Xbox has just revealed a partnership with AMD for their processing power for the already in the works next-gen Xbox consoles (and handheld!).

What is also revealed is that players may have more than one eStore option for their games (we are hoping Steam is included), which will enable gamers to load and play game libraries from other vendors.

If this is the case, this is a hugely exciting future, making Xbox the one stop gaming platform. This also essentially siloes the likes of PlayStation (excluding their PC ports) and Nintendo.

Announcement reel is below.

The post Xbox Next Gen has begun. And it’s Windows based. appeared first on Shane the Gamer.

Deep Silver has announced Saints Row The Third Remastered will release on Gen 9 consoles on 25th May, with the game to also launch on Steam and GOG on 22nd May 2021.

Saints Row: The Third Remastered on Xbox Series X|S, the all-in-one games and entertainment system from Microsoft and the PlayStation 5 computer entertainment system, will allow players to experience the game running at greater performance settings; equivalent to the PC edition at High settings.

Visually the game’s engine is now able to run at a much higher performance, bringing improvements to lighting, texture resolution, and other visual effects thanks to the powerful hardware.

Framerates are improved across Gen 9 consoles to offer the smoothest possible gameplay; players will be able to enjoy the game running at 60 frames per second and dynamic 4K resolution, keeping the action fluid.

Xbox Series S owners get an additional option to enjoy the game in two modes that better cater for individual player preference.

Play in either Performance Mode, which keeps the gameplay locked at 60fps with a 1080 resolution, or Beauty Mode that locks the gameplay to standard 30fps while employing an upscaled 4K resolution. PlayStation 5 owners will be able to enjoy Activities support, as well as a subtle signature Saints purple glow on the DualSense controller.

Existing owners of Saints Row: The Third Remastered who own Gen 9 consoles will be able to enjoy these upgrades free of charge – Free Upgrade and Smart delivery are guaranteed across PlayStation 5 and Xbox Series X | S versions.

With SSDs on board the new versions load at vastly improved speeds, allowing players to get stuck in without any wait.

The post SAINTS ROW: THE THIRD REMASTERED LAUNCHING ON SERIES X|S & PS5 appeared first on Shane the Gamer.

Today Bungie has released the next-gen versions of Destiny 2 on Xbox Series X, Xbox Series S, and PlayStation 5, a completely free upgrade for Destiny 2 players.

The new consoles will allow Destiny fans to experience their favourite game in glorious 60fps and 4K resolution (Xbox Series S will run at 1080p, 60fps).

In addition, anyone who wants to test their mettle in the Crucible on next-gen consoles can opt to set the iconic PVP mode to 120fps on Xbox Series X and PlayStation 5.

Those who own Xbox One and PlayStation 4 consoles will still be able to play with friends who are on the next-gen versions, as Destiny 2 owners will be able to play across console generation in the same console family. Also, owners of Destiny 2 on Xbox One and PlayStation 4 will get free upgrades to the Xbox Series X, Xbox Series S, and PlayStation 5 version of Destiny 2 for all existing content.

Bungie is excited to bring Destiny 2 home to the newest generation of consoles, with a keen eye on what this may bring in the future for console players.

As part of Season of the Hunt, returning from the original Destiny is the fan-favorite Exotic Hand Cannon Hawkmoon. Work with Crow to reclaim and restore this storied weapon.

Return to the realm of the IX with the Prophecy dungeon. Face hordes of Taken and manipulate reality to solve intricate puzzles alongside fellow Guardians. What was once above is now below. And what was once Light is now Dark.

Everyone that works on STG is a volunteer. If you like the site and its contents please think about donating. Even a small amount helps keep the servers running.

The post DESTINY 2 SMASHES ITS WAY ONTO NEXT GEN appeared first on Shane the Gamer.

Vodafone New Zealand and Sony Interactive Entertainment New Zealand Ltd (SIENZ) today announce an exciting new partnership, with the ultimate aim of boosting digital inclusion throughout Aotearoa through the medium of gaming.

