Update: Microsoft contacted Tom's Guide to correct the following article. The original Xbox blog post confirming that Dolby Atmos and Dolby Vision will be exclusive to the Xbox Series X for the next two years was in fact posted incorrectly. [A Microsoft spokesperson stated: "A blog post containing inaccurate information regarding the exclusivity of Dolby Atmos and Dolby Vision on the Xbox Series X|S was inadvertently posted by the local Xbox team. Neither technology has an exclusive contract on Xbox. We are proud to partner with Dolby to offer Dolby Atmos and Dolby Vision on Xbox." General availability of Dolby Vision on the Xbox Series X|S will be announced soon.

In other words, it appears that these Dolby features could theoretically be included in additional game consoles at any time in the future. The original article is as follows.

According to a post on the official Xbox blog, the Xbox Series X could have exclusive access to Dolby Atmos and Dolby Vision for two years.

The news initially surfaced through a post on the official French Xbox Wire. The post has since been removed, probably because the terms of the agreement between Microsoft and Dolby were not supposed to be made public. However, it is difficult to erase information from the Internet, and the post was screen-captured and widely shared before it was deleted.

The blog post was translated (via VGC) and read: "The Xbox Series X|S has supported Dolby Atmos since launch and Dolby Vision will be on these consoles in 2021.

Dolby Atmos is a surround sound system that competes primarily with Sony's 3D audio technology, at least in the gaming console arena. Dolby Vision, on the other hand, is a form of HDR that optimizes the way TVs deliver images. Neither feature is currently available on the PS5.

These technologies will be a boon for the Xbox Series X, which will go head-to-head with PlayStation's flagship console in terms of audio and HDR. The exclusivity deal means that Microsoft's bulky black box will remain the home of Dolby Atmos/Vision for now, but it suggests that the PS5 may gain these capabilities in the future. Of course, it is possible that Microsoft will negotiate further exclusivity, or that Sony will not be interested in including Dolby functionality in its game consoles years after launch.

The blog post also revealed that the official Xbox wireless headset will only support Dolby Atmos for free until the end of September." Through a partnership with Dolby, Dolby Atmos for Headphones can be enabled on all Xbox wireless headsets until September 30, 2021. After this trial period, you will be able to purchase a license for the application directly from Dolby."

It remains to be seen how significant this news will be for the Xbox Series X in the long run. However, PS5 players will no doubt be pleased to know that these Dolby features could be included in Sony's newest game console in a few years.

If you want a next-generation console but have yet to get one due to ongoing supply issues, bookmark our Xbox Series X Restocking Guide and PS5 Restocking Guide. These have up-to-date availability information posted as it becomes available.