This past week, Microsoft finally pulled the curtain back on theXbox Series X price and release date. Fans can pick up the next-generation console for $499 beginning November 10, with pre-orders starting September 22. Those that want a cheaper way to play next-gen games can pick up the Xbox Series S on the same day for $299. In any case, Microsoft’s big announcement was accompanied by the reveal of a number of titles joining the Xbox Series X launch lineup.
Most of the games confirmed for the Xbox Series X launch lineup are cross-generational, multi-platform titles. However, it’s not quite the same situation as when games were being released for both the Xbox 360 and Xbox One. The Xbox Series X versions should be a significant improvement, offering 4k resolution, 60-120 frames per second, and lightning fast load times that should ensure the next-gen versions of the games are far superior to their current-generation counterparts.
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With that in mind, here are the games confirmed for theXbox Series Xlaunch lineup so far.
Assassin’s Creed Valhalla
Originally, Ubisoft was going to launchAssassin’s Creed Valhallaon November 17, which put it in even more direct competition with CD Projekt Red’sCyberpunk 2077. But when Microsoft announced the Xbox Series X release date,Ubisoft movedAssassin’s Creed Valhalla’s release dateforward to November 10. This should give the game significantly more attention than it would have otherwise, not to mention it will allow Xbox players to play the advanced version ofAC Valhallaahead of those on PlayStation. The Xbox Series X version ofAssassin’s Creed Valhallawill boast super-fast load times, 4K resolution, and 60 frames per second.
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Dirt 5
Codemasters has been shiftingDirt 5’s release date around quite a bit, as the company wants the upcoming racing game to release as close to the PS5 and Xbox Series X as possible. While the jury is still out on the PS5 release date, Codemasters has confirmed thatDirt 5will be an Xbox Series X launch title, releasing alongside the system on November 10. The next-gen version ofDirt 5will feature a host of improvements not available in the current-gen versions of the game, like being playable at 120 frames per second.
Fortnite
Earlier this year, Epic Games confirmed thatFortnitewould be available for both the PlayStation 5 and Xbox Series X at launch. Granted, it’s possible that Epic meant the game would be available through the fact that both consoles have backward compatibility programs, but if so, that has not been clarified. WhileFortniteis expected to be available for the Xbox Series X at launch one way or another, fans may not see that significant of upgrades for the game until ittransitions to Unreal Engine 5, which is expected to happen at some point in 2021.
Forza Horizon 4
Forza Horizon 4is one of the Xbox One’s most critically-acclaimed games, and fans can look forward to a free next-gen upgrade when the Xbox Series X launches on November 10. The game will look better than ever before, with 4K visuals presented at 60 frames per second.
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Gears Tactics
Earlier this year, Microsoft releasedGears Tacticsfor PC. A turn-based strategy twist on theGears of Warfranchise,Gears Tacticsearned mostly positive reviewsat the time of its release, and will finally be making its console debut alongside the Xbox Series X. Those playing on Xbox Series X can look forward to high-performance fromGears Tactics, with the game displaying at 4K resolution and 60 frames per second.
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The Falconeer
One of the few indie games launching alongside the Xbox Series X is a unique open world air combat game calledThe Falconeer. In the game, players take flight on a warbird that they use to shoot enemies out of the sky, all the while dodging incoming projectiles.The Falconeerwill also have a variety of different factions that players will be able to align themselves with over the course of the game.
Watch Dogs Legion
Ubisoft isn’t content to release just one open world game for the Xbox Series X at launch. JoiningAssassin’s Creed ValhallaisWatch Dogs Legion, the third game in theWatch Dogsfranchise.Watch Dogs Legion’s gimmick is that it lets players recruit literally any NPC in the game and make them a playable character, with each character having their own skills and abilities. With permadeath enabled, the stakes will be high inWatch Dogs Legion. Meanwhile, it was also confirmed thatAiden Pearce, protagonist of the originalWatch Dogsgame, will be debuting inWatch Dogs Legionas part of its post-launch DLC plans.
Yakuza: Like A Dragon
TheYakuzafranchise has long been associated with the PlayStation brand, but things have changed in recent years. Sega has brought some of its classicYakuzagames to the Xbox One and the Xbox Game Pass program, and will now be launchingYakuza: Like A Dragonas a timed-next gen exclusivefor the Series X.Yakuza: Like A Dragonwill retain the franchise’s tone and style, but will be making significant changes to the gameplay, going from an open world beat ‘em up to a turn-based RPG. Whether or not this change to the formula pays off remains to be seen, but Xbox Series X fans will be able to try out the best version of the game come November 10.
Other Possibilities
A number of games are currently confirmed for the Xbox Series X launch window that may very well be available on day one. This includes sports titles likeMadden NFL 21andNBA 2K21, but it also includes games like Microsoft’s ownGears 5, which is confirmed to be getting an Xbox Series X upgrade. But arguably the most significant game coming in the launch window that could end up being a launch title is Bloober Team’sThe Medium, anXbox Series X exclusive horror game inspired bySilent Hill.The Mediumis one of few Xbox Series X console exclusive games expected in the launch window, so it being available on day one would be huge for the new console.
Launch Window
Speaking of the Xbox Series X launch window, there are also games coming to the system that we know for sure won’t be available at launch, but will be available for the console shortly after. For example,Call of Duty: Black Ops Cold Waris releasing November 13, and so it will just miss the Xbox Series X launch by three days.Black Ops Cold Waris quite likely going to be one of the top-selling games of the year, if notthebest selling game, and so Xbox getting first dibs on the next-gen version is pretty significant.
Another game expected to come to the Xbox Series X within the launch window is CD Projekt Red’sCyberpunk 2077.Cyberpunk 2077is launching for current-generation systems on November 19, with a next-gen upgrade expected in 2021. Even if theCyberpunk 2077next-gen upgradecomes later than expected, Xbox Series X owners will still be able to play the game on their new console thanks to its backward compatibility program.
Xbox, Xbox 360, and Xbox One Games
And speaking of backward compatibility, the Xbox Series X is technically launching with a massive library of games on day one. The system is fully compatible with Xbox One, meaning virtually all Xbox One games will be playable on the new hardware. Not only that, but the Xbox Series X can play many of the top Xbox 360 games, in addition to some major original Xbox games as well. A slew of these titles are available through theXbox Game Pass program, which just sweetens the pot further. Needless to say, Xbox Series X owners will have no shortage of games to play come launch on November 10.
