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1Repair Windows errors before they cause bigger problems2Fix the driver behind crashes, sound loss and screen glitches3Clear out junk files and repair common Windows errorsThe claim that Xbox Series S would cost $200 was an unconfirmed leak reported in June 2020—not a Microsoft price announcement. Microsoft later set the console’s US launch estimated retail price at $299, while Sony announced its disc-free PS5 Digital Edition at $399.99. The official launch-price gap between those digital consoles was $100, not the $200 suggested by the rumor.
What the leaker actually claimed
On June 17, 2020, BGR reported a prediction from an online user known as Eastmen, described as a Beyond3D user. The report said Eastmen speculated that Xbox Series S could cost $200 and that Xbox Series X might land at $399 or $400/$500 depending on Sony’s pricing. BGR cautioned that the information could not be confirmed.
In the remark BGR attributed to the leaker, Eastmen said: “I heard it’s half the price of Xbox Series X, and Microsoft would target a $399 price for Xbox Series X. I’m not sure what the final price will be. I think if Sony goes for $500/$600, Microsoft will opt for 200 (Series S) and $400/$500 (Series X), but we’ll see,” the leaker said. This was speculation tied to a prediction about Sony’s pricing, not a commitment by Microsoft.
What Microsoft and Sony announced
The official announcements set different prices for each company’s disc-free console and its disc-equipped counterpart. These are historical US launch prices, not current retail prices.
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- BEST VALUE IN GAMING — Experience next-gen speed and performance in the smallest XBOX ever. The XBOX Series S delivers powerful all-digital gameplay in a sleek, compact design.
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| Console | US launch price announced in 2020 | Optical-disc support | Launch timing announced |
|---|---|---|---|
| Xbox Series S | $299 estimated retail price, announced by Microsoft | No; all-digital console | November 10, 2020, global launch |
| Xbox Series X | $499 estimated retail price, announced by Microsoft | Disc drive included | November 10, 2020, global launch |
| PS5 Digital Edition | $399.99 US recommended retail price, announced by Sony Interactive Entertainment | No; digital edition | November 12, 2020, in the first markets; additional regions from November 19 |
| PS5 with Ultra HD Blu-ray drive | $499.99 US recommended retail price, announced by Sony Interactive Entertainment | Ultra HD Blu-ray drive included | November 12, 2020, in the first markets; additional regions from November 19 |
Microsoft announced the Xbox prices and November 10 launch date on September 9, 2020, describing Series S as an all-digital console intended to make next-generation Xbox gaming more affordable. The details appear in Microsoft’s Xbox Wire announcement. Sony announced the PS5 versions, US prices and regional launch schedule on September 16, 2020, in its PlayStation.Blog announcement.
Independent reader supportYour contribution helps us test, update, and keep practical guides available for everyone.How to read the “PS5 can’t possibly match it” headline
The headline’s comparison framed a forecast, not a verified price match between two products. The later official figures show that the Series S launched $100 below the PS5 Digital Edition in the US: $299 versus $399.99. The rumored $200 Series S price was never confirmed by Microsoft, so it cannot be used as the basis for the consoles’ actual launch-price difference.
Rank #2
- What's in the box: Xbox Series S 512GB console, 1 Xbox Wireless Controller, High Speed HDMI cable.
- CPU: 8X Cores @ 3.6 GHz (3.4 GHz w/SMT) Custom Zen 2 CPU; GPU: 4 TFLOPS, 20 CUs @1.565 GHz Custom RDNA 2 GPU; SOC Die Size: 197.05 mm2.
- Memory: 10GB GDDR6 128 bit-wide bus; Memory Bandwidth: 8GB @ 224 GB/s, 2GB @ 56 GB/s.; Internal Storage: 512GB Custom NVME SSD
- Gaming Resolution: 1440p; Performance Target: Up to 120 FP.
- HDMI Features: Auto Low Latency Mode, HDMI Variable Refresh Rate, AMD FreeSync.
Both consoles in that price comparison lacked an optical-disc drive. The comparison does not include the disc-equipped PS5 at $499.99 or Xbox Series X at $499, which were separate models with disc drives.
Quick Recap
Rank #4
- What's in the box: Xbox Series S 512GB console, 1 Wireless Controller, High Speed HDMI cable.
- CPU: 8X Cores @ 3.6 GHz (3.4 GHz w/SMT) Custom Zen 2 CPU; GPU: 4 TFLOPS, 20 CUs @1.565 GHz Custom RDNA 2 GPU; SOC Die Size: 197.05 mm2.
- Memory: 10GB GDDR6 128 bit-wide bus; Memory Bandwidth: 8GB @ 224 GB/s, 2GB @ 56 GB/s.; Internal Storage: 512GB Custom NVME SSD
- Gaming Resolution: 1440p; Performance Target: Up to 120 FPS; HDMI Features: Auto Low Latency Mode, HDMI Variable Refresh Rate, AMD FreeSync.
Rank #3
- Access your favorite entertainment through apps like YouTube, Netflix, and more
- Enjoy over 100 games right out of the box with a 1 month Xbox Game Pass trial
- Watch 4K Blu-ray movies and stream 4K video on Netflix, Amazon, Hulu, Microsoft Movies & TV, and more
- Play with friends and family near and farsitting together on the sofa or around the world on Xbox Live, the fastest, most reliable gaming network
- Xbox One games and accessories work together
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.
