Microsoft’s New Xbox Consoles: A Shift Towards Digital Gaming

Microsoft has announced the launch of new digital versions of its Xbox Series X video game consoles, including some without a disc drive. The Xbox Series S with 1TB SSD will be priced at $349.99, while the Xbox Series X with 1TB SSD Digital Edition will retail for $449.99. A limited edition Xbox Series X with 2TB SSD Galaxy Black Special Edition will also be available with a disc drive for $599.99.

Xbox Series X console

The new consoles will be available in time for the winter holidays, and Microsoft’s recent acquisition of Activision Blizzard and push into subscription-based gaming is changing the market. The company has upped marketing for its Game Pass subscription service, which now has over 34 million paid subscribers.

“Those Microsoft games will be included within Game Pass on the day of their launch as the company tries to push the industry towards a more subscription-friendly mindset.” - Wedbush Securities

The Wall Street firm believes that as Sony PlayStation console sales cool, Microsoft’s acquisition of Activision is helping to boost the company’s collection of upcoming titles, with multiple headliners.

Gaming on Xbox

Microsoft also announced a new pending Call of Duty: Black Ops 6, with a supplement Call of Duty: Black Ops 6 Direct game coming too. The Xbox Games Showcase 2024 highlighted the publishing might of Microsoft at present after a series of high-profile acquisitions.

Xbox Games Showcase 2024

The company’s push towards subscription-based gaming is expected to change the gaming industry, and with its new consoles and Game Pass service, Microsoft is poised to take the lead in the gaming market.