Microsoft's $499 Xbox Series X and $299 Xbox Series S launch November 10

The next generation finally gets a price and a start date.

- BRAD CHACOS

A mere day after leaks forced the sudden reveal of the previously unrevealed $299 Xbox Series S (go.pcworld.com/xsrs), Microsoft has drawn the curtain fully back on its next-gen console. The company announced (go.pcworld.com/x499) in early September that the flagship Xbox Series X console will cost $499 when it launches alongside the Series S on November 10. Preorders opened on September 22. That’s an insanely good price for a backward-compatible console that probably puts your PC to shame (go.pcworld.com/shme), but Microsoft’s optional payment plans make the price even more affordable in an uncertain world.

In addition to the flat $299 and $499 sticker prices for the Xbox Series S and Xbox Series X, respectively, Microsoft is offering both consoles via its Xbox All Access payment plans. These plans require no money down, and Microsoft’s offering the Xbox Series S for $25 per month for 24 months, or the Xbox Series X for $35 for 24 months.