compatible with existing Xbox One consoles. Existing Xbox One controllers are also compatible with Xbox Series X.<ref name="controller redesign" /><ref name=":0">{{Cite web |url=https://www.gamespot.com/articles/inside-the-new-xbox-series-x-controller-share-butt/1100-6472197/ |title=Inside The New Xbox Series X Controller: Share Button & More Changes |website=GameSpot |language=en-US|access-date=December 13, 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191213070301/https://www.gamespot.com/articles/inside-the-new-xbox-series-x-controller-share-butt/1100-6472197/|archive-date=December 13, 2019|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |url=https://www.theverge.com/circuitbreaker/2019/12/12/21019908/xbox-series-x-controller-design-features-announced |title=The Xbox Series X controller has a tweaked design and a Share button |last=Byford |first=Sam |date=December 12, 2019 |website=The Verge |language=en|access-date=December 13, 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191213054036/https://www.theverge.com/circuitbreaker/2019/12/12/21019908/xbox-series-x-controller-design-features-announced|archive-date=December 13, 2019|url-status=live}}</ref> The new controller also supports the [[Bluetooth Low Energy]] standard allowing it to pair with mobile devices and other hardware supporting that standard, and has internal storage to remember those connections.<ref name="controller redesign" /> It uses a [[USB-C]] connector for wired use and charging (with the optional battery kit) rather than [[USB Micro-B]].<ref name="controller redesign" />

=== Other accessories ===
Many of the first-party accessories designed to work with the preceding Xbox One remain compatible with the Xbox Series X, including the Xbox Stereo Headset and Xbox Wireless Headset.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://support.xbox.com/en-US/help/hardware-network/controller/which-xbox-one-accessories-work-on-series-x-s-controller |title=Which Xbox One accessories are compatible with Xbox Series X{{!}}S |website=Xbox Support |access-date=8 January 2024}}</ref>

Spencer said that the Xbox Series X will likely not have immediate [[virtual reality]] (VR) support at launch, and that they expect that any VR support will be based on the [[Windows Mixed Reality]] components contained within the console's [[Windows 10]] components, but was otherwise not a focus of the console's development prior to release.<ref>{{cite web|last=Watts|first=Steve|date=February 10, 2020|title=Xbox Boss Phil Spencer Clarifies Controversial VR Comments|url=https://www.gamespot.com/articles/xbox-boss-phil-spencer-clarifies-controversial-vr-/1100-6473539/|access-date=February 10, 2020|work=[[GameSpot]]|archive-date=December 20, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201220175954/https://www.gamespot.com/articles/xbox-boss-phil-spencer-sets-the-record-straight-on/1100-6473539/|url-status=live}}</ref>

===Mid-generation refreshes===
An updated Xbox Series S with a matte black finish and 1&nbsp;TB of storage launched on September 1, 2023; the internal design remains otherwise unchanged.<ref>{{cite news |url=https://www.cnet.com/tech/gaming/xbox-series-s-1tb-review-new-outside-almost-the-same-insides/ |title=Xbox Series S 1 TB Review: New Outside, Almost the Same Insides |first=Oscar |last=Gonzalez |date=September 28, 2023 |work=CNET |access-date=8 January 2024}}</ref>

Unrelated court documents from the 2022 court case ''[[FTC v. Microsoft]]'' include plans for refreshed mid-generation consoles scheduled to be released in 2024. The updated Xbox Series X, codenamed "Brooklin", would feature a cylindrical design that drops the optical drive, draws less power, increases internal storage to 2&nbsp;TB, and improves wireless connectivity with [[Wi-Fi 6E]]. The updated Xbox Series S, codenamed "Ellewood", would retain the same design as the current Series S, reducing power consumption and adding Wi-Fi 6E and 1&nbsp;TB of internal storage. Both console refreshes are planned to ship with a new Xbox controller, codenamed "Sebile".<ref>{{cite news | url=https://www.eurogamer.net/new-xbox-series-xs-consoles-detailed-in-enormous-microsoft-leak | title=New Xbox Series X/S consoles detailed in enormous Microsoft leak |first=Tom |last=Phillips | newspaper=Eurogamer.net | date=September 19, 2023 }}</ref> The new controller will be named the Xbox Universal Controller and will include a rechargeable, swappable battery.<ref>{{cite news |url=https://www.eurogamer.net/new-xbox-controller-with-swappable-battery-spotted-in-huge-microsoft-leak |title=New Xbox controller with swappable battery spotted in huge Microsoft leak |first=Liv |last=Ngan |date=19 September 2023 |work=Eurogamer.net |access-date=8 January 2024}}</ref>

== Software ==
{{See also|Xbox Series X/S system software|List of Xbox Series X/S applications}}
Both consoles have a similar [[user interface]] (UI) as the Xbox One, but use 40% less memory to improve its speed. According to the UI development team, the Home section loads in about half the time as it did on the Xbox One. Other changes include adding rounded UI elements, a more-readable font for text elements, rearrangement of certain aligned features, and improvements to the sharing functions. These changes were brought to the Xbox One system software, the Windows' Xbox application, and the Xbox mobile application around September 2020.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.theverge.com/2020/8/19/21375164/microsoft-xbox-series-x-dashboard-design-ui-speed-updates|title=Microsoft's Xbox Series X dashboard has a new rounded design and speed improvements|first=Tom|last=Warren|work=[[The Verge]]|date=August 19, 2020|access-date=August 19, 2020|archive-date=August 30, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200830030102/https://www.theverge.com/2020/8/19/21375164/microsoft-xbox-series-x-dashboard-design-ui-speed-updates|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite web | url = https://www.theverge.com/2020/9/21/21449434/microsoft-xbox-store-rebuilt-game-pass | title = Microsoft's new digital Xbox store now available to all Xbox One owners | first = Bijan | last = Stephan | date = September 28, 2020 | access-date = September 28, 2020 | work = [[The Verge]] | archive-date = September 27, 2020 | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20200927142341/https://www.theverge.com/2020/9/21/21449434/microsoft-xbox-store-rebuilt-game-pass | url-status = live }}</ref> Based on system previews, about 200&nbsp;GB of space was reserved on the internal drive of the Xbox Series X for system files.<ref>{{cite web | url = https://www.gamespot.com/articles/xbox-series-x-heres-how-much-storage-space-it-actually-lets-you-use/1100-6482662/ | title = Xbox Series X: Here's How Much Storage Space It Actually Lets You Use | first = Steve | last = Watts | date = September 28, 2020 | access-date = September 28, 2020 | work = [[GameSpot]] | archive-date = September 30, 2020 | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20200930215750/https://www.gamespot.com/articles/xbox-series-x-heres-how-much-storage-space-it-actually-lets-you-use/1100-6482662/ | url-status = live }}</ref>

Xbox Series S and Series X support "Quick Resume", which allows users to suspend and resume up to three games at once. Games can also be resumed after a reboot of the console.<ref name="verge series x feb 2020" /><ref name="verge x feb 2020 2" /><ref>{{Cite web |last=Bains |first=Callum |date=2022-08-15 |title=I can't quite believe this is the Xbox Series S' best feature |url=https://www.techradar.com/news/i-cant-quite-believe-this-is-the-xbox-series-s-best-feature |access-date=2022-08-15 |website=TechRadar |language=en |archive-date=August 15, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220815185609/https://www.techradar.com/news/i-cant-quite-believe-this-is-the-xbox-series-s-best-feature |url-status=live }}</ref> The March 2022 update added the ability to "pin" up to two games to Quick Resume, keeping them suspended unless otherwise closed manually, or the game must be updated.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Warren |first=Tom |date=2022-03-09 |title=New Xbox update lets you pin Quick Resume games and remap the Share button |url=https://www.theverge.com/2022/3/9/22969025/xbox-dashboard-update-march-pin-quick-resume-remap-share-button |access-date=2022-08-15 |website=The Verge |language=en |archive-date=August 15, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220815185612/https://www.theverge.com/2022/3/9/22969025/xbox-dashboard-update-march-pin-quick-resume-remap-share-button |url-status=live }}</ref>

