There was a lot of speculation over the new consoles coming in 2024 and frankly, a lot of people were disappointed in Microsoft’s announcement of what was actually coming. So if you’ve been waiting on the sidelines to get a new console but never were sure when to decide, this guide should help you out. The rumors of a possible Xbox X Pro really made this decision a no-brainer before; but now that we know that isn’t happening it’s a very real question to weigh waiting the new Xbox Series X revisions or just buying something now. The best choice depends on your gaming needs and budget, but for the most part you’ll likely be happy either way.
Microsoft plans to release three new Xbox consoles next year. These include a 1TB Xbox Series S, a 1TB digital Xbox Series X, and a 2TB Xbox Series X. The new models offer more storage and some design changes. But they’re not huge upgrades from the current Xbox Series X and S.
If you want to play the latest games now, buying a Series X is a good option. It’s powerful and works with many games. The new consoles won’t be much different in how they play games. But if you can wait, you might save some money or get more storage with the 2024 models.
Xbox: A Holiday Refresh
New Consoles, Familiar Performance
Microsoft’s upcoming Xbox console releases aren’t about groundbreaking performance leaps. Instead, they offer a subtle refresh, focusing on expanded storage and fresh aesthetics. Think of it as a wardrobe change rather than a complete overhaul. The core gaming experience remains largely unchanged, with the existing Xbox Series X and S continuing to deliver the same high-fidelity visuals and smooth gameplay.
Storage Upgrades: More Room for Games
The most noticeable change lies in storage capacity. The new Xbox Series S gets a welcome boost to 1TB, doubling its previous 512GB. This means more space for your ever-growing game library. The Xbox Series X also sees a storage bump, with a new 2TB option joining the existing 1TB model. For digital-only gamers, there’s now a 1TB Digital Edition of the Series X.
A Touch of Style: New Colors and Finishes
Microsoft is also adding a splash of color to its console lineup. The new Series S comes in a sleek “Robot White,” while the Series X Digital Edition gets the same treatment. For those seeking a more dramatic look, there’s a special edition Series X in “Galaxy Black.” These cosmetic changes offer a way to personalize your gaming setup.
Side-by-Side Comparison
Let’s take a closer look at how the new consoles stack up against their predecessors:
| Feature | Xbox Series X (Current) | Xbox Series X (New) | Xbox Series S (Current) | Xbox Series S (New) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Storage | 1TB | 1TB (Digital Edition), 2TB (Special Edition) | 512GB | 1TB |
| Color | Black | Robot White (Digital Edition), Galaxy Black (Special Edition) | White | Robot White |
| Performance | Same as current model | Same as current model | Same as current model | Same as current model |
| Price | $499.99 | $499.99 (Digital Edition), $549.99 (Special Edition) | $299.99 | $349.99 |
The Bottom Line: A Choice for Every Gamer
The new Xbox consoles offer a blend of practicality and style. If you’re craving more storage or a fresh look, these revisions might be tempting. However, if you’re perfectly content with your current Xbox, there’s no rush to upgrade. The core gaming experience remains unchanged, so the choice ultimately comes down to personal preference and budget.
Key Takeaways
- New Xbox consoles in 2024 offer more storage options
- Current Xbox Series X still plays all the latest games well
- Waiting might save money, but won’t change gameplay much
Overview of Xbox 2024
Microsoft plans to release new Xbox consoles in 2024. These updates aim to give players more options for storage, design, and price.
Anticipated Features
The new Xbox lineup will likely include three models. A 1TB Xbox Series S may offer more storage than the current 512GB version. An all-digital 1TB Xbox Series X could remove the disc drive. A 2TB Xbox Series X might double the storage of the standard model.
These consoles are expected to keep the same CPU and GPU as current models. This means games should run similarly on new and old systems. The main differences will be storage space and design tweaks.
Microsoft may add new features through software updates. These could include improved quick resume, faster loading times, or enhanced backwards compatibility.
