Xbox Series X and S have starred in one of the most successful launches we’ve seen for a Microsoft console. Both platforms have sold out worldwide, and millions of gamers are already testing the extraordinary potential of this new generation of video game consoles. But a console needs more than just power to be a top seller. It also needs a full selection of games that you can play to enjoy all it has to offer.
If you still can’t decide between the PS5 or the Xbox Series X/S, then keep reading, because this article is for you! Today we’re going to tell you about the new Microsoft consoles’ launch games, exclusive titles and upcoming games that have been confirmed so far. We hope it helps you to choose your new console!
First of all, what is Smart Delivery?
One concept you need to understand before we reveal our list of new Xbox titles is Smart Delivery. With this innovative system, Microsoft’s new consoles take games from a lower platform, such as Xbox One, and optimize them for the new technology. In other words, if you purchase a title with Smart Delivery for Xbox One, when you buy the Xbox Series X/S you’ll have the same title for free but adapted for the new console. This means remarkable image and performance-related upgrades and much faster loading times.
Xbox Game Pass: Microsoft’s Secret Weapon
One of the most important features of Xbox Series X and S is Game Pass, a subscription service that many have already dubbed “The Netflix of video games.” According to one of the directors of Xbox Game Studios, the new Microsoft consoles won’t have exclusive games until at least a year after their launch. But that doesn’t mean you can’t enjoy video games on them. In fact, gamers can look forward to playing them like never before thanks to this on-demand video game service.
For just €12.99 per month (and € 1 for the first month), any Microsoft console, PC or Android mobile device user can access to more than 150 games from the company’s ecosystem as well as a library with the best Electronic Arts titles. Bethesda games are expected to join the catalog shortly. You can find out all the details about Game Pass here.
All the Xbox Series X/S launch games
Below is a list of all the launch titles already available for Xbox Series X/S. We’ll also tell you whether they offer optimization via Smart Delivery and if they’re available under the Game Pass subscription plan.
- Assassin’s Creed Valhalla- Xbox Game Pass: No / Smart Delivery: Yes
- Borderlands 3- Xbox Game Pass: No / Smart Delivery: Yes
- Bright Memory- Xbox Game Pass: No / Smart Delivery: No
- Cuisine Royale- Xbox Game Pass: No / Smart Delivery: Yes
- Dead by Daylight-Xbox Game Pass: Yes / Smart Delivery: Yes
- Devil May Cry 5: Special Edition- Xbox Game Pass: No / Smart Delivery: No
- DIRT 5- Xbox Game Pass: No / Smart Delivery: Yes
- Enlisted- Xbox Game Pass: No / Smart Delivery: No
- Evergate- Xbox Game Pass: No / Smart Delivery: No
- The Falconeer- Xbox Game Pass: No / Smart Delivery: Yes
- Fortnite- Xbox Game Pass: No / Smart Delivery: No
- Forza Horizon 4- Xbox Game Pass: Yes / Smart Delivery: Yes
- Gears 5- Xbox Game Pass: Yes / Smart Delivery: Yes
- Gears Tactics- Xbox Game Pass: Yes / Smart Delivery: Yes
- Grounded- Xbox Game Pass: Yes / Smart Delivery: Yes
- King Oddball- Xbox Game Pass: No / Smart Delivery: Yes
- Maneater- Xbox Game Pass: No / Smart Delivery: Yes
- Manifold Garden- Xbox Game Pass: No / Smart Delivery: Yes
- NBA 2K21- Xbox Game Pass: No / Smart Delivery: No
- Observer: System Redux- Xbox Game Pass: No / Smart Delivery: No
- Ori and the Will of the Wisps- Xbox Game Pass: Yes / Smart Delivery: Yes
- Planet Coaster- Xbox Game Pass: No / Smart Delivery: Yes
- Sea of Thieves- Xbox Game Pass: Yes / Smart Delivery: Yes
- Tetris Effect: Connected- Xbox Game Pass: Yes / Smart Delivery: Yes
- The Touryst- Xbox Game Pass: Yes / Smart Delivery: Yes
- War Thunder- Xbox Game Pass: No / Smart Delivery: Yes
- Warhammer: Chaosbane Slayer Edition- Xbox Game Pass: No / Smart Delivery: No
- Watch Dogs: Legion- Xbox Game Pass: No / Smart Delivery: Yes
- WRC 9 FIA World Rally Championship- Xbox Game Pass: No / Smart Delivery: Yes
- Yakuza: Like a Dragon- Xbox Game Pass: No / Smart Delivery: Yes
- Yes, Your Grace- Xbox Game Pass: No / Smart Delivery: Yes
Exclusive games for Xbox Series X/S
Although Microsoft has confirmed that it’s going to be a while until the launch of an exclusive game for its new generation of consoles, there are some promising titles on the horizon. So far, we know about a number of exclusive games, including temporary ones, for the new Xbox Series X/S. You can find them all below.