The partnership, kicking off with the sale of a limited number of PlayStation 5 units to Vodafone customers on 12 November* 2020, aligns two of New Zealand’s leading digital businesses and promises to bring greater access to gaming for all New Zealanders in 2021.

Vodafone Consumer Director Carolyn Luey says she is thrilled Vodafone has teamed up with the makers of Aotearoa’s popular gaming console.

“A great many Kiwis already enjoy gaming with PlayStation, and we look forward to helping even more of our customers discover the benefits it can bring through this partnership,” she says.

“Gaming brings people together, and develops valuable skills such as problem-solving, concentration and critical thinking. It is enjoyed by people of all walks of life, age and gender, and is increasing in popularity at an exponential rate.”

The partnership with SIENZ adds another dimension to Vodafone’s support of esports. The digital services business announced a partnership with esports provider LetsPlay.Live (LPL) in 2019 and, together with LPL, has produced esports tournaments, leagues, and experiences throughout 2020.

General Manager Sony Interactive ANZ Goncalo Fialho says that there is a great alignment between Vodafone and SIENZ and the team are excited about the possibilities the partnership opens up.

“The power of the latest generation of PlayStation, combined with Vodafone’s strong connectivity, is a winning combination for New Zealand households,” he says.

“But greater than this are the opportunities this partnership unlocks for the future: an enhanced level of gaming that is more accessible to New Zealanders than ever before. Watch this space!”

To find out more visit www.vodafone.co.nz/ps5

* The PS5 console will be made available to order *online only* on launch day, 12th November, 2020. Units will not be available for in-store purchase, please continue to check back online for further updates.

Everyone that works on STG is a volunteer. If you like the site and its contents please think about donating. Even a small amount helps keep the servers running.

The post Vodafone partners with PlayStation in New Zealand appeared first on Shane the Gamer.

Xbox Australia and New Zealand (ANZ) has announced a livestream countdown for its fans on both sides of the Tasman, and across the world, taking place on November 9th, 2020 at 11:00pm NZDT to officially usher in the next generation of gaming.

Set in glorious Queenstown, minutes before the clock strikes midnight, the livestream will culminate in an official Xbox takeover where Queenstown will be transformed into ‘Greenstown’.

Due to international time zones, New Zealand will be the first country in the world to see the launch of the Xbox Series X and Xbox Series S. Queenstown, one of the only places in the world that matches the visual fidelity of the next generation of Xbox consoles, will host a dream-like ‘Greenstown’ reveal that will begin from dusk, all framed by The Remarkables mountain range.

Featuring a first look at all new gameplay, the livestream will be a celebration of the Australian and New Zealand gaming community. Powered by the Xbox Series X, fans can tune in to see Eivor, a fierce Viking warrior, explore the dynamic and beautiful open world against the brutal backdrop of England’s dark ages in Ubisoft’s Assassin’s Creed Valhalla. Those who tune in will also see the icy frontier of Europa from Destiny 2: Beyond Light, which holds many lost secrets from the past, including the dark power of Stasis. Guardians will be able to embrace the darkness from November 11th, 2020.

The hour-long live show will include guest appearances from Xbox Executives and some of Australia and New Zealand’s most recognisable content creators, and so much more.

 Dan Johnson, Xbox Lead for ANZ said: “We’re excited to be celebrating the launch of both the Xbox Series X and S. New Zealand and Australia will be the first in the world to bring our next-generation consoles to our fans. So, we want to celebrate this momentous event in style. I’d like to invite our Aussie and Kiwi fans to join us on an engaging livestream as we transform the adventure capital of the world into ‘Greenstown’ and broadcast it right into the comfort of their homes.”

With Xbox Series X and Xbox Series S, they will provide unparalleled performance, speed and compatibility for the next generation of consoles and innovative new features that enable gamers to jump into more expansive, lifelike worlds even faster.

Xbox Series X and Xbox Series S both launch in Australia and New Zealand on November 10th, 2020.

New Zealand fans can also purchase a next-gen console via Xbox All Access through Xbox’s partnerships with Spark, offering monthly payment packages.

