Microsoft has officially unveiled the Xbox Series S, a less powerful, cheaper alternative to the Xbox Series X.
After images and pricing of the console appeared on Windows Central, Microsoft officially confirmed the new console will be priced at 9 (£249).
It’s not yet confirmed when the Xbox Series S or Xbox Series X will release, although the initial report claimed both consoles are scheduled for 10th November - with the latter priced at $499.
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👀 Let’s make it official!
— Xbox (@Xbox) September 8, 2020
Xbox Series S | Next-gen performance in the ˢᵐᵃˡˡᵉˢᵗ Xbox ever. $299 (ERP).
Looking forward to sharing more! Soon. Promise. pic.twitter.com/8wIEpLPVEq
A comparison video showing the two models side by side also leaked, showing how the Xbox Series S is thinner, slightly smaller and comes without a disc drive.
— WalkingCat (@_h0x0d_) September 8, 2020
An advert for the Xbox Series S has also leaked, touting “incredibly fast load times”, seamless game switching, and next-gen frame rates up to 120fps.
It also confirms it’s an all-digital console without a disc drive, with DirectX raytracing, supporting 1440p up to 120fps, variable rate shading, variable refresh rate, a custom 512GB SSD, 4K streaming media playback and 4K upscaling for games.
no point holding this back now I guess pic.twitter.com/SgOAjm3BuP
— WalkingCat (@_h0x0d_) September 8, 2020
It’s claimed Microsoft will offer an Xbox All Access financing option for both consoles which will be rolled out worldwide, costing $25 per month for the Xbox Series S and $35 per month for Series X.
The Xbox Series X is set to be released in November (Picture: Microsoft)
While leaks have forced Microsoft to confirm their pricing for one console, this might be the first domino which sparks Sony to announce their price plans for the PlayStation 5.
The Series S price is extremely competitive and, depending on the console's specifications, might be Microsoft's secret trump card - especially considering it's even cheaper than a Nintendo Switch which retails at £279.99.
Whether it'll be enough to slow Sony's momentum however is the big question, who have yet to announce price details for the PS5.