Halo Infinite
Halo Infinite is inarguably one of the most eagerly awaited exclusive games for owners of Microsoft’s console. This spiritual reboot of Halo will give you a chance to play Master Chief again. It will reach the Xbox Series X (as well as PC and Xbox One) sometime in 2021.
Fable
Fable, the reboot of the legendary RPG from Lionhead Studio, returns from Playground Games to take you back to a world of fantasy and heroes. Little is known about the game at this point, and no release date has been announced, but there are high hopes for the return of this beloved franchise.
Forza Motorsport
No, we haven’t forgotten to number the new Forza installment. Forza Motorsport promises to reinvent the driving franchise, making it a unique experience with the power of Xbox Series X. It will gain ray tracing, 4K and driving at 60 fps so you can feel the speed in your hands. There’s no release date yet.
Senua’s Saga: Hellblade II
Senua’s Saga: Hellblade II is the long-awaited sequel to Senua’s Sacrifice. After Microsoft’s acquisition of Ninja Theory, Hellblade II is exclusive on the company’s consoles, and according to its developers, it will showcase the full potential of Xbox Series X.
State of Decay 3
Every console needs a good zombie title, and the new Xbox could not settle for less. State of Decay 3 is the third part of the acclaimed horror game where you’ll have to survive, once again, a pandemic of the undead. Although there’s still no release date, the game will be playable on Xbox Series X as well as PC.
Avowed
Avowed is the eagerly awaited new Obsidian title that will be exclusive on the new Microsoft consoles. This first-person RPG will take you to Eoria, the world of the famed Pillars of Eternity, to demonstrate yet again why Obsidian is considered the true master of the fantasy narrative.
As Dusk Falls
As Dusk Falls is an interactive drama made by the recently created INTERIOR/NIGHT. It promises a story full of mystery, sacrifice and secrets spanning three generations of two different families.
The Medium
The Medium is a psychological thriller where you’ll solve a tough mystery using your paranormal abilities. With breathtaking graphics and the ability to interact with the real spirit world, The Medium promises to deliver hours of fun and terror. When it arrives on December 10, the game will be temporarily exclusive on the Xbox Series X.
In addition to the aforementioned games, you can enjoy the following exclusive titles on the new Microsoft consoles:
- 12 Minutes
- CrissfireX
- Dead Static Drive
- Exo One
- Everwild
- Lake
- Last Stop
- Mad Streets
- Psychonauts 2
- Sable
- Shredders
- Scorn
- Song of Iron
- S.T.A.L.K.E.R 2
- The Artful Escape
- The Ascent
- The Big Con
- The Gunk
- Tunic
- Unexplored 2: The Wayfarer’s Legacy
- Warhammer 40.000: Darktide
Upcoming third-party games for Xbox Series X/S
Now you know about all the exclusive games, temporary and otherwise, that have been announced for the Xbox Series X/S, but what about the rest of the games? Fortunately Microsoft has a wide range of confirmed titles for its next-generation consoles. Below is a list of the games confirmed so far:
- Balan Wonderworld
- Braid: Anniversary Edition
- Bridge Constructor: The Walking Dead
- Bright Memory Infinite
- Call of Duty: Black Ops Cold War
- Call of the Sea
- Chivalry 2
- Chorus
- Cris Tales
- Cyberpunk 2077
- Demon Turf
- Doctor Who: Edge of Reality
- Dragon Age 4
- Dustborn
- Echo Generation
- Earthlock 2
- ExoMecha
- Far Cry 6FIFA 21Football Manager 2021
- Gotham Knights
- Graven
- Haven
- Hello Neighbour 2
- Hitman 3
- Hood: Outlaws and Legends
- Immortals Fenyx Rising
- Lego Star Wars: The Skywalker Saga
- Little Nightmares 2
- Madden 21
- Marvel’s Avengers
- Metal: Hellsinger
- Mørkredd
- NBA 2K21
- Outriders
- Overcooked: All You Can Eat
- Paradise Lost
- Phantasy Star Online 2: New Genesis
- PES
- Planet Coaster: Console Edition
- Poker Club
- Pragmata
- Puyo Puyo Tetris 2
- Recompile
- Resident Evil 8: Village
- RIDE 4
- Riders Republic
- Scartlet Nexus
- Second Extintion
- Sherlock Holmes: Chapter One
- Steelrising
- Suicide Squad: Kill the Justice League
- The Ascent
- The Lord of the Rings: Gollum
- TemTem
- Unknown 9: Awakening
- White Shadows
- WRC9
Is there an Xbox Series X/S game that you can’t wait to play? Tell us about it in the comments section!