Fans can tune into the very special ‘Greenstown’ livestream on November 9th, 2020 at 11:00pm NZDT across Xbox ANZ’s Facebook, Twitter, YouTube and Twitch.

Everyone that works on STG is a volunteer. If you like the site and its contents please think about donating. Even a small amount helps keep the servers running.

The post NZ’S QUEENSTOWN TO BECOME ‘GREENSTOWN’ appeared first on Shane the Gamer.

The tale of two Spider-Men.

Miles Morales, the kid from the block (Harlem) who like Peter Parker was bitten by a genetically enhanced Spider.

Getting to grips with his new found web-slinging abilities Miles is coached by Peter.

But as Miles finds out real quick, these abilities come with responsibilities and wielding them with, umm… wreckless abandon can only make a situation worse.

Then before Miles releases it, he is looking after new York city all on his own, as Peter needs to go away for a few weeks.

Spider-Man: Miles Morales is similar to the previous Spider-Man title (2018) we have played on PlayStation 4 but with vast improvements a thousand fold.

To traverse the intricately and accurately mapped NYC you will swing from place to place. Beat up baddies with killer combos and ultimately, try, to save the day.

But you do still have your trainer-wheels on and throughout play you will learn more of your new abilities.

Spider-Man: Miles Morales is also an RPG.

You will Level Up, spend Skill Points and as you earn or acquire them, fancier outfits with better tech.

Speaking of tech due to a new Spider-Man ingame app you can take on side Missions on the fly as the public of NYC can directly message via this app for any help they may need.

Spider-Man: Miles Morales is filled with cyber baddies, an epic one-on-one with Rhino (so far the most stand out moment for me) and who is this chap your Dad was chasing called Prowler?

Another character may, ot may not, be what he seems; Phin Mason. An entrepreneur in the energy business. A target for an organised syndicate trying to get their hands on his energy tech.

Spider-Man: Miles Morales is a play as you want, explore and conquer title that has made the exclusive to PlayStation franchise just that much better than even I couldn’t have imagined with 4K graphic detail our eyes have never seen before in gameplay.

So, what about the PlayStation 5?

While there is alot that I am not going to say – I’m not one to ruin anyone’s golden moment, especially when they receive their silky white and black curved PS5, but expect a difference both with play and although the console is super quiet even during furiously fast action segments – but it does pack some heat (so make sure you give the console ample ventilation space).

You do get a console stand in the box, my suggestion is to use it.

And speaking of space, the Console Edition is slot bigger than I imagined it would be.

Feel the sound.

The haptic feedback on the PS5’s DualSense controller really gives you a true to life feel for the game play, objects in-game and in-game environments. This can be perfectly experienced in both Spider-Man: Miles Morales and Astro’s Playroom as they make full use of the feature.

The PlayStation 5 is also backwards compatible for PlayStation 4 titles.

The console itself is graphically powered by AMD prowess, the internal storage comes in at 850GB SSD and can data crunch 10. 28 teraflops, that’s over a trillion process per second.

If you have the Console Edition you can play your beloved PS4 favs from disc – or on either the Digital Edition (no disc drive) or the Console Edition (has disc drive) play them from your digital games library.

Capable of 8K @ 120 fps and audio output gets a significant boost with 3D audio.

And that’s where I’ll leave it on both Spider-Man: Miles Morales and the PlayStation 5 console itself. I don’t want to give too much away and ruin your own unboxing and connecting up moment.

The post Spider-Man: Miles Morale & PS5 User Preview appeared first on Shane the Gamer.

Days away from the next generation of console gaming, we can finally spill the beans about the Xbox Series X.

Reviewing new products in the video gaming space is a funny old game in itself.Strict embargos and NDAs ensure a steady stream of similar takes, carefully timed by PR people. And why not. As tech journalists, we have no special entitlement to early access to these products. The symbiotic relationship between PR and journalist should be one of mutual respect and understanding. It’s in the best interests of the manufacturers, journalist and you, the reader, that this relationship is kept professional.

