Xbox Series S

Xbox Sees Massive Jump in Sales According to NPD

Posted on by Spieler Dad

Even though videogame sales saw an overall decrease of 8% between January and March of this year, compared to 2021, most likely because folks are returning to work from the pandemic, Xbox hardware sales saw a massive increase in the US compared to the same time last year.

And when we say massive, we mean fucking massive, to the tune of a 92% increase, according to the NPD.

The NPD Group’s consumer spending report for Q1 2022 shows that hardware spending has decreased by 15% compared to Q1 2021, however, Xbox hardware saw a huge 92% increase.

NPD has given no specifics for the increase, but the fact that you can actually find an Xbox Series S on store shelves easily, and the Xbox Series X is attainable relatively easily online are certainly possibilities. Who knew, if you make your shit available, people will buy it.

Even though the Xbox is doing well, it cannot touch the mighty Nintendo Switch, which was the best-selling console during the same time frame in terms of total units sold.

[Source: NPD]

The Best Selling Console This Black Friday Weekend Is the Xbox Series S?

Posted on by Spieler Dad

The Xbox Series S has topped all other consoles at this year’s Black Friday shopping extravaganza. The little next-gen console is turning out to be a savvy move from Microsoft. According to the Adobe Digital Economy Index, the Xbox Series S has dominated sales in what is usually the busiest shopping day of the year.

Even though everyone is talking about the Xbox Series X and the Playstation 5, which have both been out for over a year, as well as the Nintendo Switch OLED, those consoles have been incredibly difficult to find. The Xbox Series S however, began to show up in decent quantities just before the Thanksgiving Holiday and shoppers began swallowing them up.

Of course, the Series S is at least $100 less than its competitors as well as the Series X, while still able to play next-gen exclusives like Forza Horizon 5 and Halo Infinite, as well as third-party titles like Battlefield 2042 and Call of Duty Vanguard. Pair the tiny console with a Game Pass subscription and you got a very compelling console.

Hell, I picked up one to put in the family room and to act as my travel console, because I cannot help myself.

[Source: Adobe Digital Economy Index]

The Series X|S Is So Good at Backwards Compatibility it Transcends Platforms

Posted on by Spieler Dad

I have finally secured a Playstation 5, meaning that my gaming setup is fully armed and operational, with an Xbox Series X, Playstation 5, and Nintendo Switch. Looking at my setup fills my heart full of joy. Only the birth of my children and my wedding day rivals it… just barely.

I am impressed with both the Series X and the PS5, but if I have to give any next generation console an edge, it has to go to the PS5, for now. The PS5 feels next-gen from the moment you boot it up and handle the impressive DualSense controller.

The Xbox Series X feels like a caged animal currently. Powerful, but unable to truly show off as there are currently no exclusive next gen titles to showcase what the hardware can do. That will change in time no doubt.

However, if there is one thing that the Series X|S can do remarkable well is backwards compatibility. The X|S can pretty much play every Xbox game ever made with the exception of a handful of titles and Kinect games, which are garbage anyway. Meanwhile, the PS5 can only play PS4 games.

The Series X|S are so good at backwards compatibility and emulation that it can even play Playstation 2 games, if you’re willing to put in a little effort, like the folks at Modern Vintage Gamer.

That’s pretty funny. As powerful and impressive that the PS5 is, it’s the $299 Series S that can play PS2 with relatively straight forward.

Eagle Eyed Gumshoes Believe that Xbox Series X Will Launch November 6

Posted on by Spieler Dad

Some slick detective work has been conducted, with the recently leaked Xbox Series S|X controller, which may point to a release date. Intrepid sleuths have put together the details. Let’s hear them out.

First off, according to IGN via ResetEra, the ‘Microsoft Limited Warranty’ for the Xbox Series S|X controller appears to end on November 5, 2021. If history is any indicator, Microsoft’s Limited Warranty usually covers a year from purchase, which would mean a November 5 or November 6, 2020 release date is in the cards.

Furthermore, Tom Warren of The Verge posted the following image below of the controller packaging on Twitter, which clearly states “Do not sell or display before November 6, 2020. This is pretty concrete.

Everything is now pointing to November 6, 2020, unless there is a major change at Microsoft, or this is some elaborate ruse.

Now we just need a price and pre-order date.

[Source: IGN, ResetEra, The Verge]

The Xbox Series S Has Been Outed by a Leaked Controller

Posted on by Spieler Dad

By now, everyone knows that Microsoft is launching two new consoles this holiday. Microsoft has already officially unveiled the powerful Series X, but what about the rumored Series S, previously known as Lockhart?

Nothing official has come out yet, but a recent leak of a legitimate Series S controller has pretty much confirmed its existence as reported by Ars Technica.

Ars Technica

An individual who goes by “Zak S” managed to legitimately purchase one of the Series S controllers way early and the packaging clearly shows that it’s designed for the “Xbox Series X|S.”

Ars Technica

When pressed, a Microsoft spokesperson stated that “We have a lot in store for Xbox in 2020 and can’t wait to share with you. However, we have nothing to announce at this time.”

Whatever the case may be, Microsoft must not be too pleased with the retailer that sold this controller early.

[Source: Ars Technica]