Back in early August, it was reported that Microsoft was planning to remove the big 'Optimized for Xbox Series X' badge from physical covers - seemingly due to poor feedback.
And now, courtesy of an image posted to the Xbox Series X Reddit page, we've had our first in-person look at both the front and back of the cover, which in this case is for the MVP edition of Madden NFL 21.
As you can see, the 'Optimized for Xbox Series X' logo appears to have been removed entirely from the front (of course, it could always be added as a sticker), and there's now only a small mention of it on the back.
Based on the photo, it also looks like Madden NFL 21 will be the first game to receive these cross-generational 'Optimized for Xbox Series X' cases, with the MVP edition officially available on Tuesday followed by the standard edition on Friday, August 28. The game supports Dual Entitlement on Xbox One, allowing you to buy the game now and upgrade to the Xbox Series X version at no extra charge for the next year.
What are your thoughts on the design? Let us know in the comments below.
[source reddit.com]
Comments 19
Interesting as on the back unless I missed it they don’t mention the Xbox one x just the series x. And as the current generation will run along side the new generation until a least late 2021 from current third party game announcements, it seems disappointing not to mention the one x.
@Dezzy70
One X has been discontinued, so I imagine it's a combination of that and just to avoid general confusion with Series X.
More interesting is the lack of mention for the rumored Series S.
Surely they would put 'Series X and S' or 'Series Consoles' on the banner?
I think as these are current generation games for Xbox one they will run full 4K etc on the one X as well. Leaving the series x running full 4K and with probably no other added optimisation unless the developer wants to invest more time for the series x.
@blinx01
A good point but those staying with the one x would like to know I guess.
And yes no mention of series s, maybe it’s not happening this year.
There is already enough messing around with this generational cross over as it is.
Example no mention of one x 4K on the game box.
Also no one really giving dates of when the series x optimised game will release.
For example game releases, when is the patch for series x optimised being released.
Maybe it’s straight away if has it in the back of the box.
Also so much unknown this year for next generation, due to Covid I guess.
It’s will soon be September and if the rumoured 6th of November release is true that’s like 2 minutes away.
@Dezzy70 I’d take the Xbox One on the banner to mean both One S and One X. I hope games will still be X Enhanced despite the One X being discontinued.
I wouldn’t be surprised if Series S wasn’t coming out till next year, I think it would be a mistake to release it the same time as the Series X as it could affect sales of the X. That’s probably why the S isn’t next to the X on the cover but I imagine we’ll be seeing the X/S on the banner when the Series S releases.
@MaccaMUFC
Could be true, never known such fun with a new generation and the cross over.
Then it is the current generation mid generation upgrade that has added to the confusion really.
Welcome all console owners to the mobile phone upgrade market 😆
Man I really don't feel the cover art of this year's EA Sports titles at all
I kinda appreciate them trying to do something different so I guess there's that
This is much better, you already see Xbox One / Xbox Series X on top and more information on the back.
It’s about time all was revealed, it’s nearly September, 2 months away from launch.
Just get the date the price out etc and get on with it.
@BlueOcean @blinx01 or because, it has no disk drive so no one would ever be misled to think they can buy these physical copies and play them on their Series S.
I'm somewhat confused ablut this box, I was under the impression this design was reserved for Xbox games with smart delivery, and Xbox one games doing "their own thing" for upgrades were all up to the publisher on how to communicate. I would had expected that cominication to not muddy the waters.
@Tharsman True, we have mentioned that before on this website, myself included but I forgot. The controller packaging confirms that Series S is a real console and the game boxes confirm that Series S is digital only.
@Dezzy70 I assume that all Xbox One games will be enhanced not just for Series X but for Xbox One X but the marketing push on the game boxes may focus on Series X enhancements. Not just marketing but to avoid further confusion and Xbox One X has been discontinued anyway. I expect the Series X enhancements to be day-one, otherwise they wouldn't include it on the case.
@BlueOcean I half hope MS Sells some attachment to allow game disks on the Series S, or a crazy idea I mentioned before: if an Xbox on the network has the disk inserted use that for validation.
Reason is I plan to stick mostly physical, but could use a cheaper console on other rooms, if the cheaper console has no drive, it won't be an option for me.
Well we are sort of second guessing some of this at the minute.
It is about time though it all came out and then we can decide, save up money and looked forward to what is going to come.
@Tharsman I don't see a disc reader add-on for Series S and game sharing only works with digital games for now and it seems a bit complicated to do it with physical games. I think that your choices will be either buying digital games/subscriptions or buying two Series X consoles.
I don't like sports game much, but this looks so much better! Good show Microsoft!
What did it look like before?
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