Microsoft presents new Xbox Series S Starter Bundle for US$299
On October 12, Microsoft announced a new Xbox Series S Starter Bundle that includes the Xbox Series S and a wireless Xbox controller, as well as a three-month free subscription to Xbox Game Pass Ultimate. This is the equivalent of around US$56.
Since Microsoft doesn't charge a premium for the Starter Bundle compared to the regular Xbox Series S, this is quite an attractive cost-benefit ratio. The Xbox Game Pass Ultimate allows you to play hundreds of games from the Game Pass catalog at no extra charge, not only on the Xbox, but also on the PC. The subscription also grants access to cloud streaming, so titles can also be streamed on Android smartphones, while subscribers also get access to EA Play.
With this bundle, Microsoft is likely attempting to make the Xbox Series S more attractive in the coming holiday season before a new revision of the Xbox Series S comes onto the market next year. Codenamed "Ellewood," the console supports Wi-Fi 6E and Bluetooth 5.2, gets a larger 1TB SSD, comes with a redesigned controller and uses significantly less power in standby mode.
Price and availability
The Xbox Series S Starter Bundle will be launched on October 31, 2023, and Microsoft's online shop is already accepting pre-orders. For comparison: the Xbox Series S without a Game Pass currently costs around US$330 on Amazon.
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