I was sent an Xbox Series X a week ago and whilst I was able to post an unboxing, that was it. I could add nothing to it other than my observations of a load of inanimate objects and the packaging- same as everyone else.

With that embargo lifted, I am now free to discuss the Xbox Series X at length. And, to be honest, this has been an interesting review to write, for reasons I will discuss a bit later.

The Xbox Series X, itself is the bigger brother of the two new Xbox consoles. The Xbox Series S is a white smaller unit with no disc drive and slightly less powerful. It’s a console aimed for play at 1080p. The Xbox Series X is gunning for 4K gaming with, at least, 60 frames-per-second, but up to 120fps on a compatible display.

The console is rectangular and made from matt black plastic. At each end are vents for cooling the device. Unlike the Xbox One, the XSX has the power supply unit built in. This makes it a rather heavy unit. It also gets rather hot.

The Xbox Series X when positioned vertically is part console and part cooling tower. The fan at the top (or right side, if horizontal) unloads a lot of heat from the device’s internals. Don’t block it. As tempting as it is to place a spare controller over the cleverly designed green-tinged vent, I don’t recommend it. I’d also refrain from placing the unit on the carpet, unless you want to use it as a vacuum cleaner sucking all your dust into the expensive console.

The new console has a new controller that looks a lot like the old controller. I’m told it’s slightly smaller, but I can’t see it. There’s an extra button on the front for sharing video and screenshots, rather than mess about with menus. I’d have liked to see a couple of extra control buttons, like the Elite, on the new standard controller.

The controller is compatible with the official Xbox One rechargeable batteries. Some changes to the controller’s lid mean that third party rechargeable battery packs will likely not work.

The Xbox Series X comes with an HDMI 2.1 cable, essential if you want to utilise the console’s 4K/120Hz capabilities. Unlike the Xbox One, there’s just the HDMI out and no HDMI in.

Networking is provided both wirelessly and via Ethernet. There’s an RJ45 socket on the back of the device. The wireless capabilities get a bit of an upgrade from the Xbox One to Wifi 5 (802.11ac).

The console has three USB 3.1 Type-A sockets. This is a bit disappointing. I’d have expected the console to have at least one more modern USB Type-C socket. I’d have preferred a bit better future-proofing with an USB 3.2 Gen 2×2 socket for ultra-fast external NVMe drives, as well.

Overall though the new console looks good and quite stylish. The rectangular shape looks particularly impressive standing upright, but the clean lines make it very nice positioned horizontally, as well. The size of the unit may make it too big to be positioned in a small TV cabinet, however.

Switching the console on for the first time I was met with a new start-up sequence before being confronted with a dashboard identical to that of the newly updated Xbox One’s. Whilst one could say don’t fix what’s not broken, as much as I love the Xbox One, the dashboard is an absolute mess.

The plus side is that veteran Xbox users will feel right at home with the Xbox Series X which leads me to the biggest takeaway from this review experience: Xbox fans are going to have to get their heads around the fact that the Xbox Series X is not strictly speaking a new console. Or at least not new like the Xbox One was to the Xbox 360. The Xbox Series X is best seen as an upgrade, like the Xbox One X was to the Xbox One, but an order of magnitude more powerful.

This is the same way that PC gaming works. It’s all PCs are based on the same forty-year-old IBM-PC architecture, but continuously getting upgraded. This is why PC gamers can play games from decades ago on their brand-new PCs. This is also the reason why the Xbox Series X can play Xbox One games, as well as OG Xbox and Xbox 360 games adapted for XB1 backwards compatibility.

This scalable architecture means that we are unlikely to see exclusive Xbox Series X/S games for a while. But, whilst we may be playing the same game on an Xbox Series X than an Xbox One, we will likely be doing so at a higher framerate, higher resolution and with better textures, particles and lighting effects. The great thing about this is that these enhancements can be done retrospectively. With existing games getting spectacular makeovers. This means that day one, most Xbox gamers will find that they already have some Xbox Series X Enhanced games in their collections.

