Microsoft has announced the launch date for three new Xbox Series S/X console variants, first introduced earlier this year. The enhanced models, which feature a 1TB Xbox Series S, an all-digital 1TB Xbox Series X, and a special edition 2TB Xbox Series X, are set to be available starting October 15, with additional countries receiving them on October 29. However, these new options will not be available in India at this time. Pre-orders for the consoles have already opened on the Xbox website.
Availability of New Xbox Series S/X Console Options
The new Xbox console variants will be released in all regions that currently support Xbox hardware, with the exception of several markets, including India, Argentina, Brazil, Chile, Israel, Korea, Saudi Arabia, Singapore, South Africa, Turkey, and the UAE. Microsoft confirmed this exclusion in a recent post on Xbox Wire. As of now, the new options do not appear in the Xbox store for Indian customers, and the company has not provided any information about plans to introduce the consoles to these markets.
The three new variants comprise a 1TB SSD version of the Xbox Series S in a Robot White color, a disc-free 1TB Xbox Series X, and a 2TB Special Edition Xbox Series X in a striking Galaxy Black finish. These models were first showcased during the Xbox Games Showcase in June.
Pricing and Features of New Xbox Series S/X Options
The base Xbox Series S, previously offered with 512GB of storage, has now been upgraded to a 1TB SSD storage option in Robot White. This variant is priced at $349.99/EUR 349.99 ERP. Last year, Microsoft also released a 1TB version of the Series S in Carbon Black.
The all-digital 1TB Xbox Series X is designed for users who prefer a disc-free experience while maximizing the capabilities of the Xbox system. Offered in Robot White, it retails for $449.99/EUR 499.99 ERP, which is more affordable than the standard Series X priced at $499.99.
For the top-tier model, the 2TB Xbox Series X Galaxy Black Special Edition boasts enhanced storage, a new Galaxy Black colorway, and a matching Xbox wireless controller, with a price tag of $599.99/EUR 649.99 ERP.
New Accessibility Features from Xbox
The unveiling of the new Xbox Series S/X consoles was part of Microsoft’s announcements at Gamescom, the ongoing video game trading fair. At the event, the tech giant also introduced three innovative accessibility devices, along with 3D printable files for adaptive thumbstick toppers aimed at gamers with disabilities.
Microsoft introduced the Xbox Adaptive Joystick for gamers with disabilities
Photo Credit: Microsoft
The new accessibility tools include the Xbox Adaptive Joystick, ByoWave’s Proteus controller, and the 8BitDo Lite SE 2.4G wireless controller. The adaptive joystick functions as a wired complement to Xbox controllers, featuring four face buttons, a standard thumbstick, and additional shoulder buttons that replicate bumper and trigger functions found on traditional controllers.
The 8BitDo controller boasts low-resistance buttons and highly responsive Hall Effect joysticks, all strategically positioned for improved accessibility. It also includes two programmable Super Buttons that can be mapped without requiring additional software and are compatible with the Xbox Adaptive Controller.
In contrast, the Proteus Controller is customizable with modular “snap and play” components that allow users to configure it in various combinations, accommodating over 100 million potential setups.