As with previous Xbox consoles, Xbox Series S and Series X use the [[Xbox network]] platform for online services. It supports the [[Xbox Game Pass]] service, which allows subscribers to download games from an on-demand library.<ref>{{cite web |last=Warren |first=Tom |date=July 24, 2020 |title=Xbox Game Pass is Microsoft's true next-gen Xbox |url=https://www.theverge.com/2020/7/24/21336892/microsoft-xbox-series-x-game-pass-event-showcase-future |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200810010536/https://www.theverge.com/2020/7/24/21336892/microsoft-xbox-series-x-game-pass-event-showcase-future |archive-date=August 10, 2020 |access-date=August 9, 2020 |work=[[The Verge]]}}</ref> In October 2021, [[Xbox Cloud Gaming]]—a component of Xbox Game Pass Ultimate which allows users to [[Cloud gaming|stream]] games from Microsoft servers to Xbox consoles, PCs, and [[mobile apps]]—was upgraded from Xbox One S-based hardware to Xbox Series X-based servers, enabling faster server-side loading times.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Warren |first=Tom |date=2021-10-07 |title=Xbox Cloud Gaming is now fully powered by faster Xbox Series X hardware |url=https://www.theverge.com/2021/10/7/22714067/xbox-cloud-gaming-custom-xbox-series-x-hardware-upgrade |access-date=2022-08-15 |website=The Verge |language=en |archive-date=August 15, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220815185608/https://www.theverge.com/2021/10/7/22714067/xbox-cloud-gaming-custom-xbox-series-x-hardware-upgrade |url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{cite web |last=Avard |first=Alex |date=August 4, 2020 |title=Project xCloud to become part of Xbox Game Pass Ultimate at no extra cost, starting September 15 |url=https://www.gamesradar.com/uk/project-xcloud-to-become-part-of-xbox-game-pass-ultimate-at-no-extra-cost-starting-september-15/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200810011102/https://www.gamesradar.com/uk/project-xcloud-to-become-part-of-xbox-game-pass-ultimate-at-no-extra-cost-starting-september-15/ |archive-date=August 10, 2020 |access-date=August 9, 2020 |work=[[GamesRadar+]]}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last=Warren |first=Tom |date=2020-11-24 |title=Microsoft hints at turning Xbox into an app for your TV |url=https://www.theverge.com/2020/11/24/21612714/microsoft-xbox-app-tv-xcloud-streaming-app |access-date=2022-08-15 |website=The Verge |language=en |archive-date=November 25, 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201125172756/https://www.theverge.com/2020/11/24/21612714/microsoft-xbox-app-tv-xcloud-streaming-app |url-status=live }}</ref>

Apps for various [[List of streaming media services|streaming media services]] are available via Microsoft Store. The [[Apple TV app]] was released on Xbox platforms for the first time alongside the Xbox Series S and Series X.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Warren |first=Tom |date=2020-11-02 |title=Apple TV is coming to Xbox consoles on November 10th |url=https://www.theverge.com/2020/11/2/21545980/apple-tv-xbox-app-november-10th-release-date-features |access-date=2022-08-15 |website=The Verge |language=en |archive-date=August 15, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220815185610/https://www.theverge.com/2020/11/2/21545980/apple-tv-xbox-app-november-10th-release-date-features |url-status=live }}</ref>

Microsoft allows all retail Xbox Series X and Xbox Series S consoles to use an environment known as 'Dev mode', which provides developers with a sandbox environment to test their games and applications.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Brookes |first=Tim |title=How to Put Your Xbox Series X or S into Developer Mode |url=https://www.howtogeek.com/703443/how-to-put-your-xbox-series-x-or-s-into-developer-mode/ |access-date=2022-05-25 |website=How-To Geek |date=December 11, 2020 |language=en-US |archive-date=May 25, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220525093758/https://www.howtogeek.com/703443/how-to-put-your-xbox-series-x-or-s-into-developer-mode/ |url-status=live }}</ref>

== Games ==
{{Main|List of Xbox Series X and Series S games}}
{{multiple images
|align=right
|perrow=1
|total_width=150
|image1=Optimized for Xbox Series X branding.svg
|image2=Xbox Smart Delivery Black.svg
|footer=The "Optimized for Series X" and "Smart Delivery" logos
}}

At launch of the Xbox Series X/S, Microsoft positioned new games to be available for both the Xbox One and the new consoles. [[Xbox Game Studios]] head Matt Booty said that Microsoft wanted to ensure that those who had recently bought Xbox One consoles would still "feel that they made a good investment and that we're committed to them with content."<ref name=":1" /><ref name="vg247 spencer player first" /> Spencer said many of the Xbox Game Studios subsidiaries were familiar with developing games on personal computers, where there is a wide range of hardware targets to meet. This approach allows the creation of games that perform well on the Xbox One consoles yet take advantage of the new hardware with higher graphics [[throughput]] and faster [[frame rate]]s, [[Ray tracing (graphics)|ray tracing]], and support for the consoles' storage architecture.<ref>{{cite web | url = https://www.gamesindustry.biz/articles/2020-07-10-are-xbox-series-x-developers-being-held-back-by-xbox-one | title = Are Xbox Series X developers being held back by Xbox One? | first = Christopher | last = Dring | date = July 10, 2020 | access-date = July 20, 2020 | work = [[GamesIndustry.biz]] | archive-date = July 10, 2020 | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20200710214016/https://www.gamesindustry.biz/articles/2020-07-10-are-xbox-series-x-developers-being-held-back-by-xbox-one | url-status = live }}</ref>

For some games, further game improvements from the Xbox One version to Xbox Series X/S version can be made with the capabilities of the Xbox Series X/S console; games with this support are marketed with an "Optimized for Series X" logo.<ref>{{Cite web|title=Xbox Reveals "Optimized For Series X" Logo For Next-Generation Compatible Games|url=https://www.gamespot.com/articles/xbox-reveals-optimized-for-series-x-logo-for-next-/1100-6476962/|access-date=May 7, 2020|website=GameSpot|language=en-US|archive-date=May 14, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200514123748/https://www.gamespot.com/articles/xbox-reveals-optimized-for-series-x-logo-for-next-/1100-6476962/|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|last=Skrebels|first=Joe|date=June 25, 2020|title=Games Optimized for Xbox Series X Will Include Ray-Tracing, Higher Framerates, Faster Loading|url=https://www.ign.com/articles/xbox-series-x-optimized-badge-details-explained|access-date=June 25, 2020|work=[[IGN]]|archive-date=June 25, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200625171200/https://www.ign.com/articles/xbox-series-x-optimized-badge-details-explained|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|last=Warren|first=Tom|date=May 7, 2020|title=Xbox Series X Optimized games promise 4K up to 120fps, ray tracing, and fast load times|url=https://www.theverge.com/2020/5/7/21250306/xbox-series-x-optimized-meaning-what-is-explained-games-microsoft|access-date=May 7, 2020|work=[[The Verge]]|archive-date=May 9, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200509224812/https://www.theverge.com/2020/5/7/21250306/xbox-series-x-optimized-meaning-what-is-explained-games-microsoft|url-status=live}}</ref> Microsoft offered a distribution framework known as "Smart Delivery" that will automatically download Xbox Series X/S versions of backwards compatible games for the console when available; Microsoft has positioned this feature at publishers who plan to release Series X- or Series S-specific versions of games after releasing on Xbox One and to users moving from an existing Xbox One to an Xbox Series console.<ref name=":4">{{Cite web|title=Xbox Series X Will Have A New Feature Called Smart Delivery, But How Does It Work?|url=https://www.gamespot.com/articles/xbox-series-x-will-have-a-new-feature-called-smart/1100-6474023/|access-date=February 25, 2020|website=GameSpot|language=en-US|archive-date=February 25, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200225152810/https://www.gamespot.com/articles/xbox-series-x-will-have-a-new-feature-called-smart/1100-6474023/|url-status=live}}</ref>

Microsoft does not bar developers from releasing games that can only be played on Xbox Series X/S,<ref>{{cite web|last=Treese|first=Tyler|date=July 17, 2020|title=Xbox First-Party Studios Can Make Series X Exclusives, If They Want|url=https://www.gamespot.com/articles/xbox-firstparty-studios-can-make-series-x-exclusiv/1100-6479862/|access-date=July 17, 2020|work=[[GameSpot]]|archive-date=July 17, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200717175332/https://www.gamespot.com/articles/xbox-firstparty-studios-can-make-series-x-exclusiv/1100-6479862/|url-status=live}}</ref> but the company has preferred a "soft" transition more in line with [[PC gaming]], where developers can target optimal play on higher-end hardware, but still allow the game to be played with reduced fidelity on lower-end hardware (such as older Xbox One consoles).<ref name="vg247 spencer player first">{{cite web|last=McKeand|first=Kirk|date=February 10, 2020|title=Phil Spencer defends the lack of launch exclusives for Xbox Series X – "the player [is] at the center"|url=https://www.vg247.com/2020/02/10/xbox-series-x-esclusives-phil-spencer/|access-date=February 10, 2020|work=[[VG247]]|archive-date=April 10, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200410221114/https://www.vg247.com/2020/02/10/xbox-series-x-esclusives-phil-spencer/|url-status=live}}</ref><ref name=":1">{{cite magazine|last=Barton|first=Seth|date=January 10, 2020|title="All of our games… will play up and down that family of devices" – Xbox's Matt Booty ends the next-gen exclusive as we know it|url=https://www.mcvuk.com/we-need-to-deliver-on-the-promises-that-we-make-xbox-game-studios-matt-booty-on-the-future-of-xbox/|access-date=January 10, 2020|magazine=[[MCV/Develop]]|archive-date=January 11, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200111023051/https://www.mcvuk.com/we-need-to-deliver-on-the-promises-that-we-make-xbox-game-studios-matt-booty-on-the-future-of-xbox/|url-status=live}}</ref>