Also, pretty much every Xbox 360 and original Xbox backwards compatible game will run on the Xbox Series X. That’s over 600 backwards compatible Xbox 360/OG Xbox games on top of over 2500 existing Xbox One games.

The Xbox Series X allows player to continue to enjoy their favourite games, some all the way back to the original Xbox. I tried a couple of my favourite Xbox 360 games on the Xbox Series X, both gave me visuals not far off those of a new game release, a far cry from their original graphical fidelity.

Red Dead Redemption looked stunning. Already enhanced for the Xbox One, the Xbox Series X added HDR, automatically, to the ten-year-old game, making it look as good as new. Another game, the original Forza Horizon, also looked stunning in 4K HDR, offering the smooth visuals you expect from a modern racer.

Adding HDR to old Xbox 360 games, already automatically polished up to 4K, gives games that would ordinarily be showing their age a new lease of life. It’s great to revisit old games and play them without the distraction of dated visuals.

Even Grand Theft Auto: San Andreas from the original Xbox looked and played the best I’ve seen it. Three generations of backward compatibility on one console.

The review console included a number of game codes for titles that are, or will be enhanced for Xbox Series X. Unfortunately, only a handful of the games are actually available before the launch. So, I am left to review a new console with the following games, enhanced for Xbox Series X: Forza Horizon 4, Gears of War 5, Ori and the Will of the Wisps, The Touryst, Gears Tactics, Sea of Thieves and Yakuza: Like a Dragon.

I’ve played each one of these games on PC, as well. My hot take is that the visuals of these games running on Xbox Series X is on par with that of a high-end PC, with the added bonus of, in my case, HDR and a 4K display as opposed to a 1440p monitor. With a compatible TV, Microsoft is suggesting that some games will be capable of 120 frame-per-section at 4K. But I can’t see that without a lot of visual compromise.

Much has been said about the fast loading times afforded by the Xbox Series X’s 1TB NVMe internal solid-state drive. I can confirm that games load a lot faster. For instance, Forza Horizon 4, a game that can take up to two minutes to load on an Xbox One had me going from the dashboard to burning rubber in 45 seconds.

Another much discussed feature of the Xbox Series X is the quick resume function. Compatible games can be quickly started up to continue where you left off, even if you’ve been playing another game. The near instantaneous loading means that the console must stash the memory state somewhere for immediate access when requested. I got a few games to work in quick resume, but it seems a bit hit and miss and needs some work. Some options on what games to save this way would be good. I’d assume that this function works for disc-based games as well, as the whole game is installed on the hard drive. It also works for games stored on external drives.

About that internal drive situation.

The internal drive is a physically inaccessible, unreplaceable/un-upgradable high-speed SSD designed to work with the Xbox Velocity Architecture. Whilst much better, in a way, than the traditional hard drives of previous consoles, it is a double-edged sword. NVMe drives, especially the proprietary expansions used by Microsoft are expensive. The 1TB that you get with the console will hold 15-20 decent sized games at the very most.

The 1TB internal drive situation is really the same deal as the unreplaceable Xbox One drive. But, at least with the Xbox One you could use regular USB external hard drives to install your games on. You can still use a USB external drive with the Xbox Series X, but only for Xbox One and backwards compatible games. The Xbox Series X/S versions need to be stored on the internal drive, although they can be archived to an external storage device. It’s worth investing in a decent external SSD.

There is a slot on the back of the console for a storage expansion card. These are PCIe 4.0 NVMe drives, the same as the internal drive, that can be used to increase the storage capacity for Xbox Velocity Architecture enabled games. I’ve not tried one, but I can see these being essential purchases. $350 nets you another 1TB of this super-fast memory via the Seagate storage expansion. But that’s still not much-especially considering your Game Pass gives you access to 100+ games.

All your favourite streaming media apps are downloadable from the store such as Netflix, Disney Plus etc. Previously purchased Xbox One content will be there waiting for you to download on the new console. Owners upgrading from the Xbox One will really be hitting the ground running in being able to play all their old games.

