When will Xbox Series X be released?

Catch the latest on the Xbox Series X release date, preorder plans — and the likelihood of a launch delay.

Best answer: Microsoft states Xbox Series X is slated for a "Holiday 2020" release date, and with past Xbox consoles launching in November, it's a likely candidate once again. Xbox head, Phil Spencer, suggests Xbox Series X remains on track for later this year, despite current world events. In the meantime, the existing Xbox One X is the best you can get for 4K gaming.

• 4K gaming today: Xbox One X 1TB Console ($380 at Amazon)

When is the Xbox Series X release date?

Microsoft continues to establish the foundations for Xbox Series X, its upcoming next-generation console succeeding Xbox One X. The future-facing box looks to deliver a groundbreaking leap in visual fidelity, leveraging custom high-performance hardware engineered by Microsoft and AMD. That includes the latest Zen 2 CPU and Navi GPU architectures, providing 12 teraflops (TF) of graphical performance, aiming for a firm 4K baseline — and extending as high as 8K and 120 frames per second (FPS).

Xbox Series X is positioned as its next flagship, marking a shift akin to Xbox One from Xbox 360 in 2013. However, amid Microsoft's continued push for continuity and compatibility, its next console will also share more with the existing Xbox One family than past generations. All Xbox One titles will translate to updated hardware while maintaining compatibility with controllers, headsets, and other system features.

With the full Xbox Series X hardware specifications now unveiled, efforts shift toward delivering its console around the promised holiday 2020 release window. While firm dates surrounding availability remain unclear, expect further details over the summer, preluding the big launch. However, with the original Xbox, Xbox 360, and Xbox One launched in November, the month is a likely candidate, once again.

Will Xbox Series X be delayed?

The impact of current world events introduces additional variables for Microsoft to navigate, but Xbox Series X is yet to be pushed beyond 2020. Executive vice-president of Gaming at Microsoft, Phil Spencer, assures Xbox Series X production is on track and still targets a release later this year.

Spencer acknowledges variables in production lines, and working from home has "some impact to schedules," but remains committed to delivering the next generation on time. "[The] teams are doing a really good job on keeping our hardware on track," Spencer told CNBC in May. Despite concerns from some analysts back in March,, Microsoft has kept a positive outlook as the situation develops.

With new hurdles emerging in real-time, Microsoft will need to stay agile to deliver Xbox Series X. The situation means that plans can and do change, so keep an eye out for further updates over the months ahead.

When do Xbox Series X preorders go live?

While Microsoft has provided several drops of Xbox Series X details, preorders for the device are still to go live. Redmond is yet to discuss pricing and release dates for the console, which are traditionally required for consumers to lay down their investment.

"We think, in the end, what people want from us is ... to put a controller [in their] hand," Ronald told GameSpot back in December 2019. "People tell me, 'Hey, I want to pre-order right now,' and we definitely love that--like it's great to have those fans--but I also know that these investments aren't trivial for families. I want to be transparent about what our design goals are."

The statement suggests that Microsoft looks to fully unveil its vision for Xbox Series X, ahead of preorders. Scheduled for a more substantial presence throughout 2020, expect to lock down your console throughout upcoming Xbox events this summer.

For everyday 4K gaming, the Xbox One X console is still a top-tier device, slated to maintain compatibility with future games for coming years. Unless clamoring for the best you can get, don't overlook the Xbox One X, despite Xbox Series X looming on the horizon.

Our pick

Xbox One X 1TB Console

$380 at Amazon

Get upgraded to 4K Xbox gaming

Microsoft's flagship Xbox One X console packs the best of Xbox, hitting 4K resolution and HDR colors across hundreds of titles. It's the most powerful console on the market, guaranteed to impress. This bundle is the cheapest right now on Amazon.