Xbox Smart Delivery is a system that allows Xbox users to buy certain games, that will work on users current or new generation consoles without having to buy two versions. According to an Xbox Wire update, no matter where you play your games:
. . .[Smart Delivery] will ensure that you always play the best version of the games you own for your console, across generations.
It is unclear what advantages and boosts will come thanks to the Xbox Series X version, be it a visual upgrade, frame rate increase or added functionality. Xbox went on to give a few examples of this system with 1st party titles Gears 5 & Halo Infinite and 3rd party title Cyberpunk. We have those examples below.
- If you own Gears 5 or are loving it via Xbox Game Pass now, you can play it today on Xbox One. Then, if you pick up an Xbox Series X this holiday, all it takes is a push of a button to download it and you’ll have the Optimized version of Gears 5 – available on day 1 at launch with the console – at your fingertips.
- When Halo Infinite launches alongside Xbox Series X and Xbox One this holiday, you only have to buy the game once and you’ll get the best version for whichever console you own, or both. If you pick up Xbox Series X for your living room, Smart Delivery will recognize that and deliver you the Optimized version there. If you decide to move your existing Xbox One to a bedroom or the office, Smart Delivery will recognize that too and deliver that version when you’re playing on Xbox One.
- Lastly, some new and existing Xbox One titles will be Optimizing their games after the Xbox Series X launches. For example, if you buy Cyberpunk 2077 when it launches on September 17, you’ll be set to explore Night City on Xbox One. If you pick up Xbox Series X at launch this holiday, you can play it there too in compatibility mode picking up exactly where you left off. Then, when CD PROJEKT RED delivers an Xbox Series X Optimized version of Cyberpunk 2077, you’ll automatically get upgraded once it’s available at no additional cost.
Your Xbox Library
Xbox have also confirmed, that the Smart Delivery feature will be available across their Xbox Game Pass titles, so progress can be switch across consoles with no issues.
Outside of our Xbox Game Studios titles, it will be up to the individual developer to determine whether they take advantage of Smart Delivery.
Announced Games Using Smart Delivery
Halo Infinite
Cyberpunk 2077
Assassin’s Creed Valhalla
Destiny 2
DiRT 5
Scarlet Nexus
Chorus
Vampire: The Masquerade – Bloodlines 2
Yakuza: Like a Dragon
The Ascent
Call of the Sea
Gears 5
Second Extinction
Metal: Hellslinger
Expect to learn more in the the next few weeks, as Xbox have said they will be doing a Series X digital event in July.
