By Tom Warren, a senior editor covering Microsoft, PC gaming, console, and tech. He founded WinRumors, a site dedicated to Microsoft news, before joining The Verge in 2012.If you buy something from a Verge link, Vox Media may earn a commission. See our ethics statement.Microsoft is launching a new Xbox Series S bundle later this month that includes three months of Xbox Game Pass Ultimate. The Xbox Series S “Starter Bundle” will be available worldwide on October 31st for $299.99.It’s unusual to see Microsoft bundle three months of Xbox Game Pass Ultimate with its consoles, as the company usually offers one month’s access as part of promotions, bundled with accessories, and elsewhere. It’s an ideal offer for anyone curious about Xbox Game Pass and the hundreds of games available on the service.As Microsoft is bundling the Ultimate version of Xbox Game Pass, you’ll also be able to stream Xbox games to a mobile device for three months with this bundle. The Xbox Series S itself is the regular white 512GB model, not the new black 1TB version. This is the second holiday Xbox Series S offer we’ve seen so far, with Microsoft temporarily dropping the Xbox Series S to $249.99 last year.Microsoft’s Xbox Series S bundle comes just a day before the company is expected to close its giant Activision Blizzard acquisition. Microsoft has been eyeing Friday, October 13th, as the closing date when it announces to the world that the 20-month process to buy Call of Duty maker Activision Blizzard is over. That date will all depend on whether the UK’s Competition and Markets Authority approves Microsoft’s recently restructured deal tomorrow. / Sign up for Verge Deals to get deals on products we've tested sent to your inbox daily.The Verge is a vox media network© 2023 Vox Media, LLC. All Rights Reserved