Initially, Spencer suggested that their first-party studios' games would support both Xbox One and Xbox Series X platforms for the "next couple of years",<ref name="vg247 spencer player first" /> but journalists observed that some of the first-party games introduced in the Xbox Game Showcase in July 2020 omitted mention of the Xbox One, and their websites later updated to omit mention of the Xbox One. While none of these games were believed to be launch titles, they were expected to be released within the window Spencer had previously suggested. This led to Aaron Greenberg, general manager of Xbox Games Marketing, to clarify that these games were being developed for the Xbox Series X first, leaving the choice of adding Xbox One support to their development studios as they went forward.<ref>{{cite web | url = https://www.theverge.com/2020/7/23/21335984/microsoft-xbox-series-x-exclusive-next-gen-promise | title = One week later, it looks like Microsoft is already breaking a big promise with Xbox Series X | first = Sean | last = Hollister | date = July 24, 2020 | access-date = July 24, 2020 | work = [[The Verge]] | archive-date = July 23, 2020 | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20200723202950/https://www.theverge.com/2020/7/23/21335984/microsoft-xbox-series-x-exclusive-next-gen-promise | url-status = live }}</ref> In June 2023, Xbox Game Studios head Matt Booty stated that its in-house studios had "moved on to Gen 9" and were no longer working on new games targeting Xbox One.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Xbox First-Party Studios Aren't Making New Games For Xbox One Anymore |url=https://www.gamespot.com/articles/xbox-first-party-studios-arent-making-new-games-for-xbox-one-anymore/1100-6515257/ |access-date=2023-06-15 |website=GameSpot |language=en-US |archive-date=June 15, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230615164843/https://www.gamespot.com/articles/xbox-first-party-studios-arent-making-new-games-for-xbox-one-anymore/1100-6515257/ |url-status=live }}</ref>

Microsoft has not placed any similar requirements on a soft transition for third-party developers and publishers, allowing them to offer Xbox Series X exclusives or other routes to upgrade from the Xbox One edition of a game, though ''[[Video Games Chronicle]]'' reported that Microsoft had urged publishers to keep the upgrade path free if they took that option.<ref name="vg247 spencer player first" /><ref>{{cite web | url = https://www.videogameschronicle.com/news/next-gen-game-upgrades-should-be-free-xbox-tells-developers/ | title = Next-gen game upgrades should be free, Xbox tells developers | first = Andy | last = Robinson | date = July 7, 2020 | access-date = July 17, 2020 | work = [[Video Games Chronicle]] | archive-date = July 8, 2020 | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20200708012853/https://www.videogameschronicle.com/news/next-gen-game-upgrades-should-be-free-xbox-tells-developers/ | url-status = live }}</ref> [[CD Projekt]] RED and [[Ubisoft]] have committed to using Smart Delivery for their upcoming releases.<ref name=":4" /> [[Electronic Arts]] affirmed that ''[[Madden NFL 21]]'' will have a free update patch from the Xbox One version to the Xbox Series X version prior to the release of the next ''Madden NFL'' game.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.vg247.com/2020/05/06/ea-ps5-xbox-series-x-free-upgrades/ |title=EA's cross-gen games this year will offer free upgrades to PS5 and Xbox Series X |first=Sherif |last=Saed |date=May 6, 2020 |access-date=May 6, 2020 |work=[[VG247]] |archive-date=May 9, 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200509020048/https://www.vg247.com/2020/05/06/ea-ps5-xbox-series-x-free-upgrades/ |url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.windowscentral.com/madden-nfl-21-shuns-xbox-series-x-smart-delivery-opting-limited-time-offer |title=EA's Madden 21 shuns Xbox Series X Smart Delivery upgrade, opting for limited-time offer |first=Matt |last=Brown |date=May 7, 2020 |access-date=May 7, 2020 |work=Windows Central |archive-date=May 12, 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200512092127/https://www.windowscentral.com/madden-nfl-21-shuns-xbox-series-x-smart-delivery-opting-limited-time-offer |url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.polygon.com/2020/6/5/21281611/madden-nfl-21-next-gen-upgrade-free-xbox-series-x-smart-delivery |title=After outcry, EA extends free upgrade offer for Madden on Xbox Series X |first=Samit |last=Sarkar |date=June 5, 2020 |access-date=June 5, 2020 |work=[[Polygon (website)|Polygon]] |archive-date=June 5, 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200605192527/https://www.polygon.com/2020/6/5/21281611/madden-nfl-21-next-gen-upgrade-free-xbox-series-x-smart-delivery |url-status=live }}</ref>

The Xbox Game Preview program, which allows games to be released through an [[early access]] model, continued into the Xbox Series X/S line with ''[[Spacebase Startopia]]'' in January 2021.<ref>{{cite web | url = https://venturebeat.com/2021/01/05/spacebase-startopia-becomes-series-x-ss-first-xbox-game-preview-title/ | title = Spacebase Startopia becomes Series X/S's first Xbox Game Preview title | first = Mike | last = Minotti | date = January 5, 2021 | access-date = January 5, 2021 | work = [[Venture Beat]] | archive-date = January 5, 2021 | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20210105140114/https://venturebeat.com/2021/01/05/spacebase-startopia-becomes-series-x-ss-first-xbox-game-preview-title/ | url-status = live }}</ref>

=== Backward compatibility ===
{{Main|List of Xbox One games|List of Xbox One X enhanced games|List of backward-compatible games for Xbox One and Series X/S}}
Microsoft stated that the Xbox Series X and Series S would support all existing games playable on [[Xbox One]] (excluding those that require the [[Kinect]] sensor),<ref name="No Kinect">{{Cite web|last=Orland|first=Kyle|date=July 16, 2020|title=Xbox Series X won't support Kinect hardware, games|url=https://arstechnica.com/gaming/2020/07/xbox-series-x-wont-support-kinect-hardware-games/|access-date=July 17, 2020|website=Ars Technica|language=en-us|archive-date=July 17, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200717053550/https://arstechnica.com/gaming/2020/07/xbox-series-x-wont-support-kinect-hardware-games/|url-status=live}}</ref> including [[Xbox 360]] and [[Xbox (console)|original Xbox]] games currently supported through [[Xbox One#Backward compatibility|backward compatibility on the Xbox One]], thus allowing the new consoles to support four generations of games.<ref name=":3" /><ref name="wincentral series s" />
To achieve this level of compatibility, Microsoft announced in June 2019 that they would no longer be bringing any additional Xbox 360 or original Xbox games into the Xbox One backward compatibility program, and they would instead be using their manpower to make sure these older games were playable on the Xbox Series X.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.engadget.com/2019/06/10/xbox-backward-compatibility-scarlett/ |title=Microsoft's Xbox, Xbox 360 backward compatibility list ends here |first=Richard |last=Lawler |date=June 10, 2019 |access-date=January 10, 2020 |work=[[Engadget]] |archive-date=June 11, 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190611025043/https://www.engadget.com/2019/06/10/xbox-backward-compatibility-scarlett/ |url-status=live }}</ref> Backward compatibility is a launch feature, with Microsoft having put more than 500,000 man-hours in validating thousands of games from the supported Xbox One library;<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.ign.com/articles/xbox-series-x-to-launch-with-thousands-of-games |title=Xbox Series X To Launch With 'Thousands' of Games |first=Ryan |last=McCaffery |date=May 28, 2020 |access-date=May 28, 2020 |work=[[IGN]] |archive-date=May 28, 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200528231000/https://www.ign.com/articles/xbox-series-x-to-launch-with-thousands-of-games |url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{cite web | url = https://www.engadget.com/xbox-series-x-s-backward-compatibility-launch-day-142522349.html | title = Microsoft clarifies which games work on Xbox Series S and X on day one | first = Kris | last = Holt | date = October 28, 2020 | access-date = October 28, 2020 | work = [[Engadget]] | archive-date = October 28, 2020 | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20201028155751/https://www.engadget.com/xbox-series-x-s-backward-compatibility-launch-day-142522349.html | url-status = live }}</ref> Spencer said in December 2019 that he himself had been helping to test backward compatibility games.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.ign.com/articles/2019/12/17/xbox-series-x-will-have-backwards-compatibility-at-launch |title=Xbox Series X Will Have Backwards Compatibility at Launch |first=Chris |last=Priestman |date=December 17, 2019 |access-date=January 10, 2020 |work=[[IGN]] |archive-date=December 17, 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191217203157/https://www.ign.com/articles/2019/12/17/xbox-series-x-will-have-backwards-compatibility-at-launch |url-status=live }}</ref> As Microsoft neared launch, they reopened the means for players to suggest additional games to add to backward compatibility, stating "Resurrecting titles from history often presents a complex mix of technical and licensing challenges, but the team is committed to doing everything we can to continue to preserve our collective gaming legacy."<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.eurogamer.net/articles/2020-05-28-microsoft-listening-to-fan-feedback-on-more-xbox-back-compat-games |title=Microsoft open to your suggestions for more Xbox back-compat games |first=Tom |last=Phillips |date=May 28, 2020 |access-date=May 28, 2020 |work=[[Eurogamer]] |archive-date=June 14, 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200614122731/https://www.eurogamer.net/articles/2020-05-28-microsoft-listening-to-fan-feedback-on-more-xbox-back-compat-games |url-status=live }}</ref>

