Miss Xbox Series X pre-orders? Microsoft will have more on launch day

Did you try to pre-order an Xbox Series X, only to miss out due to demand, bots, or glitches? Don’t worry. Microsoft has promised that more Xbox Series X and Series S stock will be available for the November 10 launch, and to check with retailers for “updates.”

The tech giant also said that Xbox Series X and S pre-orders led to “record-breaking demand,” although it didn’t reveal how many systems had been purchased so far. Microsoft sold over 1 million Xbox One systems within that console’s first 24 hours on the market, although that was seven years ago.

Related: PlayStation 5 vs Xbox Series X

The news is welcome if you absolutely have to get one of the new game consoles on launch, even if it means a risky store trip during a pandemic.  However, it’s also good for Microsoft — it hints that there’s plenty of interest for Xbox Series X and S pre-orders despite aggressive PlayStation 5 pricing that starts at $399 for a digital-only model.

This doesn’t necessarily mean the Xbox brand will eclipse PlayStaton in the immediate future. Microsoft’s systems are popular in North America, but Sony tends to dominate console gaming in many other parts of the world. It does, however, suggest that Microsoft has learned from the missteps of the Xbox One (such as a misplaced focus on TV and initially strict copy protection) and may bounce back.

The company is focusing heavily on services and PC tie-ins with Xbox Series X, including cloud gaming with Game Pass Ultimate, an ever-growing library with all Game Pass subscriptions, and titles you can play across Xbox generations and PCs. If you’re heavily invested in Microsoft’s ecosystem, the Series X might make the most sense.