Microsoft had not yet revealed the prices of its next generation consoles - in fact, it hadn't even acknowledged the existence of one of them - but Microsoft insiders are now reporting a bevy of details on the machines, including prices for both, a simultaneous launch date, and the option for buyers to pay through the Xbox All Access program, which treats paying off the console like you would a smartphone.
Brad Sams, a noted Microsoft insider, first shared an image of the Xbox Series S, including its price of $299, late last night. The image looks to be a still from an upcoming reveal event Microsoft has not yet announced. Quickly on the heels of Sams' report, Windows Central reporters Jez Corden and Zac Bowden split the byline on a fuller reveal. According to the Windows Central duo, the Xbox Series X and Xbox Series S will launch simultaneously on November 10 for $499 and $299 respectively. Microsoft has since confirmed the price of the Series S, while not yet speaking to the Series X price tag.
In both cases, said the Windows Central pair, Xbox All Access will be available for buyers. This would allow customers to purchase either console bundled with Xbox Game Pass Ultimate, and pay it off in monthly installments over a set period of time. In the case of the Series S, the duo said it would be $25 per month, while the Series X would go for $35 per month.
Like Sams, Windows Central has a strong track record for reporting Microsoft insider information, so until we hear otherwise, we'd lean toward believing the news. The apparent leak ends a virtual stalemate between Microsoft and Sony as the two sides have seemed to be waiting for each other to go first in their price reveals, with neither manufacturer wanting to be undercut. With these leaks in the open, Sony must be considering how now to reveal its own prices, especially if its two SKUs, the PS5 and PS5 Digital Edition, vary in price tags compared to the green team's machines.
We first reported on Microsoft's intent to use All Access payment options back in June, when Phil Spencer himself seemed to confirm the program would be available at launch. This leak seems to confirm that, but remember, we must still wait for Xbox to make it official. Look for an event announcement soon.
