Microsoft is currently gearing up to launch the Xbox Series X, its most powerful system to date. And while the gaming world is steadily building excitement for the Xbox Series X and PS5 launch this holiday season, the console could have hit store shelves a lot sooner than that.

According to a new report, the Xbox Series X was originally slated to release in August, though no timeline is given as far as when Microsoft was considering an August launch date. Of course, things have since changed, and if history is anything to go off of, fans can likely expect the Xbox Series X release date to land sometime in mid- to late-November, though Microsoft hasn’t confirmed anything.

Equally interesting is the rumored budget next-gen Xbox, supposedly to be operating under the codename Lockheart, which was reportedly meant to be announced in June. However, the June Xbox event was delayed to August, which likely means that fans will get an announcement for the lower-cost system then. According to the report, though, Lockhart was originally planned to launch in mid-October, just a few weeks after the Xbox Series X.

Consoles have released earlier in the year in the past, but the last few console cycles have traditionally launched in November or early December, typically allowing companies to bolster quarterly sales figures, which looks good to investors. It isn’t clear why Microsoft would’ve aimed for a release date so early, unless it wanted t try and make it to market before Sony, thus grabbing many early adopter sales.

There are still major question marks for both the Xbox Series X and the PlayStation 5. Next-gen console prices are still unknown, and due to the economic strain caused by the coronavirus, it will be one of the most important factors for consumers. Of course, it will also depend on launch lineups and exclusive titles.

Hopefully, Xbox will have more to share at the Xbox event in July, though it seems more likely that Xbox pricing will be unveiled during the August event, potentially alongside Lockheart’s. It is strange that no pricing has been revealed yet, but considering how much this year has derailed plans, strange has become the norm/

Xbox Series X is scheduled to launch this holiday season.

Source: Thurrot