November release date and pricing confirmed for next-generation Xbox consoles

Gamers will be able to get their hands on the next generation Xbox consoles from November 10, Microsoft has confirmed.

The flagship Xbox Series X machine is priced at £449, while a recently-announced compact version known as Xbox Series S will retail at £249.

Pre-orders for both consoles will begin on September 22, the tech giant said.

The device will also be made available through its Xbox All Access programme, allowing players to split the cost across 24 months from £20.99 a month with no upfront cost, which includes Xbox Game Pass Ultimate and Xbox Live to play online included.

A new partnership with video game-maker Electronic Arts will bring more than 60 of the firm’s “biggest and best console and PC games” to Xbox Game Pass at no additional cost.

On release day, users will be able to buy and play next-gen versions of Gears Tactics, Tetris Effect: Connected, Assassin’s Creed Valhalla, and Watch Dogs: Legion.

Phil Spencer, head of Xbox, said: “Gaming has evolved in the last decade to make it easier, simpler and more affordable for any player to make that first connection with a new world, a new story, or a new friend.

“With a family of next-gen Xbox consoles, even greater variety and value with Xbox Game Pass, and an expansion to Xbox All Access, we invite everyone to join us for this next generation of gaming.”

Microsoft has said the Series X is the “most powerful” console it has ever made – featuring processing power twice that of the current generation Xbox One X.

The end of 2020 will be a busy year for the video games industry, with fellow gaming giant Sony set to release its own next-generation console – the PlayStation 5 – before the end of the year.