This is an odd review to write as I’d like to tell you just how good Assassin’s Creed Valhalla looks on the console, or even NBA2K20. But I can’t. As yet all the games that are likely to really push the visuals are not available until the release day. What few are available, seem to still be awaiting the patches required to unlock the next-gen enhancements. This is the same for all reviewers, so if you read anyone waxing lyrical about the new next-gen game releases before the 10th, I’d take it with a pinch of salt. But, from what I’ve seen so far, the Xbox Series X is going to deliver. In any case I will likely revisit this review once I’ve checked out a few of the Xbox Series X optimised games next week.

This is about the most mature next-gen console launch that we have ever had. The Xbox Series X embraces scaled architecture. It is this that has allowed PC gaming to evolve and adapt to new technologies without dismissing the great content that has gone before. No longer will we be forced to dust off old devices to play the classic games that we love. Our collection will come with us as our consoles improve. Whilst this may lack the pomp and ceremony of new hardware and new exclusive games, being able to dive into a massive game library on day one is unprecedented and rather wonderful.

The Xbox Series X is a next-generation console that embraces the legacy of Xbox. Rather than brushing away all that has gone before, this new console builds upon and improves upon the Xbox One in every way. This is the Xbox of the future.

The post Xbox Series X Console Review appeared first on Shane the Gamer.

In a quiet suburban street in Auckland City there were Bots on the loose.

I was privileged to be invited by PlayStation NZ to have a hands on session with the upcoming PlayStation 5 and the game Astro’s Playroom.

A family friendly title with a surprisingly brutal difficulty curve in places, exclusive to PS5, sees you take on the role of Astrobot in his own adventure.

Not only is it an action / adventure platformer with puzzle elements but also an ode to the decades of history as you come across legendary items from the PlayStation hardware and software back catalogues.

Astro’s Playroom is the perfect title to get yourself in to on day one.

Not only because it is an included game, but it also shows the capabilities of the DualShock5 controlpad.

Differing experiences in the game correspond and are literally felt as the PS5 controller provides a true reflection of the goings-on onscreen via it’s intuitive haptic feedback.

From solving puzzles to taking out some unruly mechanical boss-like foes Astro’s Playroom has the goods and diversity in play, so much so that the game may look as though it is skinned for the wee gamers in your household – but truly it’s one for the PlayStation fans.

Also being able to see the PlayStation 5 in the flesh was an awe-inspiring experience. It’s sleek curves hiding the prowess and gaming greatness within.

The hour and a half exclusive session left me wanting more playtime and like yourself am looking forward to the release of this title aswell as the PlayStation console.

The post Hands on w. PS5 & Astro’s Playroom appeared first on Shane the Gamer.

Today Microsoft’s next gen console arrived – the mighty and powerful Xbox Series X after seven years of the current Xbox One and Xbox One X (and S).

Releasing on the 10th of November, 2020 STG was super privileged to be able to check out the new console early.

While I wont be covering the inner workings, software or dashboard of the Xbox Series X, I will take you through what’s in the box and what is visible from the outside of the console’s surface.

Extraordinarily packaged – when opened you know you’re in for some epic game time.

As the the first thing that you see – is ‘Power your dreams’ and that’s exactly what it’s intention is.

Currently the most powerful console on the home gaming market and Xbox Game Pass ready – where you can play while out on your smartdevice (via the Xbox app) as though you were at home.

But more on that at a later date.

The Xbox Series X was smaller than I imagined. Yeah I was expecting a towering console, but no, it’s compact – and heavier than it looks.

The Xbox Series X is the console which allows you to play discs with a single USB port at the front (for a wired controller or other corded peripherals), connect button and disc eject.

The rear of the console has enough ports to see you right. The HDMI to ensure you can plug and play in 4K, two USB ports again for external plug’n’plays and a storage expansion slot.

If you prefer the solid WAN connection the network port will see you connect in to your router.

