While Sony has remained notoriously quiet on PS5, Microsoft has been very open on sharing new information on theXbox Series X. Xbox was the first to reveal its console, something Sony hasn’t even done yet, as well as the first to provide info on some of the specific capabilities of the console as well. Considering this openness of information, it’s very likely Microsoft will be announcing the official release date along with its 20/20 presentation next month.
Conversations on the console release dates are highly speculatory, ranging from as early as September to as late as December. As forXbox Series X, considering Microsoft truly wants to mount a comeback for the next generation of consoles, the release date announcement is more likely to happen soon, possibly even announcing the date during its Xbox 20/20 event in July, or during a June event from Xbox. The Xbox Series X release date should come soon, but the question is when.
Platform and Services News in June
An announcement for the console’s release date will almost certainly come next month, despite how relatively early it may seem. Microsoft has an event planned for June specifically to “highlight the Xbox platform and services,” according to a Bloomberg interview withMicrosoft’s vice-president of gaming Phil Spencer. Platform relates to the usage of the console outside of playing games, and services in relation to the specific features of Xbox Live and how they enhance the experience. Taking that into account, it would make the most sense for a release date to be revealed during that presentation.
Considering Microsoft wants to make as much headway as it can moving into the Series X’s release, providing a release date next month could help solidify the company’s competitive marketing approach. Microsoft not only showing its console, but providing a release date faster than the PS5, could be a serious power-move from Microsoft in its bid for the next generation of consoles.
First Party Games Event in July
There’s also the possibility that Xbox Series X console receives a release date along withtheHalo Infiniteannouncement coming in July. Fans found out earlier this month after the Inside Xbox presentation that another dedicated Xbox 20/20 first-party presentation would be shared forHaloand other exclusive titles. ConsideringHalo Infiniteis planned to release this year, the game will likely need a concrete release date, similar to past E3 reveals. With that logic it’s very possible that a release date forHalo Infinitewould match or coincide with the console’s release date, as the game’s been touted as a release title for the Xbox Series X.
Despite this, it is important to note thatHalo Infinitemay not share the same release date as the Xbox Series X, as Microsoft has confirmedHalo Infinitewill be a cross-generational release with Xbox One as well. Most cross-gen games in the past have had a staggered release between both console generations, so it’s very possibleHalo Infinitecould come to Xbox One prior to Xbox Series X. Typically this is due to development concerns or optimization for the new console, which considering the power difference between Xbox One and Series X, is quite the disparity. Then again, it’s possible that an Xbox One version could come at the same time just to have a simultaneous worldwide release to avoid any issues like spoilers.
As Late As Gamescom, But Not Likely
The latest the console’s release date could be announced is at Gamescom’s digital presentation this year, but it’s not likely given Xbox’s track record so far. The Xbox Series X was already revealed to the worldat The Game Awards at the end of 2019, which at this point is already six months ago now. Previous years have had console makers announce release dates at E3 or Gamescom, like the Xbox One was at E3 and PS4 at Gamescom. Considering Xbox has been ahead of the game so far with its console reveals, Microsoft would likely prefer to announce the release date of the console as soon as possible. Waiting until Gamescom would be a mistake, undoing everything Xbox has done to capitalize on its beginning momentum.
In the long run, fans likely won’t have to wait that long for an Xbox Series X release date. Assuming there are no exterior factors that will delay each console,both the Xbox Series X and PS5 are slated for release this fall. That being said, Xbox is pulling out all the stops this year, so fans should get their release date soon.
Xbox Series Xis slated for release in holiday 2020.
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