Microsoft is implementing a brand-new service with the release of the Xbox Series X and Xbox Series S this November called "Smart Delivery", but what exactly is it all about, and what games are supported?
Here's what you need to know.
What Is Xbox Smart Delivery?
Xbox Smart Delivery is a service being introduced with the Xbox Series X|S that "will ensure that you always play the best version of the games you own for your console, across generations."
This means that if you buy an Xbox Smart Delivery title, you'll be able to play the current-gen version on Xbox One and/or next-gen version on Xbox Series X|S. It's effectively two games for the price of one!
How Does It Work?
Let's say you have an Xbox One and Xbox Series X|S.
When you buy a Smart Delivery game, the system will recognise which console you're playing on and deliver the correct version of the title. According to Microsoft, you won't need to do anything - it'll all be downloaded automatically for you.
Will My Progression Carry Over From The Xbox One Version?
Yes! Microsoft has confirmed that your "game library, progression and entire gaming legacy" will move over to Xbox Series X, so you needn't worry about losing any game progression.
Which Games Will Support Xbox Smart Delivery At Launch?
Microsoft has now revealed the official launch day lineup for the Xbox Series X|S, with the following titles set to be Smart Delivery compatible. More are confirmed, and will follow in the weeks, months and years to come.
- Assassin's Creed Valhalla
- Borderlands 3
- Cuisine Royale
- Dead By Daylight
- Destiny 2
- Dirt 5
- Forza Horizon 4
- Gears 5
- Gears Tactics
- Grounded
- King Oddball
- Maneater
- Manifold Garden
- Planet Coaster: Console Edition
- Sea of Thieves
- Tetris Effect: Connected
- The Falconeer
- The Touryst
- War Thunder
- Warhammer: Chaosbane Slayer Edition
- Watch Dogs: Legion
- Yakuza: Like a Dragon
- Yes, Your Grace
Will Smart Delivery Support Both Digital And Physical Games?
Yes! Physical (boxed) version of games that support Xbox Smart Delivery will work in the same way as digitally purchased versions, so it'll be completely up to you which version you buy.
Will Xbox Game Pass Titles Use It?
Yes! Well, some of them. Microsoft has confirmed that Xbox Game Pass titles participating in the Xbox Smart Delivery service will receive next-gen upgrades at no extra cost to subscribers, such as Gears 5.
I Thought Games Were Backwards Compatible On Xbox Series X|S?
They are! You'll be able to play thousands of backwards compatible games from across Xbox, Xbox 360 and Xbox One on your next-gen Xbox Series X|S console.
The Xbox Smart Delivery service is completely separate, and only applies to games that are being released specifically for Xbox Series X|S as well.
Some recent Xbox One games (such as August's Marvel's Avengers) are also planning to release next-gen versions for Xbox Series X|S, hence why they're being included in the Smart Delivery program.
Is There Any Additional Cost Involved For Me At All?
No! There are zero extra fees involved with Xbox Smart Delivery.
Is there anything else you want to know about Smart Delivery? Ask us in the comments.
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Comments 14
@Darylb88 Yeah, FIFA 21 uses Dual Entitlement which is EA's version of Smart Delivery.
I might be wrong, but I could've sworn I read that Samurai Shodown/Spirits is also coming at launch with Smart Delivery. Doom Eternal as well, though not at launch.
@VenomousAlbino Samurai Shodown is definitely coming at launch, but I haven't seen anything about Smart Delivery yet.
DOOM Eternal again has been confirmed as a free upgrade, but not sure whether it's through Smart Delivery.
@FraserG Ah right. The thing hasn't even launched yet and it's already getting hard to follow which third parties are refusing/neglecting to clarify whether something falls under Smart Delivery or not.
Smart Delivery is awesome. Some 3rd party publishers might not be on board with it, but at least Microsoft’s 1st party are.
And with Microsoft have the biggest & best group of 1st party developers in console gaming......that is huge.
One question I have regarding this “smart delivery”; are the Series X/S games going to be more expensive than their Xbox One counterparts? If so, what’s to stop people just buying the Xbox One version and then get the free upgrade?
Anyhoo, I have a Series X preordered, and my first games will be AC Valhalla, and Dirt 5. Will also be getting Cyberpunk 2077 the following week. Can’t wait!
@Nightcrawler71 They're packaged as part of the same box when buying physically, so it's one price for everything.
Looking forward to playing borderlands 3 on Series X.
@graysoncharles you'll definitely be able to get FH4, Gears 5, Gears Tactics and Destiny 2; they're all on Game Pass. I'm pretty sure Tetris Effect Connected will be on there at launch, as well.
This list was getting huge, so I've cut it down to just the launch titles for now! (there's still a lot of them...)
Is Halo MCC not using Smart Delivery too for its Series S/X upgrade?
Edit: Just checked - its coming a week after Launch. I thought it was a launch upgrade...
I'm so tempted to see if I can get the Series X on launch day and cancel my PS5 preorder, the game I'm most looking forward to is Cyberpunk and I already own it on Xbox and some of the backwards compatibility I've seen looks amazing
What happens if you actually want to play the older version? I know this isn't applicable in this case, but with for example Silent Hill 2 and Silent Hill HD Collection, lots of people prefer the non-updated version due to better voice acting.
@Royalblues yes it works with the Kishi. That's how I've been using it.
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