The premium versions — Series X and PlayStation 5 — will set you back $ 500 . But they do come with disc drives . Regardless , the future of gaming seems to follow the trajectory of home video , where the likes of Netflix and Disney + rein supreme . Already super popular games like Fortnite , Rocket League , Call of Duty Warzone and Roblox are always-online experiences that require frequent downloadable updates . On top of that , subscription services for games continue to grow at a notable clip .
Microsoft , for example , is strongly pushing Xbox Game Pass , in which a monthly membership costs $ 10 for access to over 100 games . This service is a key strategy for the company . Already boasting 15 million subscribers , it obviously will be advertised heavily alongside Xbox Series S and Series X .
Ultimately , what these systems represent upfront is comparable to upgrading your smartphone to a newer model . You ’ re getting faster processing , quality-of-life improvements and prettier visuals . I pre-ordered an Xbox Series X , because I ’ m already in that ecosystem . My games come with me , along with my accessories . But there ’ s no wrong answer , especially as we all spend more time at home during a global pandemic .
— Evan Campbell is a freelance writer who covers video games , movies , TV shows and tech . He ’ s also a former copy editor at the News and Tribune .
Xbox Game Pass is a monthly membership , which costs $ 10 per month and offers access to more than 100 games .
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