It is possible for advanced graphic processes options not originally programmed into these older games to be worked into the game when played on the console, such as automated [[high-dynamic-range rendering]] (HDR) support using [[machine learning]], framerate doubling, 16x [[anisotropic filtering]], and resolution upscale.<ref name="df fullspecs" /><ref name="xbox bc oct2020">{{cite web | url = https://news.xbox.com/en-us/2020/10/13/xbox-series-x-and-xbox-series-s-backward-compatibility-update/ | title = Xbox Series X and Xbox Series S Will Be the Best Place to Play 1000s of Games From Across Four Generations of Xbox | first = Peggy | last = Lo | date = October 13, 2020 | access-date = October 13, 2020 | publisher = [[Microsoft]] | archive-date = October 13, 2020 | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20201013145129/https://news.xbox.com/en-us/2020/10/13/xbox-series-x-and-xbox-series-s-backward-compatibility-update/ | url-status = live }}</ref> Work done by the Xbox Advanced Technology Group prior to launch was focused on how far into the backward-compatibility library they could take these improvements, including into original Xbox games, adding in features like HDR or improving the framerate of games that may have been programmed to be locked at a specific framerate.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.theverge.com/2020/5/28/21272937/microsoft-xbox-series-x-automatic-hdr-support-framerates |title=Xbox Series X can add HDR and 120fps support to older games |first=Tom |last=Warren |date=May 28, 2020 |access-date=May 28, 2020 |work=[[The Verge]] |archive-date=June 1, 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200601210940/https://www.theverge.com/2020/5/28/21272937/microsoft-xbox-series-x-automatic-hdr-support-framerates |url-status=live }}</ref> Backward compatible games are supported under the Quick Resume feature as well.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.vg247.com/2020/05/28/xbox-series-x-quick-resume-backwards-comptaible/ |title=Xbox Series X Quick Resume feature works with backwards-compatible titles as well as new games |first=Stephany |last=Nunneley |date=May 28, 2020 |access-date=May 28, 2020 |work=[[VG247]] |archive-date=June 23, 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200623002454/https://www.vg247.com/2020/05/28/xbox-series-x-quick-resume-backwards-comptaible/ |url-status=live }}</ref> Cloud saves can be used to migrate from Xbox One, and Microsoft stated that it would also add free cloud saves to the Xbox 360 so it can be migrated to a Series S/X console as well.<ref name="xbox bc oct2020" /><ref>{{cite web | url = https://kotaku.com/xbox-360-users-are-getting-free-cloud-saves-to-help-upg-1845357035 | title = Xbox 360 Users Are Getting Free Cloud Saves To Help Upgrade To Series X/S | first = Mike | last = Fahey | date = October 13, 2020 | access-date = October 13, 2020 | work = [[Kotaku]] | archive-date = October 13, 2020 | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20201013180709/https://kotaku.com/xbox-360-users-are-getting-free-cloud-saves-to-help-upg-1845357035 | url-status = live }}</ref>

{{anchor|FPS Boost}}
Xbox Series S can play Xbox One games with improved performance, [[texture filtering]], and auto HDR support, but it does not support Xbox One X-specific enhancements.<ref>{{Cite web|date=2020-09-11|title=Xbox Series S won't run Xbox One X versions of backwards compatible games|url=https://www.videogameschronicle.com/news/xbox-series-s-likely-wont-be-able-to-run-xbox-one-x-content-its-claimed/|access-date=2020-09-14|website=VGC|language=en-GB|archive-date=December 20, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201220175955/https://www.videogameschronicle.com/news/xbox-series-s-likely-wont-be-able-to-run-xbox-one-x-content-its-claimed/|url-status=live}}</ref> Microsoft is providing tools for developers to check the performance of their Xbox One games on the Series X and S consoles, which can suggest optimizations "as easy as changing three lines of code" to support the improvements in backward compatibility.<ref>{{cite web |last=Leadbetter |first=Richard |title=This is how Xbox Series S backwards compatibility really works |url=https://www.eurogamer.net/articles/digitalfoundry-2020-this-is-how-xbox-series-s-back-compat-really-works |work=[[Eurogamer]] |date=September 19, 2020 |access-date=September 19, 2020 |archive-date=September 19, 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200919124006/https://www.eurogamer.net/articles/digitalfoundry-2020-this-is-how-xbox-series-s-back-compat-really-works |url-status=live }}</ref> In February 2021, Microsoft introduced FPS Boost, a feature for select backward-compatible games that the company said can improve the framerate of these titles on the Xbox Series X and Series S by two to four times. This is a feature that Microsoft's engineers must prepare for each game, with five games supported initially and more to be rolled out over time.<ref>{{cite web | url = https://www.ign.com/articles/xbox-series-x-fps-boost-far-cry-4-watch-dogs-2-sniper-elite-4-ufc-4 | title = Microsoft Announces FPS Boost Feature For Xbox Series X/S Backwards Compatibility Games | first = Matt | last = Purslow | date = February 17, 2021 | access-date = February 17, 2021 | work = [[IGN]] | archive-date = February 17, 2021 | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20210217171754/https://www.ign.com/articles/xbox-series-x-fps-boost-far-cry-4-watch-dogs-2-sniper-elite-4-ufc-4 | url-status = live }}</ref> Microsoft developed FPS Boost after finding that for many backward compatible games, the CPU and GPU on the newer consoles frequently entered their idle states even with the other enhancements in place, and so they sought ways to use the unused processing cycles to further enhance the older games' performance.<ref>{{cite web | url = https://www.gamespot.com/articles/how-microsoft-created-its-new-xbox-fps-boost-feature/1100-6487733/ | title = How Microsoft Created Its New Xbox FPS Boost Feature | first = Darryl | last = Bonthuys | date = February 18, 2021 | access-date = February 18, 2021 | work = [[GameSpot]] | archive-date = February 18, 2021 | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20210218124459/https://www.gamespot.com/articles/how-microsoft-created-its-new-xbox-fps-boost-feature/1100-6487733/ | url-status = live }}</ref> As of May 2021, about 97 games were updated to support FPS Boost.<ref>{{cite web | url = https://www.theverge.com/2021/5/3/22416986/microsoft-xbox-fps-boost-new-games-list | title = Microsoft adds FPS Boost to 74 more games on Xbox Series X / S | first = Tom | last = Warren | date = May 3, 2021 | access-date = May 3, 2021 | work = [[The Verge]] | archive-date = May 3, 2021 | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20210503160545/https://www.theverge.com/2021/5/3/22416986/microsoft-xbox-fps-boost-new-games-list | url-status = live }}</ref>

In March 2021, Microsoft started testing the Auto HDR feature with Windows-compatible games and computers that meet minimal requirements supported through DirectX.<ref>{{cite web | url = https://www.videogameschronicle.com/news/microsoft-brings-xboxs-auto-hdr-feature-to-over-1000-pc-games/ | title = Microsoft brings Xbox's Auto HDR feature to over 1,000 PC games | first = Tom | last = Ivan | date = March 17, 2021 | access-date = March 17, 2021 | work = [[Video Games Chronicle]] | archive-date = March 17, 2021 | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20210317234941/https://www.videogameschronicle.com/news/microsoft-brings-xboxs-auto-hdr-feature-to-over-1000-pc-games/ | url-status = live }}</ref>

== Release and promotion ==
In March 2020, Microsoft stated that despite the [[COVID-19 pandemic]], they expected the Xbox Series X to ship by the end of 2020, though they were monitoring supply chains and the safety of their workers.<ref>{{cite web|last=Novet|first=Jordan|date=March 24, 2020|title=Microsoft CEO Satya Nadella says hardware supply chain coming back online, but demand is the issue|url=https://www.cnbc.com/2020/03/24/satya-nadella-hardware-supply-chain-coming-back-for-xbox-surface.html|access-date=March 25, 2020|work=[[CNBC]]|archive-date=March 24, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200324171325/https://www.cnbc.com/2020/03/24/satya-nadella-hardware-supply-chain-coming-back-for-xbox-surface.html|url-status=live}}</ref> Then, Spencer believed that while the hardware will continue to ship on time, games poised for the release window of Xbox Series X may be delayed due to the pandemic.<ref>{{cite web|last=Pei|first=Annie|date=April 30, 2020|title=New Xbox on schedule but game production may be slowed by coronavirus, Microsoft exec says|url=https://www.cnbc.com/2020/04/30/xbox-series-x-on-schedule-xbox-games-could-be-delayed-by-coronavirus.html|access-date=April 30, 2020|work=[[CNBC]]|archive-date=May 12, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200512134526/https://www.cnbc.com/2020/04/30/xbox-series-x-on-schedule-xbox-games-could-be-delayed-by-coronavirus.html|url-status=live}}</ref> By August 2020, Microsoft committed to a November 2020 release window for the Xbox Series X, affirming the console's release was still on track.<ref name="xbox halo inf">{{cite web | url = https://www.theverge.com/2020/8/11/21363787/microsoft-xbox-series-x-launch-release-date-month | title = Microsoft to launch Xbox Series X in NovemberMicrosoft to launch Xbox Series X in November | first = Tom | last = Warren | date = August 11, 2020 | access-date = August 11, 2020 | work = [[The Verge]] | archive-date = August 11, 2020 | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20200811201004/https://www.theverge.com/2020/8/11/21363787/microsoft-xbox-series-x-launch-release-date-month | url-status = live }}</ref>

