Xbox Series X Price: Phil Spencer Says Xbox All Access Program Will Be "Critical" For Next-Gen

While Microsoft has yet to announce the price point for the Xbox Series X, it's expected to be an expensive console as most new machines are. To help the system reach the widest possible audience, Microsoft will be pushing its mobile phone-style Xbox All Access program for it.

Under this program, people can get an Xbox Series X with no cost upfront and pay it off over the course of two years. This is a common business practice in the world of smartphones, but it's new for console. Microsoft has been trialling the program since the Xbox 360 days. However, the Xbox Series X launch will mark Microsoft's biggest push yet in that regard, Spencer said.

"Xbox All Access is going to be critical to both our launch for Xbox Series X as well as just the overall generation," Spencer said during a GameLab speech, as reported by GI.biz.

Spencer went on to say that the response to Xbox All Access in the test markets has been "great." The program is currently limited to a few countries, including the US and Australia, but Spencer said Microsoft is keen to expand the program to other places around the world.

"You're going to see a much broader market and retailer support for All Access," he said. "It matches a model customers use for many other devices they buy. And if you have services attached to those devices that people love, it just becomes an easier way to bring a great product to customers."

Xbox All Access will not only help improve Xbox game console sales by offering a lower upfront price point, but it comes bundled with Xbox Live Gold and Game Pass. Digital subscription services like these are critical for Microsoft, as the company loses money on every console sold.

For more on the Xbox All Access program, check out GameSpot's breakdown of the service to find out if it's really worth it. Bear in mind, however, that Microsoft has yet to announce specific pricing details for Xbox All Access for Xbox Series X.

The Xbox Series X--and potentially a less-expensive digital only console--will release this holiday. Halo Infinite is a launch title for the console, and it will be unveiled during an Xbox event in July.