One of the most aesthetic moments on the Xbox Series X is the top grill.

As the console is so compact and from the weight of it, there’s alot of goodness within, so most definitely there’s going to be some heat generated.

The black to green gradient on the Xbox Series X’s really does set the tone for what the console is all about.

In the box you’ll find one Xbox Series X controller. Similar to the Xbox One and Xbox One X’s controlpad, but with the addition of another centered button.

The Xbox Series X controller is battery powered. Not rechargeable. (Batteries are included).

An HDMI and power cable too.

The Xbox Series X is a simple affair. In all two cables and the said controller. Totally plug in and game.

Coming up real soon we will share more info on the console. For now though be sure to check out our Unboxing vid above this post.

The post Xbox Series X Unboxing appeared first on Shane the Gamer.

On November 10 2020, a new generation of console gaming begins. Xbox Series X and Xbox Series S will deliver players the most performant, immersive and compatible next-generation console gaming experiences ever.

Next week, beginning September 22, 2020, you’ll be able to pre-order both Xbox Series X, their most powerful console ever made, and Xbox Series S, their smallest console ever delivering next-generation performance at a more affordable price.

Xbox Series S and Series X will be available in 37 countries on November 10, and 41 countries by this holiday. You can secure your place in the next generation by pre-ordering Xbox Series X at $799 (Estimated Retail Price) or Xbox Series S at $549 (Estimated Retail Price), or for a low monthly price through Xbox All Access.

Beginning on September 22, you’ll be able to pre-order Xbox Series X and Xbox Series S online at the following retailers:

– United States (8AM PT): Microsoft Store, Amazon, Best Buy, GameStop, Walmart, Target, Sam’s Club, Newegg, and other participating retailers

– Canada (8AM PT): Microsoft Store, Amazon, Walmart, Best Buy, EB Games, The Source, and other participating retailers

– UK (8AM BST): Microsoft Store, GAME, Amazon, Dixons, Currys PC World, Argos, John Lewis, Smyths Toys, VERY, AO, Tesco, Simply Game, Shopto and other participating retailers

– Australia (8AM AEST): Microsoft Store, JB Hifi, EB Games, Telstra, Harvey Norman, and other participating retailers

– New Zealand (8AM NZST): Microsoft Store, JB HiFi, EB Games, Spark, and other participating retailers

Across Europe, the Middle East, and Africa, you can pre-order online starting at 9AM CEST at Microsoft Store, Amazon, MediaMarkt, GameStop, FNAC, Elkjøp/Elgiganten, and other participating retailers. Retailers and availability may differ by country.

For in-store pre-order availability please check with your preferred retailer.

Pre-order is also available via the Xbox All Access program. Xbox All Access is your all-inclusive pass to Xbox where you can get the next-gen Xbox console of your choice plus 24 months of Xbox Game Pass Ultimate, with over 100 high-quality games and soon an EA Play membership, from $39 a month for 24 months with no upfront cost. As with Xbox’s standalone console purchasing, you’ll be able to pre-order Xbox All Access starting on September 22, aligned with regional start times at the following retailers:

– United States (8AM PT): Best Buy, GameStop, Microsoft Store, and Walmart

– Australia (8AM AEST): Telstra

– New Zealand (8AM NZST): Spark

– UK (8AM BST): GAME and Smyths Toys

– Denmark (9AM CEST): Elgiganten

– Finland (9AM CEST): Gigantti

– Norway (9AM CEST): Elkjøp

– Sweden (9AM CEST): Elgiganten

Also, as a reminder for existing Xbox All Access members, you now have even more flexibility when it comes to your upgrade path to the next generation. This means you are now able to purchase Xbox Series X or Xbox Series S with Xbox All Access at any time, including during the pre-order window, (US and UK-only, subject to availability) while still completing your minimum payment requirements for upgrade.

Everyone that works on STG is a volunteer. If you like the site and it’s contents please think about donating. Even a small amount helps keep the servers running.

The post Xbox Series X Pre-Order Begins September appeared first on Shane the Gamer.