Both the Xbox Series X and Series S consoles launched on November 10, 2020,<ref name="wincentral series s" /> with the Series X priced at {{USD|499}}, {{GBP|449}}, and {{Euro|499}} and the Series S priced at {{USD|299}}, {{GBP|249}}, and {{Euro|299}}.<ref>{{cite web | url = https://www.gamesindustry.biz/articles/2020-09-08-xbox-series-s-finally-announced-reportedly-usd299 | title = Xbox Series S finally announced, priced at $299 | first = James | last = Batchelor | date = September 8, 2020 | access-date = September 8, 2020 | work = [[GamesIndustry.biz]] | archive-date = September 9, 2020 | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20200909080250/https://www.gamesindustry.biz/articles/2020-09-08-xbox-series-s-finally-announced-reportedly-usd299 | url-status = live }}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.xbox.com/en-US/consoles/xbox-series-x?xr=shellnav|title=The New Xbox Series X|work=Xbox Series X|date=September 9, 2020|access-date=September 9, 2020|archive-date=September 9, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200909125940/https://www.xbox.com/en-US/consoles/xbox-series-x?xr=shellnav|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.theverge.com/2020/9/9/21428714/xbox-series-x-price-release-date-preorder-all-access|title=Xbox Series X launches on November 10th for $499|last=Warren|first=Tom|work=The Verge|date=September 9, 2020|access-date=September 9, 2020|archive-date=September 9, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200909142619/https://www.theverge.com/2020/9/9/21428714/xbox-series-x-price-release-date-preorder-all-access|url-status=live}}</ref> In China, the systems would release on June 10, 2021.<ref>{{Cite web|last=Partis|first=Danielle|title=Xbox Series X/S set to launch in China in June|url=https://www.gamesindustry.biz/articles/2021-05-14-xbox-series-x-s-set-to-launch-in-china-in-june|date=14 May 2021|work=[[GamesIndustry.biz]]|access-date=April 23, 2022|archive-date=September 27, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210927103801/https://www.gamesindustry.biz/articles/2021-05-14-xbox-series-x-s-set-to-launch-in-china-in-june|url-status=live}}</ref> Microsoft affirmed that 31 games would be available at launch, including those from its Xbox Game Studios and from other third-party publishers, in addition to those from its Xbox One backwards compatibility.<ref>{{cite web | url = https://www.eurogamer.net/articles/2020-10-15-xbox-series-x-and-s-launch-lineup-is-not-the-kind-of-console-launch-lineup-were-used-to | title = Xbox Series X and S launch lineup is a long list of optimised titles | first = Wesley | last = Yin-Poole | date = October 15, 2020 | access-date = October 15, 2020 | work = [[Eurogamer]] | archive-date = October 16, 2020 | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20201016200531/https://www.eurogamer.net/articles/2020-10-15-xbox-series-x-and-s-launch-lineup-is-not-the-kind-of-console-launch-lineup-were-used-to | url-status = live }}</ref> While ''[[Halo Infinite]]'' had been planned as a launch title when the Series X console was first revealed, Microsoft and [[343 Industries]] opted to delay its release until after the console's launch due to production issues related to the COVID-19 pandemic.<ref name="xbox halo inf" />

Microsoft will continue its [[Xbox One#Xbox All-Access|Xbox All-Access]] financing plans (which bundle the hardware, Xbox Live Gold, and Xbox Game Pass as part of a monthly payment plan) for the Series X. Current All Access plans with the Xbox One will include routes to upgrade to the Xbox Series X, and Spencer states that there will be similar upgrades from the Xbox Series X in the future.<ref>{{cite web|last=Makuch|first=Eddie|date=April 5, 2020|title=Xbox Series X Will Push Subscription Model For Next-Gen Launch, Phil Spencer Says|url=https://www.gamespot.com/articles/xbox-series-x-will-push-subscription-model-for-nex/1100-6475653/|access-date=April 5, 2020|work=[[GameSpot]]|archive-date=April 6, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200406112008/https://www.gamespot.com/articles/xbox-series-x-will-push-subscription-model-for-nex/1100-6475653/|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|last=Warren|first=Tom|date=April 30, 2020|title=Microsoft's big Xbox Game Pass bet is starting to pay off|url=https://www.theverge.com/2020/4/30/21242479/microsoft-xbox-game-pass-subscribers-phil-spencer-comments|access-date=April 30, 2020|work=[[The Verge]]|archive-date=July 27, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200727202322/https://www.theverge.com/2020/4/30/21242479/microsoft-xbox-game-pass-subscribers-phil-spencer-comments|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|last=Ivan|first=Tom|date=June 24, 2020|title=Xbox head says console subscription model 'will be critical to Series X launch and the next-gen'|url=https://www.videogameschronicle.com/news/xbox-head-says-console-subscription-model-will-be-critical-to-series-x-launch-and-the-next-gen/|access-date=June 24, 2020|work=[[Video Games Chronicle]]|archive-date=June 26, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200626145811/https://www.videogameschronicle.com/news/xbox-head-says-console-subscription-model-will-be-critical-to-series-x-launch-and-the-next-gen/|url-status=live}}</ref> The All-Access option for the Xbox Series X option will be based on a 24-month plan at {{USD|35 per month}} while the Series S will be based on a {{USD|25 per month}} plan.<ref name="The Verge 2020-09-09">{{cite web | url = https://www.theverge.com/2020/9/9/21428714/xbox-series-x-price-release-date-preorder-all-access | title = Xbox Series X launches on November 10th for $499 | first = Tom | last = Warren | date = September 9, 2020 | access-date = September 9, 2020 | work = [[The Verge]] | archive-date = September 9, 2020 | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20200909142619/https://www.theverge.com/2020/9/9/21428714/xbox-series-x-price-release-date-preorder-all-access | url-status = live }}</ref>

Upon reveal of the Xbox Series X's vertical form factor, a popular Internet [[meme]] compared the design to a mini [[refrigerator]]. In the lead-up to the console's release, Microsoft manufactured a limited number of refrigerators modeled after the Xbox Series X exterior, complete with a disk drive handle, green interior [[Low-key lighting|ambient lighting]], and the Xbox startup sound. Some were distributed to celebrities like [[Snoop Dogg]] and [[iJustine]], and others were offered as part of promotional contests.<ref>{{cite web | url = https://www.theverge.com/2020/10/28/21538654/microsoft-xbox-series-x-fridge-competition | title = Microsoft made an Xbox Series X fridge that it's giving away | first = Tom | last = Warren | date = October 28, 2020 | access-date = October 28, 2020 | work = [[The Verge]] | archive-date = October 28, 2020 | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20201028190955/https://www.theverge.com/2020/10/28/21538654/microsoft-xbox-series-x-fridge-competition | url-status = live }}</ref> In March 2021, in collaboration with Microsoft, [[Dwayne Johnson]] offered smaller mini-fridges modeled off the Xbox Series X to promote his line of Zoa energy drinks; Microsoft's Greenberg stated that this was a trial run to see if the Xbox mini-fridge would have potential sales options beyond this promotion.<ref>{{cite web | url = https://www.gamespot.com/articles/an-xbox-mini-fridge-could-become-a-real-thing-you-can-buy/1100-6489001/ | title = An Xbox Mini-Fridge Could Become A Real Thing You Can Buy | first = Eddie | last = Makuch | date = March 18, 2021 | access-date = March 18, 2021 | work = [[GameSpot]] | archive-date = March 18, 2021 | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20210318162506/https://www.gamespot.com/articles/an-xbox-mini-fridge-could-become-a-real-thing-you-can-buy/1100-6489001/ | url-status = live }}</ref> After followers of the official Xbox Twitter account helped the brand to win in a Twitter marketing vote-based championship in April 2021, Greenberg affirmed that Microsoft will proceed with producing Xbox Series X mini-fridges for purchase.<ref>{{cite web | url = https://www.engadget.com/xbox-series-x-official-mini-fridges-152107391.html | title = Official Xbox Series X mini fridges are coming | first = J. | last = Fingas | date = April 2, 2021 | access-date = April 2, 2021 | work = [[Engadget]] | archive-date = April 2, 2021 | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20210402153740/https://www.engadget.com/xbox-series-x-official-mini-fridges-152107391.html | url-status = live }}</ref> Microsoft announced during [[E3 2021]] that these mini fridges would be available to purchase by end-of-year holiday period in 2021.<ref>{{cite web | url = https://www.polygon.com/e3/22532183/xbox-mini-fridge-release-date-series-x | title = You'll be able to buy an actual Xbox Mini Fridge later this year | first = Samit | last = Sarkar | date = June 13, 2021 | access-date = June 13, 2021 | work = [[Polygon (website)|Polygon]] | archive-date = June 13, 2021 | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20210613191304/https://www.polygon.com/e3/22532183/xbox-mini-fridge-release-date-series-x | url-status = live }}</ref> Microsoft opened pre-orders for the mini-fridge in October 2021, with plans for distribution in December 2021 in North America and European markets.<ref>{{cite web | url = https://www.theverge.com/2021/10/15/22727969/xbox-series-x-mini-fridge-price-release-date | title = Xbox Series X mini fridge preorders begin on October 19th for $99.99 | first = Tom | last = Warren | date = October 15, 2021 | access-date = October 15, 2021 | work = [[The Verge]] | archive-date = October 15, 2021 | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20211015140936/https://www.theverge.com/2021/10/15/22727969/xbox-series-x-mini-fridge-price-release-date | url-status = live }}</ref>

