So it all started with a supposed leak on Monday night. Before we knew what was going on, we had the price for Xbox Series S, a console that had previously only been rumoured to exist. It sent shockwaves through the industry – clearly, with a price of $299/£249, Microsoft were not playing around.

And mere minutes ago, we saw this:

At $499/£449 for the high end next generation console, it feels like Microsoft have absolutely got the price right – both for tech enthusiasts who want their 4K console and consumers who may well be struggling financially or looking to buy something for their kids that isn’t necessarily top of the line but will cope with next gen titles just fine. Given that digital libraries will carry over, current gen peripherals will also be compatible with the new consoles and Game Pass exists to add even further value to each proposition, it’s starting to look as if Microsoft really have got it together for next gen.

With payment plans available to reduce the initial outlay even further and spread the cost, it’s difficult to see how Sony will compete in the casual arena, which is of course a very different kettle of fish to the hardcore faithful who constantly complain about the perceived lack of games (wrongly, of course), that Xbox offers.

Update: EA Play has also been added to Game Pass Ultimate, which is a pretty incredible move by MS.

It’s a far cry from the disastrous Xbox One reveal and launch, which MS have spent the entirety of this console generation recovering from.

Your move, Sony.

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