Xbox Is the "Best Place to Play" this Holiday, Microsoft Says

Xbox is the "best place to play" this holiday, Microsoft boasts in a statement on the Xbox Wire today recapping all of its announcements from Gamescom. With new console bundles, exclusive games, and major multiplatform titles, the Xbox One is the console to beat, Microsoft says.

Games exclusive to Xbox One this holiday include Forza Horizon 2 (September 30; also on Xbox 360), Killer Instinct season two (October 15), Sunset Overdrive (October 28), and Halo: The Master Chief Collection (November 11). Indie game Ori and the Blind Forest is coming to Xbox One this holiday as well, though it will also be available on PC.

This year's biggest multiplatform blockbusters, including Call of Duty: Advanced Warfare, Destiny, FIFA 15, Dragon Age: Inquisition, Assassin's Creed Unity, and Alien: Isolation, will also be available on Xbox One.

Another reason why the Xbox One is the console to beat this holiday, Microsoft says, is because consumers will have "unparalleled options" for purchasing a system. Microsoft today announced three new Xbox One bundles, the first of which is a $500 Call of Duty: Advanced Warfare bundle that includes a 1TB hard drive (the biggest ever for a game console), a custom-designed system, special wireless controller, and a copy of the Day Zero edition of the game that lets you play a day early.

The next bundle is a $399 white Xbox One that comes with a copy of Sunset Overdrive, a matching white controller, and various in-game items. It launches October 28 alongside the game and marks the first time a white Xbox One is being made available publicly. Previously, you had to work at Microsoft to get a white Xbox One--or win an auction. The third Xbox One bundle going on sale this year is a FIFA 15 package that launches in September only in Europe for £349.99/€399.99. It includes a console, controller, 14-day Xbox Live Gold trial, digital copy of the game, and an Ultimate Team Legends Gold Pack.

"We're excited to offer fans more choice and value than ever before," Xbox boss Phil Spencer said in a statement. "These bundles offer a great opportunity to enjoy Xbox One alongside an incredible lineup of first- and third-party games, making Xbox the best place to play this holiday and beyond."

Another reason you should buy an Xbox One, according to Microsoft, is because the company is constantly updating the system with new features and functionality. Indeed, a spate of new features are coming to the console over the next few months, Microsoft announced today. And looking ahead, Microsoft boasted about its 2015 lineup of exclusive games, which includes titles like Fable Legends, Quantum Break, and ScreamRide.

"While this holiday delivers an unprecedented line-up of incredible first- and third-party titles, 2015 will also see Xbox at the forefront of gaming innovation," Xbox corporate vice president Phil Harrison said.

Also in 2015, the Xbox One will exclusively host the open beta for Evolve, the latest project from the studio that created Left 4 Dead. In addition, Crystal Dynamics' action game Rise of the Tomb Raider will be exclusive to Xbox at release in holiday 2015, though neither Microsoft nor publisher Square Enix have ruled out a release for other platforms later on.

Notably, Sony also contends that PlayStation is the "best place to play."

Did you miss Microsoft's Gamescom briefing today? You can read a recap of our liveblog here.