Microsoft announced a 1 TB Xbox Series S model in carbon black, which was released on September 1, 2023 at a price of US$349.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Warren |first=Tom |date=2023-06-11 |title=Microsoft announces black Xbox Series S with 1TB of storage for $349 |url=https://www.theverge.com/2023/6/11/23757097/microsoft-xbox-series-s-black-1b-storage |access-date=2023-06-11 |website=The Verge |language=en-US |archive-date=June 11, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230611182536/https://www.theverge.com/2023/6/11/23757097/microsoft-xbox-series-s-black-1b-storage | url-status = live }}</ref>

== Reception ==
At launch, critics praised the new console hardware and commented positively on its improved graphics, reduction of loading times, and strong backward compatibility support, but, due to the lack of any console exclusives, remained hesitant of the console's true power. Because of this, at launch, many did not feel these consoles truly represented the next generation of home consoles. The lack of significant launch-day exclusive titles designed to show off the new hardware capabilities, as well as the familiar controller shape and user interface, was considered by some to be disappointing given the next-generation focus of Sony's PlayStation 5. The Series X was generally considered the better unit when compared to the Series S, as the computation and space limitations of the latter made it a less user-friendly experience to navigate but still otherwise functional.<ref>{{cite web | url = https://www.videogameschronicle.com/news/xbox-series-x-s-review-round-up-critics-praise-hardware-but-bemoan-lack-of-exclusives/ | title = Xbox Series X/S review round-up: Critics praise hardware, but bemoan lack of exclusives | first = Tom | last = Ivan | date = November 5, 2020 | access-date = November 5, 2020 | work = [[Video Games Chronicle]] | archive-date = November 5, 2020 | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20201105171729/https://www.videogameschronicle.com/news/xbox-series-x-s-review-round-up-critics-praise-hardware-but-bemoan-lack-of-exclusives/ | url-status = live }}</ref> ''[[Eurogamer]]''<nowiki/>'s Richard Leadbetter stated "I love the hardware in terms of what I can potentially experience with it and the expert implementation of many of its forward-looking features—but a console is defined by its games, and in that sense, I still feel that I barely know the machine at all."<ref>{{cite web | url = https://www.eurogamer.net/articles/digitalfoundry-2020-xbox-series-x-console-review | title = Xbox Series X review: next generation games machine, continuity console – or both? | first = Richard | last = Leadbetter | date = November 5, 2020 | access-date = November 5, 2020 | work = [[Eurogamer]] | archive-date = November 5, 2020 | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20201105140037/https://www.eurogamer.net/articles/digitalfoundry-2020-xbox-series-x-console-review | url-status = live }}</ref> Keza MacDonald of ''[[The Guardian]]'' said that while there is no immediate driving force to buy the consoles at launch, "there's not much to criticise: they do everything they promised to do, and they do it well."<ref>{{cite web | url = https://www.theguardian.com/games/2020/nov/05/xbox-series-x-s-review-game-gaming | title = Xbox Series X and Series S review: no-nonsense, next-generation gaming | first = Keza | last = MacDonald | date = November 5, 2020 | access-date = November 5, 2020 | work = [[The Guardian]] | archive-date = November 5, 2020 | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20201105140225/https://www.theguardian.com/games/2020/nov/05/xbox-series-x-s-review-game-gaming | url-status = live }}</ref> ''[[Gamasutra]]''{{'s}} Kris Graft and Chris Kerr said that "Microsoft has delivered two highly appealing entry points that can turn players into long-term customers, while at the same time erasing the idea of 'generations,' exposing people to more games, past, present and future."<ref>{{cite web | url = https://www.gamasutra.com/view/news/373176/A_tale_of_two_consoles_Xbox_Series_X_and_S_in_review.php | title = A tale of two consoles: Xbox Series X and S in review | first1 = Kris | last1 = Graft | first2 = Chris | last2 = Kerr | date = November 5, 2020 | access-date = November 5, 2020 | work = [[Gamasutra]] | archive-date = November 5, 2020 | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20201105140258/https://www.gamasutra.com/view/news/373176/A_tale_of_two_consoles_Xbox_Series_X_and_S_in_review.php | url-status = live }}</ref>

In November 2021, Jordan Ramée of ''GameSpot'' acknowledged that Xbox Series X and S had begun to see higher-profile console-exclusive releases since their launch (such as ''[[Forza Horizon 5]]'', and the third-party titles ''[[The Artful Escape]]'' and ''[[The Big Con]]''), and that Smart Delivery was a "crucial" feature of the consoles—praising the system for being seamless and automatic unlike PlayStation 5, whose user interface "did not make it abundantly clear which version of a game you were choosing to download and play, occasionally resulting in players accidentally putting the PS4 version of a game on their PS5." He also felt that migrating from an older Xbox One was easier than migrating from PS4 to PS5, citing Smart Delivery, automatic synchronization of save data, and maintaining the same user interface.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Xbox Series X{{!}}S – What Surprised Us Most, 1 Year Later |url=https://www.gamespot.com/articles/xbox-series-x-what-surprised-us-most-1-year-later/1100-6497983/ |access-date=2022-08-15 |website=GameSpot |language=en-US |archive-date=August 15, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220815195432/https://www.gamespot.com/articles/xbox-series-x-what-surprised-us-most-1-year-later/1100-6497983/ |url-status=live }}</ref>

=== Sales ===
Microsoft announced that the Xbox Series X/S was the biggest Xbox console launch, with more consoles sold in more countries in its first 24 hours than any previous Xbox. The record was previously held by the Xbox One, which sold more than one million units at launch.<ref>{{cite web | url = https://www.eurogamer.net/articles/2020-11-12-xbox-series-x-s-was-the-biggest-xbox-launch-ever | title = Xbox Series X/S was the biggest Xbox launch ever | first = Tom | last = Phillips | date = November 12, 2020 | access-date = November 25, 2020 | work = [[Eurogamer]] | archive-date = November 17, 2020 | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20201117092233/https://www.eurogamer.net/articles/2020-11-12-xbox-series-x-s-was-the-biggest-xbox-launch-ever | url-status = live }}</ref> The Xbox Series S has attracted a higher percentage of new Xbox players than any previous Microsoft consoles.<ref>{{cite web | url = https://www.videogameschronicle.com/news/xbox-series-s-set-a-record-for-new-players-at-launch-microsoft-claims/ | title = Xbox claims Series S set a record for percentage of new players at launch | first = Andy | last = Robinson | date = November 13, 2020 | access-date = December 16, 2021 | work = [[Video Games Chronicle]] | archive-date = December 17, 2021 | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20211217034133/https://www.videogameschronicle.com/news/xbox-series-s-set-a-record-for-new-players-at-launch-microsoft-claims/ | url-status = live }}</ref> Microsoft's CEO, [[Satya Nadella]], would affirm in an earnings call on July 27, 2021, that the Series X and S consoles were the fastest selling Xbox consoles ever.<ref>{{Cite web|last=Warren|first=Tom|date=2021-07-27|title=Microsoft reports weaker Surface and Windows revenue amid global chip shortage|url=https://www.theverge.com/2021/7/27/22596578/microsoft-q4-2021-earnings-revenue-xbox-cloud-services-surface-gaming|url-status=live|access-date=2021-07-28|website=The Verge|language=en|archive-date=July 28, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210728134835/https://www.theverge.com/2021/7/27/22596578/microsoft-q4-2021-earnings-revenue-xbox-cloud-services-surface-gaming}}</ref> Microsoft has not revealed the exact sales numbers of the Xbox Series X/S, having last revealed sales figure for Xbox consoles in 2014. However, estimates from industry analysts and exact sales from specific regions are available.

