Cyberpunk 2077 confirmed for Xbox Series X as 'Smart Delivery' title

(Image credit: CD Projekt RED)

Following a flurry of new news on the Xbox Series X, we've now got a new game to add to the list of titles heading to Microsoft's next-gen console – Cyberpunk 2077.

The announcement came via a tweet from the official account of Cyberpunk 2077, with it's team stating that "Owners of #Cyberpunk2077 for Xbox One will receive the Xbox Series X upgrade for free when available."

Smart Delivery already bears fruit

Though we've long suspected that Cyberpunk 2077 would be a cross-generation game – it seems simply too ambitious to be confined to current-gen hardware – this is the first time we've had official confirmation that the game will be available beyond the initially-slated Xbox One, PC and PS4 release. A similar PS5 announcement now seems almost inevitable.  

Cyberpunk 2077 will be delivered to Xbox Series X through the next-gen console's newly-announced Smart Delivery system. It's essentially 'forwards compatibility' – you buy a game on one generation of Xbox hardware, and get to play it at no added cost on another generation. So, in this instance, a player buying a copy of Cyberpunk 2077 on Xbox One will automatically get access to an upgraded version for the Xbox Series X.

While Microsoft's first-party titles will offer Smart Delivery by default, it'll be up to third-party publishers to opt-in with the feature for their games. While you may be skeptical that tight-fisted publishers would want to miss out on the opportunity for a second sale, it's reassuring to see the historically-generous developers over at CD Projekt Red already taking up the offer for Cyberpunk 2077. Anyone holding out on buying a current-gen version of the game in the hope of seeing a next-gen version can happily pre-order away now – at least if they're expecting to remain in the Xbox console family, that is.

Gerald Lynch

Gerald is Editor-in-Chief of iMore.com. Previously he was the Executive Editor for TechRadar, taking care of the site's home cinema, gaming, smart home, entertainment and audio output. He loves gaming, but don't expect him to play with you unless your console is hooked up to a 4K HDR screen and a 7.1 surround system. Before TechRadar, Gerald was Editor of Gizmodo UK. He is also the author of 'Get Technology: Upgrade Your Future', published by Aurum Press.