Automatically take your favorite games from Xbox One to Xbox Series X with Smart Delivery.

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Microsoft continues to drop more details on Xbox Series X and Xbox Series S, providing further insight into its next-generation hardware, alongside the games headed to the system. The latest in AMD architectures helps bring sizeable performance boosts to gameplay, while a new solid-state storage setup promises drastic cuts to load times. It also couples that power with a new feature dubbed "Smart Delivery," which aims to streamline the shift into the next generation. The philosophy of Smart Delivery is simple: buy your Xbox games once for versions on Xbox One, Xbox Series S, and Xbox Series X. With platform holders blurring the lines into the next hardware milestone, one license provides access on current devices, with a free upgrade Xbox Series X and Xbox Series S versions. Best VPN providers 2020: Learn about ExpressVPN, NordVPN & more Xbox Smart Delivery: Everything we know (so far)

Microsoft drops Halo Infinite sometime in 2021, with confirmed Smart Delivery support. Source: Microsoft Microsoft drops Halo Infinite sometime in 2021, with confirmed Smart Delivery support.

While next-generation consoles traditionally result in harsh splits from former hardware, both Microsoft and Sony are taking a reworked approach into 2020. The Xbox Series X and Xbox Series S further advocate cross-generation features, spearheaded by backward compatibility and an accompanying new technology dubbed "Smart Delivery." Microsoft positions Smart Delivery as a solution to help players receive the best available versions of games, scaling from Xbox One to Xbox Series X. Titles that support Smart Delivery will provide free graphical upgrades on Xbox Series X and Xbox Series S, without the requirement to buy a new version of the game. For example, that means if you buy Halo Infinite for Xbox One, an upgraded Xbox Series S or Xbox Series X version awaits for the upcoming Xbox flagship at no additional cost. The one-time purchase eliminates the need to buy multiple versions of games across generations, as formerly seen with Xbox 360 and Xbox One. Microsoft will provide the option of Smart Delivery to all developers and publishers, although games aren't mandated to support the feature. But as the next Xbox console approaches, consumers can take comfort in knowing some games will automatically remain at the forefront when you decide to upgrade. Buy games once, and play them on Xbox One AND Xbox Series X. Smart Delivery expands on Microsoft's current Xbox One X philosophy, which saw some past titles upgraded with free visual enhancements. The 4K assets were automatically downloaded when an Xbox One X was detected, ensuring the best experience on the console. Smart Delivery brings the concept to a broader spectrum of devices, easing the transition for supported titles. List of Xbox Smart Delivery games so far

CD PROJEKT RED, the minds behind Cyberpunk 2077, were among the first to pledge support for Xbox Smart Delivery. Source: CD PROJEKT RED CD PROJEKT RED, the minds behind Cyberpunk 2077, were among the first to pledge support for Xbox Smart Delivery.

Destiny 2 developer, Bungie, has committed to Smart Delivery, including a 60 FPS upgrade on Xbox Series X. Source: Activision Destiny 2 developer, Bungie, has committed to Smart Delivery, including a 60 FPS upgrade on Xbox Series X.

Xbox One titles that support Smart Delivery will also be "Xbox Series S Optimized" or "Xbox Series X Optimized," flaunting Microsoft's tagline denoting games designed to leverage the console's hardware. These titles will pack bespoke upgrades when running on the next-generation console, with potential gains in visual fidelity and gameplay performance. Xbox Series X upgrades can include 4K resolution, 120 FPS, and ray tracing. While the possible changes for Xbox Series X and Xbox Series S are endless, the current lineup appears to focus on several fields on interest. Native 4K resolution will become increasingly common, following several titles on Xbox One X that fell below, or utilized visual trickery to achieve, the baseline. Some Xbox Series X and Series S releases have also committed to embracing 120Hz support, with improved framerates boosting fluidity. The Xbox library also features other possible enhancements, including improved textures, high dynamic range (HDR) support, and ray tracing for more accurate lighting and shadows. The onboard solid-state drive (SSD) is also a secret weapon, slicing load times and improving asset streaming for more complex worlds. However, Xbox Series X benefits will differ between upcoming games. For the latest on specific Xbox Series X upgrades, don't miss our list of Xbox Series X Optimized games with their confirmed resolutions and framerates. How does Xbox Smart Delivery work? Microsoft hasn't provided firm details on how Smart Delivery will exactly function, with Xbox Series X and Xbox Series S yet to hit the market. However, the promise of convenience suggests a smooth implementation, with a single disc or digital license automatically unlocking the correct version of the game, based on your console. After purchasing an Xbox One title with Smart Delivery like Halo Infinite, players will presumably be able to download the game on Xbox Series consoles for free, or insert their disc, accessing the next-gen version. The system also works in reverse, if you use an Xbox Series X or Xbox Series S, and head back to Xbox One. Does Xbox Smart Delivery support physical discs and digital?

Marvel's Avengers hits Xbox Series X on launch day, coupled with Smart Delivery upgrades. Source: Square Enix Marvel's Avengers hits Xbox Series X on launch day, coupled with Smart Delivery upgrades.