Daniel Ahmed, a Niko Partners analyst, has provided estimates for the worldwide sell-through of the Xbox Series X/S. The combined worldwide sales of the Xbox Series X and Series S would have reached 3.5 million by December 31, 2020.<ref>{{cite web | url = https://www.gamespot.com/articles/xbox-series-xs-sales-not-far-behind-ps5-analyst-says/1100-6487110/ | title = Xbox Series X{{!}}S Sales Not Far Behind PS5, Analyst Says | first = Gabe | last = Gurwin | date = February 4, 2021 | access-date = February 4, 2021 | work = [[GameSpot]] | archive-date = February 14, 2021 | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20210214195913/https://www.gamespot.com/articles/xbox-series-xs-sales-not-far-behind-ps5-analyst-says/1100-6487110/ | url-status = live }}</ref> Sales would increase to 6.5 million by June 30, 2021, outpacing the 5.7 million units sold of the Xbox One and the 5 million units of the Xbox 360 in the same timeframe.<ref>{{Cite tweet | title = We estimate that the Xbox Series X/S total sell in was 6.5m as of June 30, 2021. | user = zhugeex | number = 1420141968546537472 | first = Daniel | last = Ahmed | access-date = July 28, 2021 }}</ref> Sales worldwide are estimated to have reached 8 million by September 30, 2021,<ref>{{cite web | url = https://www.gamespot.com/articles/xbox-series-x-s-sales-reach-8-million-game-pass-climbs-above-20-million-analyst/1100-6497450/ | title = Xbox Series X/S Sales Reach 8 Million, Game Pass Climbs Above 20 Million – Analyst | first = Eddie | last = Makuch | date = October 27, 2021 | access-date = October 27, 2021 | work = [[GameSpot]] | archive-date = October 27, 2021 | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20211027200538/https://www.gamespot.com/articles/xbox-series-x-s-sales-reach-8-million-game-pass-climbs-above-20-million-analyst/1100-6497450/ | url-status = live }}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.gq-magazine.co.uk/culture/article/xbox-phil-spencer-todd-howard-interview |title=How Xbox outgrew the console: inside Phil Spencer's multi-billion dollar gamble |first=Sam |last=White |website=[[GQ]] |date=November 15, 2021 |access-date=November 15, 2021 |archive-date=November 15, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211115130242/https://www.gq-magazine.co.uk/culture/article/xbox-phil-spencer-todd-howard-interview |url-status=live }}</ref> and 12 million units by the end of 2021.<ref name="gsshipped">{{cite web | url = https://www.gamespot.com/articles/xbox-series-x-s-reaches-12-million-shipped-analyst-says/1100-6499507/ | title = Xbox Series X/S Reaches 12 Million Shipped, Analyst Says | first = Eddie | last = Makuch | date = January 11, 2022 | access-date = January 11, 2022 | work = [[GameSpot]] | archive-date = January 11, 2022 | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20220111132616/https://www.gamespot.com/articles/xbox-series-x-s-reaches-12-million-shipped-analyst-says/1100-6499507/ | url-status = live }}</ref> At the end of 2022, it was estimated by Ampere Analysis that sales had reached 18.5 million.<ref name="Sales">{{cite web |date=28 February 2023 |title=Xbox Series X/S has sold 18.5 million versus PS5's 30 million, analysis firm estimates |url=https://www.videogameschronicle.com/news/xbox-series-x-s-has-sold-18-5-million-versus-ps5s-30-million-analysis-firm-estimates/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230330155400/https://www.videogameschronicle.com/news/xbox-series-x-s-has-sold-18-5-million-versus-ps5s-30-million-analysis-firm-estimates/ |archive-date=March 30, 2023 |access-date=1 May 2023 |website=VGC}}</ref> In June 2023, during an ID@Xbox presentation in Brazil, Microsoft revealed that Xbox Series X and Series S had sold over 21 million units to date,<ref name="Sales Jul 2023" /> which is lagging behind its rival PS5 with 40 million units sold as of July 2023.<ref>{{cite web |first=Wesley |last=Yin-Poole |title=PS5 Shoots Through 40 Million Sales, Tracking Slightly Behind PS4 |url=https://www.ign.com/articles/ps5-shoots-through-40-million-sales-tracking-slightly-behind-ps4 |website=IGN |language=en |date=27 July 2023}}</ref><br> 
During the hearing of [[Proposed acquisition of Activision Blizzard by Microsoft|Activision Blizzard Acquisition]] on June 22, 2023, Microsoft admitted that they "lost the console wars" and "Xbox's console has consistently ranked third (of three) behind PlayStation and Nintendo in sales. In 2021, Xbox had a market share of 16%...Likewise for console revenues and share of consoles currently in use by gamers ('installed base'), Xbox trails with 21%"<ref>{{cite web |first=Rebekah |last=Valentine |title=Xbox FTC Trial Day 3: What Was in Phil Spencer's Missing Email? |url=https://www.ign.com/articles/xbox-ftc-trial-day-3-what-was-in-phil-spencers-missing-email |website=IGN |language=en |date=27 June 2023}}</ref>

Certified sales data are available in certain regions through providers, such as GfK in various regions of Europe. [[Famitsu]] also provides specific sales estimates in Japan. In the UK, 155,000 units were sold on launch day, two-thirds of which were Xbox Series X consoles.<ref>{{cite web | url = https://www.videogameschronicle.com/news/xbox-series-x-s-was-microsofts-biggest-console-launch-in-the-uk/ | title = Xbox Series X/S was Microsoft's biggest console launch in the UK | first = Andy | last = Robinson | date = November 14, 2020 | access-date = March 7, 2021 | work = [[Video Games Chronicle]] | archive-date = March 4, 2021 | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20210304183935/https://www.videogameschronicle.com/news/xbox-series-x-s-was-microsofts-biggest-console-launch-in-the-uk/ | url-status = live }}</ref> Sales in the region would reach 310,000 by the end of 2020,<ref>{{cite web | url = https://www.gamesindustry.biz/articles/2021-03-04-ps5-and-xbox-series-sold-800-000-consoles-in-the-uk-last-year | title = PS5 and Xbox Series sold 800,000 consoles in the UK last year | first = Christopher | last = Dring | date = March 4, 2021 | access-date = March 4, 2021 | work = [[GamesIndustry.biz]] | archive-date = March 4, 2021 | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20210304230604/https://www.gamesindustry.biz/articles/2021-01-08-43-million-games-sold-in-the-uk-in-2020-uk-annual-report | url-status = live }}</ref> over 1 million by the end of 2021,<ref>{{cite web | url = https://www.gamesindustry.biz/articles/2022-01-11-xbox-series-s-and-x-hits-1m-uk-sales-in-strong-december-uk-monthly-charts | title = Xbox Series S and X hits 1&nbsp;m UK sales in strong December / UK Monthly Charts | first = Christopher | last = Dring | date = January 12, 2022 | access-date = January 12, 2022 | work = [[GamesIndustry.biz]] | archive-date = January 12, 2022 | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20220112110939/https://www.gamesindustry.biz/articles/2022-01-11-xbox-series-s-and-x-hits-1m-uk-sales-in-strong-december-uk-monthly-charts | url-status = live }}</ref> and 1.8 million by the end of 2022.<ref>{{cite web | url = https://eraltd.org/media/72551/2023-era-yrbk.pdf#page=28 | title = 2023 | access-date = March 8, 2023 | work = ERA | url-status = live | archive-date = March 6, 2023 | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20230306185842/https://eraltd.org/media/72551/2023-era-yrbk.pdf#page=28 }}</ref> The Series X variety accounted for 43% of all the Xbox Series consoles sold over 2021 in the UK.<ref>{{cite web | url = https://www.gamesindustry.biz/articles/2022-01-18-36-million-games-and-3-4-million-consoles-sold-in-the-uk-in-2021-uk-annual-report | title = 36 million games and 3.4 million consoles sold in the UK in 2021 / UK Annual Report | first = Christopher | last = Dring | date = January 18, 2022 | access-date = January 18, 2022 | work = [[GamesIndustry.biz]] | archive-date = January 18, 2022 | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20220118113732/https://www.gamesindustry.biz/articles/2022-01-18-36-million-games-and-3-4-million-consoles-sold-in-the-uk-in-2021-uk-annual-report | url-status = live }}</ref> In Japan, 16,247 Xbox Series X and 4,287 Xbox Series S systems were sold during the launch week, for a total of 20,534 units sold.<ref name="Gematsu Japanese launch sales">{{cite web|last=Romano|first=Sal|date=November 19, 2020|url=https://www.gematsu.com/2020/11/famitsu-sales-11-9-20-11-15-20|title=Famitsu Sales: 11/9/20 – 11/15/20|publisher=Gematsu|access-date=November 19, 2020|archive-date=November 20, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201120111519/https://www.gematsu.com/2020/11/famitsu-sales-11-9-20-11-15-20|url-status=live}}</ref> Sales in Japan would cross 116,000 in November 2021, outselling the lifetime Japanese sales of the Xbox One in under a year.<ref>{{cite web | url = https://www.gematsu.com/2021/11/famitsu-sales-11-1-21-11-7-21 | title = Famitsu Sales: 11/1/21 – 11/7/21 [Update] | first = Sal | last = Romano | date = November 11, 2021 | access-date = December 16, 2021 | work = Gematsu | archive-date = December 7, 2021 | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20211207153314/https://www.gematsu.com/2021/11/famitsu-sales-11-1-21-11-7-21 | url-status = live }}</ref> By the end of 2022, Xbox Series X/S reached 400,000 units sold in Japan.<ref>{{cite web | url = https://www.gematsu.com/2023/01/famitsu-sales-12-26-22-1-8-23 | title = Famitsu Sales: 12/26/22 – 1/8/23 | first = Sal | last = Romano | date = January 12, 2023 | access-date = January 12, 2023 | work = Gematsu | archive-date = January 12, 2023 | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20230112151522/https://www.gematsu.com/2023/01/famitsu-sales-12-26-22-1-8-23 | url-status = live }}</ref> In Spain, there were 10,500 Xbox Series X and 3,600 Xbox Series S systems sold during the launch week for a combined total of 14,100 units sold.<ref>{{cite web | url = https://vandal.elespanol.com/noticia/1350739966/ps5-vendio-43000-unidades-en-su-primera-semana-en-espana-xbox-series-xs-14000/ | title = PS5 vendió 43.000 unidades en su primera semana en España, Xbox Series X/S 14.000 | first = Rubén | last = Mercado | date = November 27, 2020 | access-date = March 7, 2021 | work = [[:es:Vandal]] | archive-date = January 28, 2021 | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20210128024130/https://vandal.elespanol.com/noticia/1350739966/ps5-vendio-43000-unidades-en-su-primera-semana-en-espana-xbox-series-xs-14000/ | url-status = live }}</ref> By the end of 2020, 30,850 Xbox Series X and S systems had been sold in Spain.<ref>{{cite web | url = https://vandal.elespanol.com/noticia/1350741379/switch-fue-la-consola-mas-vendida-en-espana-en-2020-con-mas-de-medio-millon-de-unidades/ | title = Switch fue la consola más vendida en España en 2020 con más de medio millón de unidades | first = Rubén | last = Mercado | date = January 29, 2021 | access-date = March 7, 2021 | work = [[:es:Vandal]] | archive-date = February 6, 2021 | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20210206163458/https://vandal.elespanol.com/noticia/1350741379/switch-fue-la-consola-mas-vendida-en-espana-en-2020-con-mas-de-medio-millon-de-unidades/ | url-status = live }}</ref> 96,000 units were sold in Spain in 2022.<ref>{{cite web | url = https://www.gamereactor.es/ventas-espana-nintendo-switch-es-la-reina-de-las-navidades-y-del-ano-2022-906193/ | title = Ventas España: Nintendo Switch es la reina de las navidades y del año 2022 | first = David | last = Caballero | date = January 10, 2023 | access-date = January 12, 2023 | work = [[Gamereactor]] | archive-date = January 12, 2023 | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20230112152813/https://www.gamereactor.es/ventas-espana-nintendo-switch-es-la-reina-de-las-navidades-y-del-ano-2022-906193/ | url-status = live }}</ref>

