What's the Latest on the New Xbox Consoles and Their Prices in 2021

The latest addition to the Xbox family is the Xbox Series X, codenamed Xbox Scarlett. Released in November of 2020, this powerful gaming console offers a significant upgrade in performance and features when compared to its predecessors. Another model, the Xbox Series S, was released simultaneously, providing a more affordable option for gamers who seek the Xbox experience at a lower price point. Microsoft's focus on its cloud gaming platform, Xbox Cloud Gaming, means that new console releases are on hold for the time being. However, you can still purchase these consoles, although scalpers have driven up the prices, especially for the Xbox Series X.

Features of the Newest Xbox Consoles: Series X and S

Both the Xbox Series X and the Xbox Series S changed the landscape of video game consoles. Boasting robust specifications, these models offer gamers enhanced performance and unprecedented gaming experiences. Here are the key features of each:

Xbox Series X

Released in 2020, the Xbox Series X is a powerhouse with a 12 teraflops GPU, providing twice the graphics processing unit (GPU) performance of the previous Xbox One X. Featuring an 8-core AMD Ryzen Zen 2-architecture CPU operating at 3.8GHz, the Xbox Series X can run at an impressive 3.6GHz with SMT (Simultaneous Multithreading), ensuring smooth and fast gameplay. The console is equipped with an AMD Navi/RDNA 2-family GPU with 52 Compute Units (CUs), operating at 1.825GHz and 12 teraflops (TFLOPS) of FP32 performance. It comes with 16GB of GDDR6 memory running at 14Gbps with a 320-bit interface; 10GB is allocated for GPU operations, while 6GB (with 3.5GB for GPU) is reserved for the rest of the system. The Xbox Series X also features a 1TB NVMe SSD operating at PCIe 4.0, with an option to add an additional 1TB SSD module. It is further enhanced with a 4K Blu-ray optical drive, offering backwards compatibility with XOne and 360 games.

In the United States, the Xbox Series X retails for $499.00, although prices can rise significantly due to scalpers. Daily restocks can be monitored to secure a purchase. The console is priced at ￡450 in the UK, and AU749 in Australia.

Xbox Series S

The Xbox Series S is designed to be more accessible, priced at $299.00 in the US, ￡250 in the UK, and AU499 in Australia. This model also features an 8-core AMD Ryzen Zen 2-architecture CPU, running at 3.6GHz with SMT at 3.4GHz. It is equipped with an AMD Navi/RDNA 2-family GPU with 20 CUs, operating at 1.565GHz, offering 4TFLOPS of FP32 performance. In terms of memory, the Xbox Series S has 10GB of GDDR6, with 8GB allocated for GPU operations and 2GB for the rest of the system. The console includes a 512GB NVMe SSD operating at PCIe 4.0, with an optional 1TB SSD add-on module. The Xbox Series S does not include an optical drive, yet it can support 1440p, though it is primarily a 1080p machine due to its lower processing power.

Factors Influencing Pricing

Several factors can influence the pricing of the Xbox Series X and S. Scalping is a common practice where individuals resell games at higher prices, which can lead to significant price fluctuations. To counteract this, it is advisable to monitor daily restocks and consider purchasing during the regular sale periods. Online platforms like Amazon, Best Buy, and other online retailers often offer better deals during these times. Additionally, pre-ordering can provide early access, but it also means waiting for delivery.

Conclusion

As of now, Microsoft has no plans to release new Xbox consoles in the near future, focusing instead on its cloud gaming platform, Xbox Cloud Gaming. However, gamers can still enjoy the latest models, the Xbox Series X and S, which offer impressive capabilities and a truly immersive gaming experience. Whether you choose the more powerful Series X or the more budget-friendly Series S, you can expect a high-quality gaming experience that surpasses previous generations of consoles.