Release Date Expectations
Microsoft has stated the new Xbox consoles will launch during the 2024 holiday season. This typically means sometime between October and December.
An exact date hasn’t been announced yet. Game companies often aim for November releases to catch Black Friday sales and holiday shoppers.
The release may happen in stages. Not all models might come out at the same time. Microsoft could spread launches over a few weeks or months to build excitement and manage supply.
Projected Pricing
Prices for the new Xbox models haven’t been confirmed. Based on current prices, we can make some guesses:
- 1TB Xbox Series S: $300-$350
- 1TB Xbox Series X (digital): $450-$500
- 2TB Xbox Series X: $550-$600
These are estimates. Actual prices may be different. The cost of parts and market conditions will affect final pricing.
Microsoft might keep some current models at lower prices. This would give buyers more options at different price points.
Analysis of Xbox Series X
The Xbox Series X offers powerful hardware, a large game library, and a smooth user experience. Let’s look at its key features and capabilities.
Current Hardware Specifications
The Xbox Series X is Microsoft’s top-tier gaming console. It has a custom AMD Zen 2 CPU with 8 cores running at 3.8 GHz. The GPU delivers 12 teraflops of power, enabling 4K resolution gaming at up to 120 frames per second.
The console comes with 16 GB of GDDR6 RAM and a 1 TB custom NVMe SSD. This fast storage helps cut down load times and enables Quick Resume for multiple games.
It also has a 4K UHD Blu-ray drive for physical games and movies. The Series X supports HDMI 2.1, allowing for features like variable refresh rate and auto low latency mode on compatible TVs.
Game Library Compatibility
The Xbox Series X has a vast game library. It can play:
- New Xbox Series X/S games
- Xbox One games
- Select Xbox 360 and original Xbox games
Many older games get visual and performance upgrades on Series X. This includes higher resolutions, better frame rates, and faster load times.
Game Pass is a key feature for Xbox. It gives access to hundreds of games for a monthly fee. This includes new first-party titles on day one.
User Experience
The Series X offers a smooth, fast user experience. The dashboard is easy to navigate and loads quickly. Games start up fast thanks to the SSD.
Quick Resume lets players switch between multiple games in seconds. This feature saves game states, even if the console is turned off.
The new Xbox controller has improved ergonomics and a dedicated share button. It works with PCs and mobile devices too.
Xbox’s cloud gaming feature lets users play their games on phones and tablets. This adds flexibility to how and where people can play their games.
Strategic Considerations
The decision to buy an Xbox now or wait for the new model involves weighing market trends, long-term value, and upgrade options. These factors can impact your gaming experience and wallet.
Market Trends and Predictions
Xbox sales patterns shift with new releases. The current Series X might see price drops when the new model launches. This could mean savings for buyers who wait. But waiting also means missing out on gaming time now.
Game developers often make titles for the newest systems. This can leave older consoles with fewer new games over time. The new Xbox might have features that change how games are made and played.
Watching for sales and bundles can help save money on either console choice. Some stores offer trade-in deals for older systems, which could cut costs on a new purchase.
Investment Value Over Time
Consoles typically last several years before being replaced. The Series X is still fairly new and should stay relevant for a while. It has strong specs that can handle current and near-future games well.
The new Xbox might offer better performance or new features. But it may cost more at launch. The Series X could be a good deal if you find it on sale before the new model comes out.
Think about how often you’ll use the console. If you play a lot, getting one sooner might be worth it. For less frequent gamers, waiting could make sense to get the latest tech.
Potential for Upgrades
Xbox consoles can’t be upgraded like PCs. But they do get software updates that can add features and improve performance. The Series X will likely keep getting these updates for years.
The new Xbox might have features that can’t be added to older models through updates. This could include things like better graphics or faster load times. But these improvements might not matter much if you’re happy with how current games look and play.
Some games might work better on the new system. But many games will still run on both. Xbox has been good about making games work across different console versions.