==== Shortages ====
The [[2020–2023 global chip shortage]] prevented Microsoft from producing enough Xbox consoles to meet demand.<ref>{{Cite web |url=https://www.pcworld.com/article/3626933/microsoft-surface-and-windows-sales-were-hurt-by-chip-shortages.html |title="Microsoft says Surface, Windows sales were hurt by chip shortages" Mark Hachman, Aug 3, 2021. |access-date=August 31, 2021 |archive-date=August 31, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210831030517/https://www.pcworld.com/article/3626933/microsoft-surface-and-windows-sales-were-hurt-by-chip-shortages.html |url-status=live }}</ref> Upon launch, both models almost immediately sold out across all retailers and in all markets.<ref name="shortages april" /> This led to scalping on Internet marketplace sites, with consoles going for as high as {{USD|5,000}}.<ref>{{cite web |last=Ivan |first=Tom |date=November 12, 2020 |title=PS5 and Xbox Series X scalpers are currently seeking upwards of $5,000 on eBay |url=https://www.videogameschronicle.com/news/ps5-and-xbox-series-x-scalpers-are-currently-seeking-upwards-of-5000-on-ebay/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201117030454/https://www.videogameschronicle.com/news/ps5-and-xbox-series-x-scalpers-are-currently-seeking-upwards-of-5000-on-ebay/ |archive-date=November 17, 2020 |access-date=November 16, 2020 |work=[[Video Games Chronicle]]}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news |date=2020-11-10 |title=Xbox Series X: Sold-out console posted on eBay for up to £5,000 |url=https://www.bbc.com/news/technology-54894801 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210125200819/https://www.bbc.com/news/technology-54894801 |archive-date=January 25, 2021 |access-date=2021-02-01 |work=BBC News |language=en-GB}}</ref> Spencer said that they had gotten a later start on manufacturing the console in mid-2020 as they were waiting for key AMD chip technology, and they had reached full production capacity by launch but were still rushing to meet sales demand, as well as having made projections on proportions of Series X versus Series S sales.<ref>{{cite web | url = https://www.theverge.com/21611412/microsoft-phil-spencer-interview-xbox-series-x-launch-decoder-podcast | title = Microsoft's Phil Spencer On Launching The New Xbox And The Future Of Games | first = Nilay | last = Patel | date = November 24, 2020 | access-date = November 25, 2020 | work = [[The Verge]] | archive-date = November 24, 2020 | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20201124210535/https://www.theverge.com/21611412/microsoft-phil-spencer-interview-xbox-series-x-launch-decoder-podcast | url-status = live }}</ref> In November 2020, Xbox chief financial officer Tim Stuart said shortages were likely to end in the second quarter of 2021.<ref name="shortages april">{{cite web | url = https://www.videogameschronicle.com/news/microsoft-expects-xbox-series-x-s-supply-shortages-to-continue-until-april-2021/ | title = Microsoft expects Xbox Series X/S supply shortages to continue until April 2021 | first = Tom | last = Ivan | date = November 16, 2020 | access-date = November 16, 2020 | work = [[Video Games Chronicle]] | archive-date = November 16, 2020 | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20201116164252/https://www.videogameschronicle.com/news/microsoft-expects-xbox-series-x-s-supply-shortages-to-continue-until-april-2021/ | url-status = live }}</ref> Starting in May 2021, Microsoft allowed members of the Xbox Insiders program to sign up for a priority list to purchase an Xbox Series X or Series S directly from Microsoft, though only a limited number of units were offered through this program.<ref>{{cite web | url = https://www.vg247.com/2021/05/13/console-purchase-pilot-xbox-series-x-s/ | title = Microsoft's Console Purchase Pilot might help you get an Xbox Series X/S and avoid scalpers | first = Dom | last = Peppiatt | date = May 13, 2021 | access-date = May 13, 2021 | work = [[VG247]] | archive-date = May 13, 2021 | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20210513080023/https://www.vg247.com/2021/05/13/console-purchase-pilot-xbox-series-x-s/ | url-status = live }}</ref> Although Microsoft was unable to produce enough units to satisfy demand during 2021, the revenue from consoles increased because the consoles had higher prices.{{Cn|date=August 2022}}

=== Series S performance problems ===
Microsoft has urged developers to develop games to release on both the Series X and Series S with feature-to-feature parity, despite the latter's limitations. In March 2023, [[Remedy Entertainment|Remedy]], the developer of the game ''[[Control (video game)|Control]]'', said that the system with the lowest specs (the Xbox Series S) dictates the features used because games have to be able run on the hardware and that optimization is nowhere near as simple as lowering resolution and texture quality.<ref>{{cite web |last1=Palumbo |first1=Alessio |title=Remedy: Xbox Series S Optimization Is Nowhere Near as Simple as Lowering Resolution and Textures |url=https://wccftech.com/remedy-xbox-series-s-optimization-is-nowhere-near-as-simple-as-lowering-resolution-and-textures/ |website=Wccftech |date=21 March 2021}}</ref> Spencer said that split-screen co-op is one area that certain games, such as ''Forza'', cannot be used as the Series S, and thus has limited their own first-party releases.<ref name="spencer Gamescom 2023"/>

[[Larian Studios]], the developers of ''[[Baldur's Gate 3]]'', did not officially announce a Xbox Series X/S version due to technical issues relating to [[Split screen (computing)|split-screen co-op]] on the Xbox Series S. This led to a rumor that the game was a [[PlayStation]] [[console exclusive]]. Larian Studios denied the console exclusivity and said that ''Baldur's Gate 3'' might get released on Xbox should the problems get fixed.<ref>{{Cite news |date=2023-02-24 |title=Baldur's Gate 3 doesn't have PlayStation exclusivity, but isn't coming to Xbox for now |language=en |work=Eurogamer.net |url=https://www.eurogamer.net/baldurs-gate-3-doesnt-have-playstation-exclusivity-but-isnt-coming-to-xbox-for-now |access-date=2023-08-24}}</ref> Larian discussed the matter with Spencer, and in August 2023, the studio said it would release ''Baldur's Gate 3'' for the Xbox Series X and Series S without the split-screen co-op feature.<ref>{{Cite web |date=2023-08-24 |title=Baldur's Gate III coming to Xbox Series in 2023 |url=https://www.gematsu.com/2023/08/baldurs-gate-iii-coming-to-xbox-series-in-2023 |access-date=2023-08-24 |website=Gematsu |language=en-US}}</ref>

== Notes ==
{{notelist}}

== References ==
{{reflist}}

== External links ==
{{commons}}
* {{Official website|https://www.xbox.com/consoles}}

{{Xbox}}
{{Ninth generation game consoles}}
{{Home video game consoles}}
{{High definition media}}
{{AMD graphics}}

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[[Category:Xbox Series X and Series S| ]]
[[Category:2020 in video gaming]]
[[Category:2020s toys]]
[[Category:Backward-compatible video game consoles]]
[[Category:Computer-related introductions in 2019]]
[[Category:Home video game consoles]]
[[Category:Microsoft video game consoles]]
[[Category:Ninth-generation video game consoles]]
[[Category:Products introduced in 2020]]
[[Category:X86-based game consoles]]
[[Category:Regionless game consoles]]